ABSTRACT
Throughout life, the hearing organ, with its different anatomical areas, i.e., outer ear and ear canal, middle ear, inner ear and auditory pathways, may be affected by numerous damaging factors, resulting in a hearing disorder. The loss of auditory sensitivity-which in clinical terms is hearing impairment (HI)—may, in children, result in reduced or delayed acquisition of language and development of communication, which in turn can lead to poor educational achievements and reduced quality of life, self-esteem, and employment opportunities.
