The spelling of "labyrinthine deafness" may seem daunting, but it makes sense when broken down phonetically. The first part, "labyrinthine," is pronounced la-buh-rin-thin, with emphasis on the second syllable. The second part, "deafness," is pronounced def-ness, with a silent "e" at the end. Together, the term refers to hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear, particularly the labyrinth. While it may take some practice to properly pronounce and spell "labyrinthine deafness," understanding its phonetic breakdown can make it easier to remember.
Labyrinthine deafness refers to a specific type of hearing impairment characterized by the damage or dysfunction of the labyrinth, a complex structure located within the inner ear responsible for hearing and balance. This condition can affect one or both ears and is typically caused by various factors such as genetic disorders, infections, trauma, or exposure to loud noises.
The labyrinthine deafness is characterized by a significant reduction in hearing sensitivity, specifically affecting the high-frequency range. Individuals with labyrinthine deafness may experience difficulties in perceiving and understanding sounds, particularly those that are soft or high-pitched. This type of hearing loss is often accompanied by other symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance problems due to the labyrinth's role in maintaining equilibrium.
Diagnosis of labyrinthine deafness involves a thorough evaluation by an audiologist or ear specialist, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and a series of hearing tests. Treatment options for labyrinthine deafness generally focus on managing the symptoms and improving communication abilities. These may include the use of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants to enhance sound perception and understanding.
Overall, labyrinthine deafness is a specific form of hearing loss characterized by damage to the labyrinth within the inner ear, resulting in reduced hearing sensitivity and potential impairments in balance and equilibrium.
Loss of hearing due to disease of the internal ear.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "labyrinthine deafness" is derived from the combination of two words: "labyrinthine" and "deafness".
1. Labyrinthine: The word "labyrinthine" originates from the Ancient Greek term "laburinthos", which referred to a complex, intricate structure, such as the Labyrinth of Greek mythology. The Labyrinth was a maze-like series of paths and corridors, and its name became associated with anything bewildering or perplexing. In the context of "labyrinthine deafness", the word signifies that the hearing loss affects the inner ear or labyrinth, a complex system responsible for balance and hearing.
2. Deafness: "Deafness" comes from the Old English word "deafnes", which means unable to hear.