Hearing loss refers to partial or total inability to hear in one, or both ears. Some examples of causes include aging, injury, excessive noise exposure and viral infections. 

 

Someone may exhibit signs of hearing loss if they have difficulty understanding words (especially in noisy environments), frequently ask for repetition or often request for music and television volume to be increased louder. 

 

If left undetected and untreated, hearing loss can affect a child’s speech and language development, causing learning difficulties. For adults and elders, hearing impairment can affect work, safety, social interactions and self esteem. 

 

Normal hearing is defined as hearing thresholds of 25 dB HL or better by the World Health Organization.