Hearing loss.
Defective hearing is the most prevalent chronic health problem in the United States, making it a primary concern of the physician. Failure to diagnose, misdiagnose, and delay of diagnosis of hearing loss are common errors that have serious implications. However, they can be avoided. If children exhibiting the symptoms of delayed language, articulation defects, and academic problems (especially with reading or a medical history of certain diseases) are referred for audiological testing, most cases of hearing impairment will be promptly detected. With adults the implications of hearing loss are different, both medically and psychosocially. After 30 years of age the prevalence of hearing defects increases rapidly. Some major causes are noise, otosclerosis, otitis media, and presbycusis. Surgery and amplification are the principle treatments. Management of nonmedical aspects should involve programs such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, state schools for the deaf, and sign language classes.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors