Today, hearing problems are becoming more common among people. In this regard, communities for deaf and hard of hearing people are formed in various countries.

In America, there is such an event as the National Deaf History Month. In the period from March 13 to April 15, several events are held throughout the country. They aim to raise awareness. People meet and discuss their problems, and also note the contribution that the deaf community has made to American society and culture. National Deaf History has been developing and defending the rights of deaf people for over 100 years.

Unfortunately, many people have a misconception about the concepts of “deaf” and “Deaf”. These seemingly identical words have completely different meanings. Unfortunately, today there are many misconceptions about general hearing loss compared to deafness. Let’s see what the difference is. How does a person with such a problem live in modern society?

In which case does a person have deafness?

Medicine divides hearing loss into five degrees:

• Mild Hearing Loss
• Moderate Hearing Loss
• Moderately-Severe Hearing Loss
• Severe Hearing Loss
• Profound Hearing Loss

People who are diagnosed with Severe to Profound degree, in other words, deafness, do not even hear very loud sounds and are completely separated from the world. The following factors are the main causes of the problem:

• Prolonged exposure to noise. This reason leads to various types of problem
• Genetic disorders of fetal development during pregnancy
• Serious birth complications
• Complications from previous infectious diseases
• Long-term interaction with toxins and reagents
• Age-related hearing loss, which is now more and more common in older people. We have already discussed this topic in our blog. Please refer to the article for more details by clicking on the link: https://audiologyisland.com/blog/what-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss-in-older-adults/

It is important to note, that there is a big difference between deaf and Deaf man. The definition of Deaf applies to people who are members of the Deaf community and have the rights of Deaf Americans. In 1890, the National Association of the Deaf was created in America. To protect its activities, several legal acts have been issued, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. It has come into force since 1990 and is valid to this day.

The term “deaf” is used for people who are diagnosed with a profound degree. People, who are deaf, hear almost nothing.

What options are available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people?

The development of information technology has brought enormous changes to the life of Deaf people. Any person with a hearing impairment dreams of a normal life. It is not easy for such people to use communications, household and digital equipment. For people with severe to profound hearing loss, a teletype (TTY) was created, with the help of which a person who is not able to talk on the phone can transmit a transcript in real-time. Television also did not stand aside, broadcasting special subtitles – captions. This was a real breakthrough in the field of broadcasting. With the advent of subtitles, Deaf people can easily watch TV, and some even go to movie theaters.

In Deaf communities, the so-called sign language has long existed, with the help of which people with the same hearing problem can communicate with each other. Concerts and performances are often held in America to which sign language translators are specially invited for the Deaf. The latter are provided with jobs by the specifics of work. It turns out that Deaf Americans can, along with everyone else, enjoy all the benefits of civilization, for example, going to work, talking on a cell phone, going to movie theaters, restaurants, gyms.

What treatments are available for the hearing issues?

Today, medicine allows people with hearing loss to lead a full life. Of course, treatment will depend on the type of problem, especially when it comes to conductive hearing loss. We recommend that you seek help if you discover symptoms of the problem. Because untimely treatment can provoke the development of certain complications, sometimes with irreversible consequences. Modern medicine is striking in its capabilities and effectiveness. Today, doctors use the latest generation of hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Surgical intervention

Cochlear implants are specialized devices that allow the patient to hear again. They are surgically implanted in the temporal bone. Doctors conduct it only for patients who qualify. In most cases, cochlear implants are recommended if hearing aids are no more an option.

The use of hearing aids

Using hearing aids is one of the most common methods for the management of the problem. Millions of people use these devices. They successfully help people improve their quality of life.

John Hopkins University conducted a study that revealed a large negative impact of poor hearing on the general condition of a person. You may experience dizziness, problems with balance, and even Alzheimer’s disease. That is why it is so important to get the right diagnosis and proper treatment in time.

Here you can find hearing aids at all price points. Our qualified specialists will conduct an examination and select devices based on the degree of the problem and your lifestyle. Our doctors will fit you with the hearing aids that will be programmed specifically to your problem, and they will teach you how to successfully use them. Getting new devices should not be stressful. It should be a journey filled with love and new experiences of hearing the world again!