Subject about deafness and early treatment in Gujarat Samachar dated 9-7-2016, covered only half the information about hearing mechanism, loss of hearing and hearing aids. Deafness is caused by constant loud noises e.g. domestic/ industrial/ disco music on modern apps etc. Tinnitus is early signs of onset of deafness. Deaf persons are neglected, ignored and marginalized. Hearing aids are useful only when brain segment that deciphers all impulses is intact. If not, then all the hearing aids merely amplify impulses. Such a person hears all voices and sounds but cannot understand words. Therefore besides normal hearing aids, therapists have developed lip reading and sign language method. Digital aids are more efficient than analogue.
Researches forecast use of stem cells to regenerate hairs in the cochlea. 3 D image is also envisaged to replace the whole middle ear. Till such treatments are available, all deaf persons have to use on body loops, indoor loops, loud/flashing doorbell etc. In UK RNID is providing sorts of assistance to deaf persons. Some local councils also may supply needful accessories e.g. indoor loop, loud/flashing doorbell, early freedom pass etc. Easiest means are paper and pen outdoor and white board/pen or backboard/chalk at home.
Ramesh Jhalla
By email
