WORD DEAFNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Word deafness, also known as auditory verbal agnosia or pure word deafness, is a rare auditory processing disorder characterized by the inability or severe difficulty in comprehending spoken language, while maintaining unimpaired hearing in other aspects. Individuals with word deafness exhibit an impaired ability to extract meaning from speech sounds, resulting in a loss of understanding of spoken words, phrases, and sentences, despite fully functioning audibility. This condition typically arises from damage to the auditory cortex, particularly the superior temporal gyrus, which plays a crucial role in processing sound and speech.
Word deafness often presents as a selective deficit, with individuals retaining the capacity to comprehend other auditory stimuli, such as non-speech sounds, music, or environmental sounds. Additionally, the written form of language remains intelligible, indicating that individuals can still read and write without major difficulties. However, their grasp of spoken language is severely impaired, creating significant challenges in communication and social interaction.
Speech perception tests and diagnostic imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or positron emission tomography (PET), may be utilized to assess and identify the presence and extent of word deafness. While treatment options are limited, speech therapy and auditory training may help individuals with word deafness to improve their auditory processing skills and enhance their ability to understand spoken language. Specialized communication strategies, such as the use of written or visual cues, can also assist in coping with the challenges word deafness presents.
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Loss of the power to understand the spoken word, although the sound is heard.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for WORD DEAFNESS
- qord deafness
- aord deafness
- sord deafness
- eord deafness
- 3ord deafness
- 2ord deafness
- wird deafness
- wkrd deafness
- wlrd deafness
- wprd deafness
- w0rd deafness
- w9rd deafness
- woed deafness
- wodd deafness
- wofd deafness
- wotd deafness
- wo5d deafness
- wo4d deafness
- wors deafness
Etymology of WORD DEAFNESS
The term "word deafness" is composed of two parts: "word" and "deafness".
The word "word" originates from the Old English "word" which meant "speech, talk, utterance, or statement". It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse "orð", the Gothic "waurd", and the Dutch "woord".
"Deafness" is derived from the Middle English "deefnesse", which comes from the Old English "deafnys" meaning "deafness". The Old English word "deaf" referred to the lack or loss of hearing.
So, when combined, "word deafness" refers to a condition in which a person has difficulty understanding or comprehending spoken language despite having sufficient hearing abilities.
Similar spelling words for WORD DEAFNESS
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