Hearing Loss

Three categories generally describe Hearing

Loss:

Type of Hearing Loss

Degree of Hearing Loss

Configuration of Hearing Loss

It is important to diagnose and treat children as early as possible!

What is Hearing Loss?

I. Conductive Hearing Loss

II. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

III. Mixed Hearing Loss

IV. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

Types of Hearing Loss

Sound waves are not transmitted properly from the outer

ear to the middle ear.

Affects the volume of word tone. Ex. Child may hear loud but not soft noises

Hearing can often be corrected medically or surgically

Some Possible Causes/Signs: Fluid in the middle ear from a cold Ear infections (Otitis Media) Allergies (Serous Otitis Media) Impacted Earwax (Cerumen) Absence or malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or

middle ear

I. Conductive Hearing Loss

Damage is done to the inner ear, or to the nerve pathways

from the inner ear to the brain.

Permanent hearing loss Affects ability to understand speech Sound may be unclear

Some Possible Causes/Signs: Illness Aging Genetic or Hereditary Hearing Loss Head Trauma Exposure to loud noise Malformation of the inner ear

II. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Combination of conductive hearing loss and

sensorineural hearing loss.

Damage/Nonfunctional outer or middle ear, and inner ear, or auditory nerve.

III. Mixed Hearing Loss

Common problem in newborns

Diagnosed in the first few months of life

May have trouble distinguishing sounds and understanding speech clearly

Transmission problem Inner ear makes sound disorganized when it reaches the brain.

Causes unknown and can develop at any age

Higher risks for ANSD include: Premature birth Condition can be passed down through each generation if present in family

history

Kids with ANSD can develop strong language and communication skills Medical devices Therapy Visual communication techniques

IV. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

(ANSD)

Classification System in decibels

Degree of Hearing Loss

Degree of hearing loss Hearing loss range (dB HL)

Normal –10 to 15

Slight 16 to 25

Mild 26 to 40

Moderate 41 to 55

Moderately severe 56 to 70

Severe 71 to 90

Profound 91+

Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification. Asha, 23, 493–500

Hearing loss may have a pattern of frequencies Configuration in high tones = High-Frequency Loss Configuration in low tones = Low-Frequency Loss

Other descriptors for hearing loss:

Bilateral vs. unilateral Hearing loss is both ears vs. one ear

Symmetrical vs. asymmetrical Degree and configuration of hearing loss is the same in each ear vs. different

in each ear

Progressive vs. sudden hearing loss Hearing loss worsens over time vs. rapid hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss requires immediate medical attention

Fluctuating vs. stable hearing loss Hearing loss changes over time, it may get better or worse

Configuration of Hearing Loss

To improve communication with Hearing-Impaired

Children: Do not have fans blowing, music playing, motors

running, or any noise that may cause distraction Provide individualized instruction Make sure the student can see your face when

speaking Bend down the child’s level so you are more easily

heard and understood Use gestures Hang posters Use pictures to illustrate what is said Role model and demonstrate when teaching

Teaching Strategies/Modification

s

auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD).

(2011). Retrieved January 28, 2011, from Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&cat_id=192&article_set=61053

Hearing Loss. (2011). Retrieved January 28, 2011, from American Association of Speech-Language-Hearing: http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Hearing-Loss/

Marotz, L. R. (2009). Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the young Child. Delmar: Cengage Learning.

Work Cited