Our Deafness Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Deafness

Definition of Deafness

Deafness: Deafness is defined by partial or complete hearing loss. Levels of hearing impairment vary from a mild but important loss of sensitivity to a total loss of hearing. Older adults suffer most often from hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss affects 30 to 35 percent of the population between the ages of 65 and 75 years, and 40 percent of the population over the age of 75. The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media, a disorder that affects predominantly infants and young children. A substantial number of hearing impairments are caused by environmental factors such as noise, drugs, and toxins. Many sensorineural hearing losses result from a genetic predisposition.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Detecting Hearing Loss in Children - Read about tests used for identifying hearing loss in children, treatment information, causes, risk factors and signs of hearing impairment, and learn about degrees of hearing loss.
• Vertigo - Learn about vestibular balance disorders including the symptoms caused by balance disorders, causes, how balance disorders are evaluated, and treatment
• Newborn Infant Hearing Screening - Find out how and when newborn infant hearing screening is done, and learn what to do if hearing impairment or deafness is detected.

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