Mental Health and Deafness - Essay Example

"Hard of hearing", on the other hand, refers to persons who may have some hearing and can use it for communication and are comfortable in doing so. In audiological terms, it covers persons who have mild to moderate hearing loss (NAD 2009.). It typifies a person whose hearing is slightly poor and unable to understand others (Koulikourdi, 2008, p. 138). Hard of hearing individuals are suffering from hearing loss that affect their daily lives but can still utilise their own hearing to converse under favorable conditions, either with or without hearing aids (Kvam et.

al 2006, p.1).People who are Deaf (with an uppercase D) are defined as those who lost their hearing before they reach the age of 3. The loss of hearing is so affected that they cannot understand speech with or without using a hearing aid or cochlear implant, and they depend largely on sign language for communication (Vernon & Leigh 2007, p. 374).There is approximately one child in every 1000 who is born deaf. This is higher compared to some groups of disorders. Socio-economic deprivation is a key factor for this.

Moreover, there may be one child per thousand who will suffer from permanent deafness due to illness (eg. meningitis) before reaching the age of nine. Ninety percent of deaf children are from hearing families who have no previous experiences of handling deaf issues. In majority of such cases, parents have to learn to address the communication and language needs of their deaf children to ensure that they develop aptly for their age. Forty percent of children who have learning difficulties are suffering from hearing loss.

Researches should always be part of the mission to lessen the risk factors affecting deaf individuals. The efforts must be expanded to provide every deaf child and adults access to effective communication and protection. Deaf individuals regardless of age and gender should have ample and appropriate access to mental health services. As mentioned by the ADSS (2002, p.34), deaf people are a valuable resource. They can enhance the range and quality of service provided by statutory agencies. They are as important as the rest of the population and community.