Final answer:
True. Hearing loss can impact a child's ability to learn and could lead to similar challenges experienced by students with ADHD or autism. Without proper educational accommodations, it may indeed result in lower literacy levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Total hearing loss often results in low levels of literacy' can be considered true. Hearing loss can significantly impact a child's ability to learn, especially in an educational system that relies heavily on auditory information. Without the necessary accommodations, children with hearing loss may struggle with attention, lack interest in school activities, and have difficulties learning a second language, akin to those faced by students with ADHD or autism.
Moreover, hearing loss can interfere with the recognition of speech sounds, notably at higher frequencies as experienced with presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). This can result in challenges in understanding speech and appreciating music. In female voices specifically, which tend to be at higher frequencies, comprehension can be even more difficult for those with significant hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss, one of the most common forms of hearing loss, can stem from various causes, including aging, head trauma, exposure to loud noises, and certain diseases. This type of hearing loss is especially problematic because it not only affects the ability to hear but also the clarity of sounds, making it difficult for students to understand and process information. Research and evidence support this, highlighting that hearing impairment can lead to educational setbacks if not properly addressed.