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deafness

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Deafness is a hearing impairment that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, illness, and injury. There are different types of deafness, including:

  • Sensorineural deafness: This is the most common type of deafness. It is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerves that connect the ear to the brain.
  • Conductive deafness: This type of deafness is caused by a problem with the outer ear or the middle ear.
  • Mixed deafness: This type of deafness is a combination of sensorineural and conductive deafness.

Deafness can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. People with mild deafness may be able to hear some sounds, but they may have difficulty understanding speech. People with moderate deafness may be able to understand speech if they are close to the speaker and if there is no background noise. People with severe deafness may be able to hear some loud sounds, but they will not be able to understand speech. People with profound deafness will not be able to hear any sounds.

There are a variety of ways to communicate with people who are deaf. Some people who are deaf use sign language, while others use lip reading or speechreading. There are also a number of electronic devices that can help people who are deaf to hear, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

How can the word be used?

The deafness was so severe that she could not hear anything.

deafness

Different forms of the word

Noun: deafness.

Adjective: deaf.

Verb: deafen, deafened, deafening.

Adverb: deafly.

Etymology

The word "deafness" comes from the Old English word "deaf", which means "unable to hear". The Old English word "deaf" is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word *taub-az, which also means "unable to hear".

Question

What is deafness?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Question: Describe two major causes of deafness and explain how each condition affects the auditory system. Provide examples to support your answer.

Answer:

Two major causes of deafness are conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

  • Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of deafness occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently reach the inner ear. It is often caused by factors such as earwax blockage, fluid buildup in the middle ear, or damage to the tiny bones (ossicles) that transmit sound. For example, a severe ear infection can lead to conductive hearing loss as it causes inflammation and fluid accumulation, hindering sound conduction.
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type of deafness results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Exposure to loud noises, genetic factors, and ageing are common causes. For instance, prolonged exposure to loud music at high volumes can lead to sensorineural hearing loss by damaging the delicate hair cells in the cochlea.

In conclusion, understanding the different causes of deafness is crucial for identifying appropriate treatments and prevention strategies.