Acquired Deafness refers to a type of hearing impairment that occurs gradually over time, typically due to an individual's exposure to a loud or noisy environment. This condition is denoted by the spelling /əˈkwaɪrd ˈdɛfnəs/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet, where the letter 'a' is pronounced as a short schwa sound, and the letter 'e' is pronounced as an open-mid front unrounded vowel. The 'd' in deafness is voiced, and the emphasis is placed on the second syllable, as denoted by the stress mark.
Acquired deafness, also referred to as adventitious or secondary deafness, is a form of hearing loss that occurs after a person has developed their speech and language skills. Unlike congenital deafness, which is present from birth or acquired during infancy, acquired deafness emerges later in life due to external factors or events.
There are several potential causes for acquired deafness, including exposure to loud noises, prolonged exposure to certain medications or chemicals, infections (such as meningitis or mumps), trauma to the ear or head, tumors, aging, and diseases like otosclerosis or Meniere's disease. The severity of acquired deafness can vary widely from mild to profound, and the extent to which it affects an individual's ability to hear and communicate also varies depending on the specific condition and its impact on the auditory system.
People with acquired deafness often experience difficulties in understanding speech, perceiving sounds, and localizing the source of sounds. Treatment options for acquired deafness may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, lip-reading techniques, learning sign language, or undergoing medical interventions to address underlying causes. Rehabilitation and support from professionals like audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists are crucial in helping individuals with acquired deafness adapt to their hearing loss and develop strategies to overcome communication challenges.
In summary, acquired deafness refers to the loss of hearing that occurs after a person has acquired their language and speech skills, caused by various external factors or events. It can range from mild to profound and necessitates specialized interventions and support to ensure effective communication and enhanced quality of life for those affected.
The term "Acquired Deafness" is a compound phrase that combines the words "acquired" and "deafness".
The word "acquired" is derived from the Latin word "acquirere", meaning "to gain" or "to obtain". It entered the English language around the mid-14th century, originally used in legal contexts to describe obtaining property or rights. Over time, it began to be used in a broader sense, referring to obtaining or gaining something through various means.
The word "deafness" is derived from the Old English word "deaf", which means "unable to hear". The Old English term is related to the Middle Dutch "dof" and the Low German "dof", both of which mean "deaf". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*daubaz", which also refers to deafness.