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==Origin==
[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''deef'', from [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] ''dēaf''; akin to [[Greek]] ''typhlos'' [[blind]], ''typhein'' to smoke, [[Latin]] ''fumus'' smoke
[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] ''dēaf'', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch ''doof'' and German ''taub'', from an Indo-European root shared by Greek ''tuphlos'' ‘[[blind]].’
==Definitions==
*1: lacking or deficient in the [[sense]] of hearing
*2: unwilling to hear or [[listen]] : not to be persuaded <was overwrought and deaf to [[reason]]>
==Description==
''Hearing loss'', '''deafness''', hard of hearing, ''anacusis'', or ''hearing impairment'' (a term considered derogatory by many in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaf_community deaf community], is a partial or total inability to hear. In [[children]] it may affect the development of [[language]] and can cause work related difficulties for adults.

Hearing loss is caused by many [[factors]], including: [[genetics]], age, [[exposure]] to [[noise]], illness, chemicals and physical [[trauma]]. Hearing testing may be used to determine the severity of the hearing loss. While the results are [[expressed]] in decibels, hearing loss is usually described as mild, mild-moderate, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or [[profound]]. Hearing loss is usually acquired by a person who at some point in [[life]] had no hearing loss.

There are a number of measures that can prevent hearing loss and include avoidance of loud [[noise]], chemical agents, and physical [[trauma]]. The World Health Organization recommends that young people limit the use of a personal audio player to one hour a day in an [[effort]] to [[limit]] exposure to noise. Testing for poor hearing is recommended for all newborns. In some cases due to [[disease]], illness, or genetics, hearing loss is impossible to [[reverse]] or prevent. Hearing aids are partially effective for many. Depending on the kind of hearing loss, hearing implants can be effective.

Globally hearing loss affects about 10% of the population to some degree. It caused moderate to severe [[disability]] in 124 million people as of 2004 (108 million of whom are in low and middle income countries). Of these 65 million developed the condition during [[childhood]]. It is one of the most common [[medical]] conditions presenting to [[physicians]]. It is viewed by some in the deaf community as a condition, not an illness. Treatments such as cochlear implants have caused [[controversy]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaf_community deaf community].[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_loss]

[[Category: Health]]