24 August 2006
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is observing Deaf Awareness Week
(DAW) from 24 to 30 August 2006. DAW is a week dedicated to educating the
public about hearing loss, deafness, deaf culture and sign language. The aim is
to ensure that hearing people understand deafness and the culture of the deaf
community.
What is hearing loss?
A person who is unable to hear some sounds is said to present with hearing
loss.
A person who is able to hear some sounds is said to be hard of hearing.
A person who is unable to hear any sounds is said to be deaf.
The ear is made up of three parts i.e. outer, middle and inner ear. Hearing
loss can result from an obstruction or damage in any of these three parts the
outer ear, middle ear and inner ear.
Causes of hearing loss
Outer ear - includes excessive accumulation of ear wax or infection of the
auditory canal.
Middle ear - includes perforation of the eardrum, infection or fluid in the
middle ear and otosclerosis.
Inner ear - includes the natural aging process, excessive exposure to noise,
medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head injuries.
The following are indicators associated with hearing loss in children:
If during pregnancy the mother had Rubella or German measles or maternal
syphilis, prematurity, delayed labour, birth trauma, and lack of oxygen, in
utero infection and birth weight less than 1 500 grams, jaundice, ototoxic
medication (medication for conditions such as TB), and bacterial infections eg.
meningitis, viral infections, measles, mumps or if the child has a syndrome
associated with hearing loss and a positive family history of hearing loss.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss
* Discharging ears
* earaches or pain in area of head or ear
* ringing, buzzing and roaring sounds in the ear
* swelling around ear
* dizziness
* âblocked sensationâ in the ear
* frequent requests for repetitions
* sits near the television or has the volume loud
* a babyâs babbling ceases around 6-8 months of age or the babbling is replaced
by screaming
* insufficient language development as the child grows and difficulty in
following instructions.
Prevention of hearing difficulties
* Attend to earaches, discharge and discomfort in the ear immediately
* do not insert any objects into the ear canal
* do not instil eardrops not prescribed for yourself into your ears
* do not expose your ears to excessively loud music for extended periods of
time.
* be aware of the causes of hearing difficulties and its applicability to
yourself
* screen your hearing ability regularly.
Hearing loss can be detected at birth. Therefore, a newborn that is at risk
for a hearing loss must be referred immediately.
Deaf community and communicating with the deaf
Deaf individuals have to use a different mode of communication to interact
with other people. They use their hands to convey messages to others. South
African Sign Language (SASL) is a language recognised by the South African
government. Using Sign Language a deaf individual can learn to read and write
and thereby achieve a good education and contribute positively to society. By
doing the following you communication with the deaf can be enhanced:
* establish eye contact before beginning communication
* tap gently on the shoulder to get attention
* keep your face to the light and free of obstructions when communicating
* do not stand too close
* speak slowly and clearly. Do not exaggerate
* use short simple sentences and rephrase if misunderstood
* use facial expressions and gestures that correspond with what you are
saying
* you may write down your message.
Always remain positive and relaxed when communicating with the deaf. Show
that you care; your attitude can build confidence.
Enquiries:
Leon Mbangwa
Cell: 083 459 8695
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
24 August 2006
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
