døvhet

Dövhet is the Swedish term for deafness, the partial or complete inability to hear. It can affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral) and may be present from birth or develop later in life. Deafness is described in degrees ranging from mild loss to profound deafness, and it can result from problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear, or from damage to the auditory nerve.

Causes and types: Conductive deafness arises when sound is blocked or poorly conducted in the outer or middle ear, due to conditions such as fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, or ossicle damage. Sensorineural deafness stems from issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve and is commonly related to aging (presbycusis), noise exposure, infections, genetics, or ototoxic medications. Mixed deafness involves both conductive and sensorineural components. Congenital forms are present at birth; acquired forms develop due to illness, injury, or environmental factors.

Diagnosis and management: Diagnosis relies on audiometric testing to determine hearing thresholds, often complemented by tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and sometimes auditory brainstem response. Management includes hearing aids for many with residual hearing, cochlear implants for certain severe cases, bone-anchored devices, and other assistive listening technologies. Rehabilitation may involve speech-language therapy and access to sign language. Sign languages, such as Swedish Sign Language (Svenskt teckenspråk), are central to communication within Deaf communities.

Impact and culture: Deafness affects communication, education, and daily life, making accessible services and inclusive communication strategies important. Deaf communities often have distinct linguistic and cultural identities, with attitudes toward deafness ranging from medicalized perspectives to recognition of Deaf culture and independent communication through sign language.