#block-views-health-related-topics { display: none;} On this page:| NIDCD
How Can I Contact the NIDCD Information Clearinghouse?The Clearinghouse provides information and resources for health professionals, patients, industry, and the public. To obtain information, call the Clearinghouse Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time. Leave a message to request publications at other times.Voice: (800) 241-1044TTY: (800) 241-1055Or, write:NIDCD Information Clearinghouse1 Communication AvenueBethesda, MD 20892-3456| NIDCD
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An official website of the United States government| NIDCD
Age-related hearing loss (also called presbycusis, pronounced prez-buh-KYOO-sis) is hearing loss that occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older.| NIDCD
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What is an ear infection? An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria, that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday.| NIDCD
Statistics on hearing, ear infections, and deafness among both adults and children in the U.S.| NIDCD
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English.| NIDCD
Tinnitus (pronounced tih-NITE-us or TIN-uh-tus) is the perception of sound that does not have an external source, so other people cannot hear it.| NIDCD
How do speech and language develop? The first 3 years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, is the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills. These skills develop best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights, and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others.| NIDCD