This revised edition takes account of the changes that have taken place in the field. The functions of the ear are described, before the book moves on to explain the nature and causes of the various kinds of hearing loss and their treatment. A detailed account of the various types of hearing aid is given, along with a description of their limitations and advice on which kind of aid to choose. Speech-reading and its uses are explained, both for people who are hard of hearing and for those who live and work with them, and examples are given of audiometric tests and how to interpret them. Much is still to be done in explaining the particular difficulties experienced by deaf people, and this book explains how hearing impairment can affect feelings and behaviour, sometimes making people withdrawn or aggressive. A greater understanding of the issues associated with hearing loss can overcome many of the prejudices still suffered by deaf people today.