Effects of HIV expressed through the media

HIV: The Facts

HIV is a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening infections and cancers  to thrive. Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood, semen, fluid, or breast milk. A person with HIV may experience influenza like symptoms and cause them to be prone to infections. HIV is talked about a lot in our society as a sexually transmitted infection.

HIV directly or indirectly correlated with hearing loss?

We understand a lot about the symptoms and causes of HIV, however one aspect that our society has neglected to understand is the effect of HIV on hearing. In the hearing and speech field there have been many studies drawn up looking at the correlation between HIV and hearing loss. 49%-62% of HIV patients have been tested positively for a sensiorneural hearing loss, also known as hearing loss of the inner ear. The question that has been asked is if HIV causes this hearing loss or if it is due to other factors. Doctor Sandra Gordon-Salant, a hearing and speech professor, says how HIV may not be directly correlated with hearing loss. Other factors that could influence ones hearing apart from HIV include the aging of the patient, the ototoxicity of the drugs used for treatment, and other diseases incurred. HIV is known to induce premature aging. Therefore, patients with HIV age faster and could be more likely to obtain a sensorinerual hearing loss merely because of age, and their HIV is not the reasoning behind the hearing loss. Second, the drugs used to treat HIV are extremely otototoxic.  Ototoxicity is the damage to the ear specifically the cochlea of auditory nerve and sometimes the vestibular system, by a toxin. Doctor Gordon-Salant says how this damage can easily cause a hearing loss. Finally, due to HIV patients weak immune system they are prone to getting infections that cause hearing loss including meningitis, encephalitis and brain tumors such as lymphoma. Therefore, it is hard to pin HIV as a cause of hearing loss directly. Doctor Gordon-Salant says how HIV may not have a direct correlation with hearing loss and rather hearing loss is just an effect of treatments and causes of HIV.
Advertising and raising awareness through celebrities

            Even though their may not be a direct effect, of HIV and hearing loss doctors and medical institutions are going great lengths to ensure people are aware of the effects of HIV and how to be careful and preventative of this infection. Through the use of the media, including websites, commercials, famous people and articles advertising the dangers of HIV is becoming extremely prevalent. The use of famous people in commercials is something that can be very beneficial. As we discussed in class, the use of famous figures can cause people to listen up and be more intrigued in what they have to say because of who they are in society. Magic Johnson, for example, disclosed his battle with HIV on Nov. 7, 1991 and it was an extremely emotional time. From bring one of basketballs all-time greats, his HIV diagnosis essentially ended a phenomenal NBA career. Although he did make some comebacks, society saw Magic’s struggle and hopefully look it into great consideration. Medical institutions used Magic as a figurehead to show other people how dangerous HIV really is. His disclosure spurred a re-evaluation of safety and Magic has since dedicated himself to HIV education and helping those living with HIV through the Magic Johnson Foundation. Some people may argue that advertising with famous people could hinder the point the company is trying to get across because they know the actor is paid or just don’t necessarily like that actor. However, in Magic Johnsons case, he was a respected athlete who people listened to when he spoke. 52 year old Barry Albalah, says how famous people could possibly peak his interest. he Medical institutions such as hospitals and doctors, positioned his words in such a way that people stopped and thought about what Magic had to say. After hearing his story people look into HIV and see the effect of weak immune systems, hearing loss, and the struggles that go along with it and are more careful with their choices. 
         Much of this coverage is considered public relations, and not advertising, as medical institutions are not paying magic Johnson for words. The difference between the two is in advertising the company pays for ad space, while in public relations the focus is getting free media exposure. Therefore, if medical institutions were paying someone or printing up a pamphlet on HIV it would be advertising. Magic Johnson speaking to the world and people listening to what he had to say is beneficial public relations.