About Harriet Jacobster, Au.D. Expertise I can answer questions regarding non-medical treatment of hearing loss such as hearing aids and aural rehabilitation. I am also able to answer your questions regarding hearing testing, what types of tests are appropriate, what information a hearing test gives you and what it doesn't give you. As a classically trained musician, I can also answer issues dealing with hearing loss specific to musicians.
Experience I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with over 25 years' of experience working with both children and adults. I have given lectures on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids to several state chapters of national organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing. I also taught Speech Reading and Aural Rehabilitation both privately and for the Florida Deaf Service Center.
Organizations American Academy of Audiology
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Education/Credentials Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Nova Southeastern University 2000
Question My friend was born deaf due to her mother taking birth control pills while pregnant. I don't know exactly why she is deaf,if the inner ear didn't form or what! My question is for people born that way,is it medically possible for them to ever hear?
Answer Hi Daniel,
It all depends on what you define as "deaf" and what you define as "hearing." If the damage is due to some physical problem in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear is intact, then it is possible for surgical intervention. However, if the damage is in the nerve(s), then chances are the loss is irreversible. Additionally, the longer the time between the discovery of the loss and treatment, the less likely there will be recovery. If your friend is totally deaf, then hearing aids and/or cochlear implants may help your friend "hear."
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
