Communication Disorders 490A - Hearing Health and Society

Students will analyze how hearing loss influences behavior of individuals and interactions among individuals within larger social/societal groups across the lifespan. They will consider the importance of early detection of hearing loss, advocacy and promotion of hearing conservation in different environments, and socio-emotional effects of hearing loss with aging. Approaches to promoting behaviors that enhance communication in the presence of hearing loss will be explored. Philosophical, policy, and cultural controversies for defining hearing loss as a disability will be examined. Each of these topics will be considered within the interplay between the individual person, culture, age, disability, educational and work environments, community, public policy, and social/family interactions.