Deafness
Deafness
Deafness (pronunciation: /ˈdɛfnəs/) is a condition characterized by the loss of the ability to hear. It can be partial or total, and it's often considered a severe form of hearing impairment.
Etymology
The term "deafness" comes from the Old English deaf, which means lacking the power of hearing.
Definition
Deafness is a condition that affects the auditory system, leading to a complete or partial loss of hearing. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to various causes such as noise exposure, aging, or disease.
Causes
Deafness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic disorders
- Infections
- Trauma
- Noise exposure
- Aging
- Certain medications
Related Terms
- Hearing impairment: A general term used to describe all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound, including deafness.
- Audiology: The branch of science and medicine concerned with the sense of hearing.
- Cochlear implant: A surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.
- Sign language: A language which uses manual communication and body language to convey meaning, as used by deaf people.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deafness
- Wikipedia's article - Deafness
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