The development of new technology in hearing aid devices as well as imaging techniques has improved the possibilities of meeting the patient's individual needs. This book, in which experts from around the world have contributed, comprehensively covers advances in all aspects of hearing implantation otology. Chapters review the evidence behind the current applications of the wide range of hearing implants available for different types of hearing loss. Further articles discuss the extended applications of implantation otology and let us have a glimpse into the future of hearing rehabilitation. New imaging techniques for the middle and inner ear are explored as well as innovations to improve Eustachian tube function. The publication is essential reading to otolaryngologists, audiologists and hearing rehabilitation professionals. It provides comprehensive coverage of state of the art hearing rehabilitation across the spectrum of hearing loss: as such it is a perfect tool for those who wish to develop their knowledge within the field.

This book systematically discusses the pathogenesis, prevention, and the current and potential clinical treatment of hearing loss, as well as the latest advances in hearing research. Hearing loss is a prevalent sensory disorder, which according to a 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) report affected 9% of the global population in 2015. As populations continue to age, more and more people are suffering from the condition, with 60% of those aged between 65 and 75 affected. Hearing loss seriously affects patients’ ability to work ability and quality of life, and as such deafness has become an increasingly urgent social problem around the globe. Sensorineural hearing loss is mainly caused by damage to the hair cells (HCs), and the subsequent loss of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Damage to the HCs in the inner ear can result from exposure to loud noises and environmental and chemical toxins as well as genetic disorders, aging, and certain medications. This book provides ENT specialists and researchers, as well as individuals affected a comprehensive introduction to the field of hearing loss.

The loss of hearing - be it gradual or acute, mild or severe, present since birth or acquired in older age - can have significant effects on one's communication abilities, quality of life, social participation, and health. Despite this, many people with hearing loss do not seek or receive hearing health care. The reasons are numerous, complex, and often interconnected. For some, hearing health care is not affordable. For others, the appropriate services are difficult to access, or individuals do not know how or where to access them. Others may not want to deal with the stigma that they and society may associate with needing hearing health care and obtaining that care. Still others do not recognize they need hearing health care, as hearing loss is an invisible health condition that often worsens gradually over time. In the United States, an estimated 30 million individuals (12.7 percent of Americans ages 12 years or older) have hearing loss. Globally, hearing loss has been identified as the fifth leading cause of years lived with disability. Successful hearing health care enables individuals with hearing loss to have the freedom to communicate in their environments in ways that are culturally appropriate and that preserve their dignity and function. Hearing Health Care for Adults focuses on improving the accessibility and affordability of hearing health care for adults of all ages. This study examines the hearing health care system, with a focus on non-surgical technologies and services, and offers recommendations for improving access to, the affordability of, and the quality of hearing health care for adults of all ages.

This book covers some innovative aspects of the multifaceted and continuously evolving field of rehabilitation of hearing loss. International leading experts share their view and advanced experience on unilateral deafness, services for the hard of hearing, hair cell regeneration, advanced imaging, active middle ear and bone conduction hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

In recent years, methods for coupling active implants to the middle ear, round window or combinations of passive middle ear prostheses have progressed considerably. Patient selection criteria have expanded from purely sensorineural hearing losses to conductive and mixed hearing losses in difficult-to-treat ears. This book takes into consideration recently developed methods as well as devices in current use. It begins with a fascinating and authentic history of active middle ear implants, written by one of the main pioneers in the field. In the following chapters, leading scientists and clinicians discuss the relevant topics in otology and audiology. Treatments for sensorineural hearing loss, conductive and mixed hearing losses, and results on alternative coupling sites such as the stapes footplate and the oval window are also covered, as well as articles on candidacy and cost-effectiveness. This publication is a must for ENT professionals and surgeons seeking out the latest knowledge on current research and clinical applications of active middle ear implants for all types of hearing loss.

The Handbook of Speech and Language Disorders presents a comprehensive survey of the latest research in communication disorders. Contributions from leading experts explore current issues, landmark studies, and the main topics in the field, and include relevant information on analytical methods and assessment. A series of foundational chapters covers a variety of important general principles irrespective of specific disorders. These chapters focus on such topics as classification, diversity considerations, intelligibility, the impact of genetic syndromes, and principles of assessment and intervention. Other chapters cover a wide range of language, speech, and cognitive/intellectual disorders.

Millions of Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates programs that provide cash disability benefits to people with permanent impairments like hearing loss, if they can show that their impairments meet stringent SSA criteria and their earnings are below an SSA threshold. The National Research Council convened an expert committee at the request of the SSA to study the issues related to disability determination for people with hearing loss. This volume is the product of that study. Hearing Loss: Determining Eligibility for Social Security Benefits reviews current knowledge about hearing loss and its measurement and treatment, and provides an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the current processes and criteria. It recommends changes to strengthen the disability determination process and ensure its reliability and fairness. The book addresses criteria for selection of pure tone and speech tests, guidelines for test administration, testing of hearing in noise, special issues related to testing children, and the difficulty of predicting work capacity from clinical hearing test results. It should be useful to audiologists, otolaryngologists, disability advocates, and others who are concerned with people who have hearing loss.