| Hearing loss or deafness occurs when a person | | | | Follow-up screening and tests should be done on a |
| suffers from partial or complete loss of hearing. One | | | | regular basis. These tests check for fluid behind the |
| can either be deaf right from birth or develop the | | | | eardrum or for a hole in the eardrum. |
| condition later in life. There are many factors that can | | | | Most hearing loss cases can be prevented in children. |
| render one deaf. These factors include; | | | | The first and biggest responsibility usually falls on the |
| Genetics | | | | mother. This is because, some of the causes of |
| Pre-natal illnesses | | | | deafness are as a result of the mothers conduct |
| Substance or drug abuse by a mother during | | | | during pregnancy. For example, it is only the mother |
| pregnancy | | | | who can decide to avoid taking harmful drugs during |
| Prolonged exposure to loud noises | | | | her pregnancy. Loud noises should not be made near |
| Injury to the head area or directly to the ear | | | | young children. This can be done through the use of |
| Childhood diseases | | | | protective gear such as headphones which are |
| Aging | | | | devised to keep noise levels to acceptable decibels. |
| Illnesses and infections affecting the mother | | | | In addition, children should be advised to keep the |
| while pregnant | | | | volume down when watching television or when |
| Children born with low birth weight | | | | listening to music. They should also be made to take |
| Children who suffer from jaundice | | | | breaks from these devices so that their ears can |
| People suffering from deafness usually have to learn | | | | take a break. To prevent head injuries from some |
| how to use the sign language. This makes | | | | sporting activities, protective gear such as helmets |
| conversation easier between deaf people and those | | | | should always be worn. This is particularly important |
| who do not suffer from the ailment. In some cases, | | | | during bicycle rides and horse riding. For very small |
| people suffering from hearing loss also suffer from | | | | children, care givers should avoid falls that could result |
| blindness. If deafness is observed and treated during | | | | in serious injuries. Children should also be discouraged |
| the first three months of life, then chances of a | | | | from putting items in their ears such as seeds, sticks |
| complete recovery are greatly increased. It is now | | | | and beads. These could also cause damage to the |
| recommended that children should get their hearing | | | | eardrum if pushed in too deep. |
| tested before they leave the hospital after birth. | | | | |