Noise. Conversation. Our ears;
An example of something millions of people take for granted every day, the organs that allow us to detect and make sense of sound. And just where would be without them? That very question is one that requires understanding and appreciation of today’s society, and indeed our approach toward having, living and dealing with a hearing loss.
An acquired hearing loss is defined as a loss of hearing that develops after birth, at any age, perhaps due to a disease, condition or an injury. In Audiology, levels of hearing impairment are commonly categorised depending on the severity of the loss; ‘normal’ hearing, mild, moderate, severe and profound losses. We define ‘normal’ hearing as being able to hear sounds of 20dB and above. These thresholds increase as the hearing gets worse. On average, a profound loss is one where the individual can detect the quietest sound at 95dB and above, predominately with their better ear. A bilateral loss means that both ears have a loss of hearing .
The intention of this essay is to discover what an acquired profound bilateral hearing loss means to people. Alongside this, discover how the condition affects the individuals, family and friends emotionally, psychologically and socially, as well as in employment, and relationships. It is extremely difficult to define and comprehend just how devastating becoming deafened can have on a person’s life.
Firstly, the functional impact a hearing loss can have on an individual is commonly overlooked when discussing emotional and social impacts. Having a hearing loss from birth can have an enormous effect on the