The Impact and Experience of Adventitious Deafness

Relatively little well controlled, empirical research has examined the problems, experiences, functional limitations and coping strategies of late-deafened individuals. The present paper summarizes, integrates and evaluates the literature on adventitious deafness. Several issues are explored in detail, including: a) a comparison of congenital and acquired deafness; b) a critical review of the literature investigating the psychiatric problems experienced by late-deafened individuals; c) an examination of the effects of acquired deafness on identity and personal control; and d) a consideration of adventitious deafness among the elderly.