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Glossary of Terms

content_group_kidsGlossary of Terms for Audiology

American Sign Language (ASL)

Atresia (aural)
An ear malformation in which there is an absence of the external ear canal, usually with abnormalities of the outer ear, and/or middle ear space, or complete absence of the outer ear Audiogram-a graphic representation to record the results of a hearing test. Results indicate how well sounds can be heard at various pitches

An allied health care professional who is trained to evaluate hearing, hearing loss and related disorders, including balance (vestibular) disorders and tinnitus; and, to rehabilitate individuals with hearing loss and related disorders. An audiologist uses a variety of tests and procedures to assess hearing and balance function and to fit and dispense hearing aids and other assistive devices. The minimum academic degree to practice is a Master’s. State licensure is required to provide audiology services in most states.

A device for presenting precisely measured tones of specific frequencies or speech in order to obtain an audiogram

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test
A test that can be used to assess auditory function using electrodes on the head to measure hearing sensitivity and evaluate the integrity of the hearing system from the auditory nerve through the brainstem. Other terms are: Brainstem Evoked Response (BSER), Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP), and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)
A hearing disorder in which sound enters the inner ear normally but the transmission of signals from the inner ear to the brain is impaired. People with auditory neuropathy may have normal hearing, or hearing loss ranging from mild to severe; they always have poor speech-perception abilities, meaning they have trouble understanding speech clearly. Often, speech perception is worse than would be predicted by the degree of hearing loss. The most common pattern is the absence of an ABR with normal OAE.

Auditory nerve
The cranial nerve (VIII) that carries nerve impulses from the inner ear to the brain Auditory-Oral Approach-children educated using this approach rely on aided hearing for communication. This approach uses both auditory and speechreading cues to acquire speech and language

Auditory Verbal Approach
Children educated in this approach rely on aided hearing for communication. No manual or speechreading modes of communication are encouraged

Auditory-Verbal Therapist (AVT)
A therapist who specializes in the auditory-verbal therapy approach. AVT’s typically have a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology or Audiology and hold a special certification called the LSLS Cert AVT through the AG Bell Academy

Behind the ear hearing aid
A hearing aid worn behind the ear in a small casing

Bilateral hearing loss
A hearing loss in both ears.

Having to do with both ears.

Bone-conduction hearing aid
A hearing aid in which the amplified signal directly stimulates the inner ear via a bone vibrator placed on the mastoid bone behind the ear. This type of hearing aid is typically used for individuals with atresia or chronic ear drainage, or single-sided deafness. This device can be worn on a band or on a titanium fixture implanted into the skull.

Ear wax

Also called the “inner ear.” A snail-shaped structure that contains the sensory organ of hearing and changes sound vibrations to nerve impulses. The impulses are carried to the brain along the VIII th cranial nerve, or auditory nerve.

Cochlear Implant

Completely-in-the canal hearing aid
A hearing aid that is custom molded to fit deep inside the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is generally not fit on children

Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)

Conductive hearing loss

Congenital hearing loss

Cued speech
A visual communication mode that uses handshapes to distinguish speech sounds that look the same when reading the speaker’s lips.

A term used to describe persons who have a hearing loss greater than 90 dB HL; also may be used to refer to those who consider themselves part of the deaf community or culture and choose to communicate using American Sign Language instead of spoken communication

The unit that measures the intensity of sound.

Ear canal
The passageway from the outer ear to the eardrum; also known as the external auditory canal


Ear Infection
The presence and growth of bacteria or viruses in the ear

Ear mold

Eustachian tube

External ear
The outer portion of the ear that is normally visible; components of the external or outer ear include the pinna and the external ear canal

FM System
An assistive listening device that improves listening in noise; signals are transmitted from a talker to the listener by FM radio waves

The unit of measurement related to the pitch of a sound; frequency is expressed in Hz (Hertz) or cps (cycles per second). The more cycles per second, the higher the pitch.

Hair cells

Hearing aid
An electronic device that brings amplified sound to the ear; a hearing aid usually consists of a microphone, amplifier, and receiver

Hearing loss (or impairment)
A problem with hearing that is characterized by decreased sensitivity to sound in comparison to normal hearing; see conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.

Hereditary hearing impairment
Hearing loss passed down through generations of a family.

Hertz (Hz)
Cycles per second; frequency is denoted in Hz

In-the-ear hearing aid
A hearing aid that is custom molded to fill the entire opening of the ear canal; this type of hearing aid is generally not fit on children

In-the-canal hearing aid
A hearing aid that is custom molded to fill part of the opening of the ear canal but does not fill the ear canal completely; this type of hearing aid is generally not fit on children

Inner ear

The ability to determine the direction of a sound source

Mastoid bone

Congenital deformity of the outer ear. Severity varies from minor skin tags to differences in ear shape.

Middle ear

Mixed  hearing loss
Hearing loss with both conductive (middle ear pathology) and sensory (cochlear or VIIIth-nerve pathology) components. The audiogram shows a bone-conduction hearing deficit plus a gap between pure-tone and bone conduction responses. Open Ear Fit BTE hearing aid coupled to a manufactured “slim tube” which is fit with a pre made earpiece


Otitis external

Otitis media
An inflammation of the middle ear caused by infection.

Otitis media with effusion (OME)
Otitis media with fluid present in the middle ear.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

A physician/surgeon who specializes in diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck.

A physician/surgeon who specializes in the treatment of ear problems. Also known as an ENT physician.

The branch of medicine dealing with the ear.

The abnormal formation of new bone in the middle ear that gradually immobilizes the middle ear bone called the stapes and prevents it from vibrating in response to sound, causing progressive loss of hearing.

Ototoxic medications
Medications that can damage the ear and result in hearing loss, most often causing hearing loss in the high pitches.

Outer ear

Post-lingually deafened
An individual who becomes deaf after having acquired language

Pressure-equalizing (PE) tube
A tube that is inserted in the eardrum to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the ear canal and to permit drainage; also called a tympanostomy tube

Pre-lingually deafened

Residual hearing
The amount of measurable, usable hearing

Sensorineural loss

Sign Language

Speech frequencies

Speech-Language Pathologist
A professional who evaluates and provides treatment for speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing problems of children and adults. Speech and language delays are frequently seen in children with hearing loss. Minimum academic degree is a Master’s degree. State licensure is required to practice speech/language pathology in many states, including Georgia.

Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT)

Standard audiometry
The child will raise his or her hand or press a button each time a sound is heard.

Syndromic hearing impairment



Total Communication
English, listening, cued speech, speech reading, and sign language may all be used in combination to communicate.

A measure of tympanic membrane (eardrum) mobility.

Unilateral hearing loss
A hearing loss in one ear only.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
A pediatric hearing test procedure in which the child’s responses to sound are reinforced with a visual event (e.g. a moving toy)

If you continue to require assistance in understanding these words and phrases, please contact our Audiology department at 404-591-1884 for assistance.