Bradyacusia is a medical term used to describe the partial or complete loss of hearing. The word is pronounced /braɪdiəˈkjuːziə/ and is derived from two Greek words: "bradys" meaning slow and "akousis" meaning hearing. The spelling of the word "bradyacusia" reflects its origin in Greek and emphasizes the importance of understanding the etymology of medical terms. Proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are essential since they help medical professionals communicate accurately and effectively with colleagues and patients in the field of medicine.
Bradyacusia is a medical term used to describe a certain degree of impaired hearing or auditory perception in individuals. It refers to a condition characterized by a reduced ability to detect or understand sound. This condition is usually related to a gradual loss of hearing over time.
People suffering from bradyacusia often experience difficulty in perceiving certain frequencies or pitches of sound. This impairment can affect their ability to comprehend speech, as well as to recognize sounds or tones. Typically, individuals with bradyacusia struggle to hear sounds that are at a low volume or are high-pitched.
The causes of bradyacusia can vary and may include age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, genetic factors, certain medical conditions, or the use of ototoxic medications. It can also be a consequence of damage to the auditory nerve or structures within the inner ear.
As bradyacusia progresses, it can significantly impact an individual's daily life, affecting their communication skills, job performance, and social interactions. Hearing aids and other assistive devices may be prescribed to help individuals with bradyacusia improve their hearing ability and enhance their quality of life.
In summary, bradyacusia is a condition characterized by a reduced ability to hear or comprehend sound, particularly at lower volumes or higher frequencies. It can have various causes and may progressively worsen over time, requiring appropriate intervention and management to mitigate its impact on individuals' hearing abilities.
Hardness of hearing.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bradyacusia" is derived from two Greek roots.
The first root is "brady-", which comes from the Greek word "bradys" meaning "slow" or "slowness". This root is often used in medical terminology to signify a slow or sluggish condition.
The second root is "-acusia", which comes from the Greek word "akousia" meaning "hearing". The suffix "-acusia" is commonly used in medical terms to refer to a hearing-related condition or impairment.
Therefore, "bradyacusia" can be broken down to "brady-" (slow) and "-acusia" (hearing), indicating a condition characterized by a slow or sluggish hearing response.