I. Tools to Quantify Hearing Loss
A. Anatomy
B. Audiometer
C. Tympanometer
II. Ways to Describe Hearing Loss (table 1.1; table 1.2; table 1.3)
A. Severity
1. Mild 16-40 dB HL
2. Moderate 41-55 dB HL
3. Mod-Severe 56-70 dB HL
4. Severe 71-90 dB HL
5. Profound 91 + dB HL
B. Configuration
1. Flat
2. Sloping
3. Reverse Slope
4. Cookie Bite
C. Types
1. Conductive
2. Sensori-neural
3. Mixed
III. Main Effects of Hearing Loss
A. Reduction in Absolute Sensitivity
B. Reduction in Differential Sensitivity
IV. Secondary Effects of Hearing Loss
A. Reduced auditory information affects
1. Emotional withdrawal/depression
2. Transportation/safety
3. Education
4. Independence
5. Employment
6. Telephone conversations
7. Church social encounters
8. Self esteem/confidence
9. Familyfriends realtions
10. Recreatione/entertainment
B. Factors which influence the degree to which secondary effects are experienced.
1. Age
2. Onset of HL
3. Progression of HL
4. Degree, type, configuration of HL
5. Symmetry of HL
6. Other handicapping conditions
7. Personality
8. Support system
9. Age of amplification
10. Use of amplification
12. Communication demands
11. Hearing status of family
13. Socio-economic status