Hearing
Hearing loss can be considered in terms of type, classification and degree. There are three types of hearing loss; conductive, sensorinueral and mixed. Conductive hearing loss results from any barrier to sound present in the outer or middle ear whilst the inner ear functions normally (Radziewicz & Antonellis, 2002). A common disorder often associated with this type is Ottis Media (OM).
OM refers to an inflammation that occurs within the middle ear cavity (Roberts & hunter, 2002). There are two types of OM; acute (AOM) and OM with effusion (OME). If both are left untreated they can become chronic OM. More information on these types of OM can be found here. The importance of detecting OM early cannot be stressed enough. Early identification reduces the likelihood of chronic OM profoundly impacting on speech and language which naturally occurs in the child’s first three years of life (Radziewicz & Antonellis, 2002).
Sensorinueral hearing loss is the result of damage to the sensory end organ, the cochlear hair cells or the auditory nerve, and the damage cannot be reversed. When a person has both conductive and sensorinueral hearing loss it is known as mixed hearing loss. Mixed hearing loss can occur in both children and adults.
Classification of hearing loss is measured in decibels (intensity of sound) and ranges from -10 to 15dB which is none through to 91+ dB which is profound hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss refers to the severity. It is important to note that a severe hearing loss may not necessarily result in a severe impact on speech and language, just as we cannot assume a mild hearing loss will have a mild effect on speech and language development (Radziewicz & Antonellis, 2002).
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