Acoustic Nerve
The vestibulocochlear nerve or the auditory nerve. The VIIIth cranial nerve which runs from the inner ear to the brainstem and contains fibers carrying both auditory and vestibular information.
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The vestibulocochlear nerve or the auditory nerve. The VIIIth cranial nerve which runs from the inner ear to the brainstem and contains fibers carrying both auditory and vestibular information.
Definition: Portion of a neuron that conveys the neural impulse away from the cell body to the terminal button. What is an axon? An axon
The auricle is the cartilaginous structures of the external ear located peripheral to the skull. What is the Auricle of the ear? The auricle, also
What is aural rehabilitation? Aural rehabilitation therapy or training sessions are designed to improve communication skills. Aural rehabilitation (AR) is a set of therapy or
What is Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing? Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing, also known as Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing and Auditory Evoked Response
What is an Audiologist?” An audiologist is a hearing healthcare professional who has earned a Master’s Degree (M.S or M.A) or Doctorate Degree (Au.D or
What is Audiometric Evaluation or Audiometry? Definition: Another name for a hearing test or hearing evaluation. What is the meaning of audiometry? Audiometry is the
Definition: Doctor of Audiology; A clinical doctorate degree What is an Au. D degree? An Au. D (Doctor of Audiology) is a professional doctorate degree
What is Atresia? The absence or closure of the external auditory meatus (ear canal). What does atresia mean? Atresia is a medical term that means
Non-hearing aid devices used by a hearing impaired individual to improve communication and the performance of activities in specific environments. ALDs include devices such as
What are Antagonistic Muscles in Audiology? In audiology, antagonistic muscles are two muscles that have opposite actions. When one muscle contracts, the other muscle relaxes.
What is the American Academy of Audiology? Definition: The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) is the largest professional organization for audiologists in the United States.
What is Binaural Squelch? Binaural squelch is the improved ability to focus on a desired sound in the presence of undesired sounds when you hear
What is a Blocked or Inflamed Eustachian Tube? Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a condition in which the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear
What is a body aid hearing aid? A body hearing aid is an older style of hearing aid in which the electronic components and batteries
What is Bone-Conduction Thresholds? Bone-conduction thresholds are the lowest level that an individual can hear a pure-tone stimulus presented through a vibrator placed on the
Behavioral audiometry is a hearing test that requires some type of visible and voluntary response from the individual being evaluated. What is behavioral audiometry evaluation?
A style of hearing aid in which the electronic portion of the hearing aid (including battery, microphone, speaker, amplifier, etc) is located on top or
A term used to signify that both ears or both sides of the head are involved. For example, “he has bilateral hearing loss” means that
What binaural means? Binaural hearing refers to the ability to hear with both ears. This allows us to localize sounds in space, distinguish between different
What are binaural advantages? Binaural advantages are the benefits that people with hearing loss experience when they use hearing aids in both ears. These benefits
Binaural summation is the increase in perceived loudness of a sound when it is presented to both ears compared to when it is presented to
What is the Brainstem? The brainstem is the portion of the brain that is below the cerebrum and anterior to the cerebellum. It is a
What is the Basilar Membrane? The Basilar Membrane is located inside the cochlea. It separates scala media and scala tympani; on this membrane rests the
A custom hearing aid is a hearing aid that is made specifically for the individual’s ear. What is a Custom Hearing Aid? Custom hearing aids
What is Cued Speech? Cued Speech is a visual communication system that uses hand shapes, facial expressions, and body language to represent the sounds of
Contralateral routing of signal (CROS) is a type of hearing aid designed for individuals with unilateral hearing loss. What is Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS)?
What is Crus? The crus or crura are the two side parts of the stapes bone of the middle ear. They are named after the
The cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain. It is made up of gray matter, which is mostly
What is Cookie Bite Audiogram? A cookie bite audiogram is a description of the graph of an individual’s hearing thresholds in which the middle frequencies
What is Congenital Hearing Loss? Congenital hearing loss is the presence of hearing loss at or before birth. It is the most common type of
What is Cone of Light? The cone of light is a triangular brightness that is visible on the lower portion of the tympanic membrane (eardrum)
What is Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid? A Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is the smallest type of hearing aid available. It is designed to fit completely
What is Conductive Hearing Loss? Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem with the outer ear
What is Conditioned Play Audiometry? Conditioned play audiometry is a method used to assess the hearing abilities of pediatric patients. It is a type of
Also called compression, condensation is the portion of a sound wave where the air molecules are most tightly packed together. What is Condensation in Hearing
Decibels hearing level. 0 dB HL is the softest sound that can be heard by the average person with normal hearing. It is not the absence of sound, as persons with better than average hearing will have thresholds lower than 0 dB HL (e.g -10 dB HL)
What is a Dendrite? A dendrite is a branch-like extension of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons. Dendrites are responsible for collecting information
What is digital hearing? Digital hearing is a type of hearing aid that uses digital technology to amplify sound. Digital hearing aids are more advanced
What is Diplacusis? Diplacusis is a condition in which a person hears a single tone as two or more tones. This can be a very
Direct Audio Input (DAI) is a feature on some hearing aids that allows an external audio source to be connected directly to the hearing aid.
What is dispensing in Audiology? Dispensing audiology is a branch of audiology that focuses on the selection, fitting, and adjustment of hearing aids. Dispensers are
What is a Dri-Aid kit? A dry aid kit is a product that is used to help keep hearing aids dry. It contains drying agents
What is DSP? Digital signal processing (DSP) is a way of manipulating digital audio signals to improve their quality or functionality. DSP is used in
What is dB SL? dB SL stands for decibels sensation level. What does dB SL mean? It is a unit of measurement that is used
dB SPL stands for decibels sound pressure level. What does dB SPL mean? dB SPL is a unit of measurement that is used to express
What is a Decibel? A decibel (dB) is a unit of measurement used to express the relative loudness of a sound. It is a logarithmic
Decussation is a common phenomenon in the nervous system. It occurs in many different parts of the brain and spinal cord. What is decussation? Decussation
The external auditory meatus. The hole in the temporal bone that tunnels the sound from the pinna to the ear drum (tympanic membrane).
What is the eardrum? The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin, semi-transparent membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle
What is an earmold? An earmold is a custom-made piece of plastic that is inserted into the ear canal to help hold a hearing aid
What is the Eighth Cranial Nerve (CN VIII)? The eighth cranial nerve, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve, is a pair of nerves that carry
Entrainment is an undesired effect of some anti-feedback circuitry in which the feedback reduction algorithm attempts to eliminate an incoming sound as if the sound
What is Equilibrium? Equilibrium is the ability to maintain balance. It is a complex process that involves the vestibular system, the visual system, and the
What is Evoked Potentials? Evoked potentials (EPs) are electrical signals that are generated by the brain in response to a stimulus. These signals can be
What is the external auditory meatus of the ear? The external auditory meatus, also known as the ear canal or the acoustic meatus, is a
What is Exostosis? Exostosis is a bony growth that can develop in the ear canal. It is a common condition, especially in people who spend
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a condition that occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the
What is the Eustachian Tube? The Eustachian tube, also known as the auditory tube, is a small canal that connects the middle ear to the
What is Etiology? In hearing terms, etiology refers to the source or cause of a hearing loss. There are many different causes of hearing loss,
The high-pitched whistling sound that can be emitted by a hearing aid when the hearing aid’s microphone picks up its own input, thus re-amplifying itself
A flat audiogram is a description of the graph of an individual’s hearing thresholds in which the degree of loss present is similar or equal
The footplate is the portion of the stapes bone that is attached to the two crura and that sits in the oval window. The footplate
In audiology, frequency is the number of vibrations that occur in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz), and the human hearing range is
What is Feedback Supressor or Cancellor? A feedback suppressor or canceller is a technology that is used to reduce or eliminate feedback in hearing aids,
What is Fistula? A fistula is an abnormal hole or rupture in the window that connects the middle ear cavity and the cochlea, allowing the
What is Full Shell? A full shell hearing aid is a type of in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid that fills up the entire bowl area of
What is Gain? In audiology, gain is a term used to describe the amount of additional intensity added by a hearing aid or other amplifying
What is Genetic Hearing Loss? Definition: Genetic hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that is caused by changes in one or more genes.
Head shadow is the attenuation of sound by the head. This is because the head blocks the path of sound waves, which results in a
What is hearing loss? Hearing loss is the inability to perceive the presence of a sound at normal hearing levels. This can be caused by
What is Helicotrema? The helicotrema is a small opening at the apex of the cochlea. It allows fluid to flow between the scala vestibuli and
The helix is the curved/raised rim of the external ear (pinna). It is one of the three main parts of the pinna, along with the
What is Hereditary Hearing Loss? Hereditary hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that is passed down from parents to their children. It can
What is frequency in hertz (Hz)? Frequency is the number of times a sound wave repeats itself per second. It is measured in hertz (Hz),
What is High Frequency Hearing Loss? High frequency hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that affects the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. This
What is Hard of Hearing? Hard of hearing is a term used to describe hearing-impaired individuals with mild to severe/profound hearing impairment who are not
What is Head Shadow Effect? The head shadow effect is a phenomenon in audiology that refers to the attenuation of sound waves as they travel
What is a hearing aid? A hearing aid is a small electronic device that is worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound. Hearing
What is Hearing Aid Dispenser? A hearing aid dispenser is a person who is licensed by the state to dispense hearing aids. They do not
What is Hearing Aid Specialist? A hearing aid specialist is a non-audiologist who holds a state license that allows him or her to dispense hearing
What is Intraoperative Monitoring? Intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is a technique used to monitor the function of the nervous system during surgery. IOM is used in
What is IROS Hearing Aid? An IROS hearing aid is a hearing aid that has a large vent. The vent allows sound to flow in
What is Impedance? Impedance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of energy through a medium. It is a complex number that has
What is the Incus? The incus is the middle bone of the ossicular chain, which is a series of three bones that transmit sound waves
What is Infrared? A signal used by some assistive listening devices to send sound via infrared light waves What is an infrared hearing system? An
What are Inner Hair Cells? Inner hair cells (IHCs) are the sensory cells in the cochlea that are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical
What is Insertion Gain? Insertion gain is an important measure for hearing aid fitting. It helps to ensure that the hearing aid is providing enough
What is In Situ? In situ is a Latin term that means “in place” or “in the natural position.” In audiology, the term in situ
What is the Internal Auditory Meatus? The internal auditory meatus (IAM) is a canal within the petrous part of the temporal bone that transmits nerves
What is Intensity? In audiology, intensity refers to the loudness or volume of a sound. It is measured in decibels (dB). The lower the dB
What is an In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid? An In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aid is a small, custom-fit hearing aid that is inserted into the ear canal.
What is an In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid? An In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid is a type of hearing aid that is custom-fit to the outer ear.
What is a Kilohertz? kHz stands for kilohertz, which is a unit of measurement for frequency. What is kHz in audiology? Frequency is the number
What is a Kneepoint? A kneepoint is a point on a graph that represents the change in slope. What is kneepoint in audiology? In audiology,
What is Localization? Localization is the ability to determine the location of a sound source. This is done by the brain using cues from the
Low profile hearing aids are a good option for people who want a discreet hearing aid that is still powerful enough to provide effective hearing
The labyrinth is a vital part of the inner ear. It is responsible for both hearing and balance. What is the Labyrinth in the Ear?
What is a Listening Stethoscope? A listening stethoscope is a device used by hearing healthcare professionals to listen to a hearing aid for the purpose
What is the Lobule? The lobule is the fleshy, lower part of the pinna, or outer ear. What is lobule in the human body? The
A hearing loop system is a type of assistive listening device that uses a magnetic field to transmit sound directly to a hearing aid or
What is a Language Development Disorder (Hearing Related)? Language development disorder (hearing related) is a condition in which a child with hearing loss does not
It is a part of the auditory pathway, which is the neural pathway that carries sound information from the ear to the brain. What is
What is the Lever Action of the Ossicles? The lever action of the middle ear is a mechanical advantage that increases the force of sound
What is the Levator Veli Palatini? The levator veli palatini (LVP) is a muscle in the nasopharynx that is responsible for elevating the soft palate.
What is Lateralization? Lateralization is the perception by an individual that a sound is being heard on one side due to a timing and intensity
What is a Linear/Non-Linear Hearing Aid? A linear hearing aid is one that adds the same amount of gain to the incoming signal, regardless of
The first/hammer-shaped bone in the ossicular chain, that is attached to the eardrum
What is Myelin? Myelin is a fatty material that covers portions of some neurons’ axons. It insulates nerves from each other, and permits rapid transmissions
What is a Multi-Memory Hearing Aid? A multi-memory hearing aid is a hearing aid that has more than one listening program that the user can
What is a Multi-Channel Hearing Aid? A multi-channel hearing aid is a programmable hearing aid that allows the dispenser to adjust the instrument’s compression characteristics
What is a Multi-Band Hearing Aid? A multi-band hearing aid is a programmable hearing aid that allows the dispenser to adjust gain in a specified
What are Mucous Membranes? Mucous membranes are moist, soft tissues that line many parts of the body, including the nose, throat, and ears. They secrete
What is the most comfortable loudness level? Most comfortable loudness level (MCL) is a measure of the intensity level of a sound that is most
What is Monaural in Audiology? Monaural sound output is the opposite of binaural sound output, which is sound that is presented to both ears. What
What is a Medium? In audiology, a medium is the substance through which sound travels. Sound is often defined as the vibration of the molecules
What is Meniere’s Disease? Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The symptoms of
What is a Microphone? A microphone is a device that converts sound waves into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then amplified and sent
What is a Node of Ranvier? A node of Ranvier is a gap in the myelin sheath that covers the axons of some neurons. These
What is Noise-induced Hearing Loss? Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a type of hearing loss that is caused by exposure to loud noise. NIHL can
What is Non-organic Hearing Loss? Non-organic Hearing Loss (NOHL) is a type of hearing loss that is not caused by any physical damage to the
What is Nystagmus? Nystagmus is a rhythmic, involuntary movement of the eyes. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear disorders,
What is the Oval Window? The oval window is a membrane-covered opening in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. It is located in the
What is output limiting in hearing aid? Output limiting is a feature of hearing aids that helps to prevent the output of the hearing aid
What is an Otolaryngologist? An otolaryngologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose,
What are Outer Hair Cells? Outer hair cells (OHCs) are a type of hair cell found in the cochlea, the hearing organ of the inner
What is the Outer Ear? The outer ear is the most peripheral part of the human auditory system. It consists of the auricle (pinna) and
What are Ototoxic Medications? Ototoxic medications are prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can have a temporary or permanent detrimental effect on an individual’s hearing or
What is Otosclerosis? Otosclerosis is a condition that affects the middle ear. It is characterized by the formation of abnormal bone on the stapes, a
What is an Otoscopic Examination? Otoscopic examination is a procedure that uses an otoscope to look into the ear canal and tympanic membrane (eardrum). It
What is an Otoscope? Otoscopes are a valuable tool for diagnosing ear problems. They are easy to use and can provide valuable information about the
What is Otorrhea? Definition: Otorrhea is the medical term for ear drainage. It can be caused by an infection in the outer ear or middle
What is an Otologist? An otologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear. Otologists
What is an Otoblock? An otoblock is a sponge or piece of cotton that is used to prevent impression material from going too deep into
What is Pure Tone Average (PTA)? Definition: The pure tone average (PTA) is a measure of hearing loss that is calculated by averaging the air
What is Pure Tone Audiometry? Pure tone audiometry is a test of hearing that uses pure tones, or single frequencies of sound, to measure the
What is Pumping? Pumping is a fluctuation in volume noticed by a hearing aid wearer due to the instrument’s compression characteristics. It can be caused
What is a Permanent Threshold Shift? PTS is a permanent reduction in the sensitivity of the ear to sound. It is caused by damage to
Being programmable is a helpful feature on more current hearing aids that allows them to be attached, via a cord, to a computer in an
What are Probe Microphone Measurements? Probe microphone measurements are an important part of the hearing aid fitting process. They can help to ensure that the
What is Presbycusis? Presbycusis is a progressive hearing loss that is attributed to the aging process. It is the most common type of hearing loss
What is the Pinna? The pinna is a part of the ear made up of cartilage. It is also referred to as the auricle. The
What is Prelingual Hearing Loss? Hearing loss that occurs prior to a child developing speech and language skills. What causes prelingual hearing loss? Prelingual hearing
What is a Power Hearing Aid? A power hearing aid is a type of hearing aid that is designed specifically for individuals with severe to
What is a Potentiometer? A potentiometer is a type of variable resistor. It is used to control the amount of current that flows through a
The pars tensa is the tense portion of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. What is the Pars Tensa? It is made up of three layers:
Definition: In hearing terms, QoL refers to the increased ability to enjoy and pursue daily activities when a hearing loss is addressed with amplification.
What is Rarefaction? Rarefaction is the portion of a sound wave where the air molecules are most spread apart and have the lowest pressure. This
What is Resonance? Resonance can occur in any object or medium that can vibrate. Resonance can be used to amplify sound waves. It can also
What does Retrocochlear mean in medical terms? Retrocochlear means “behind the cochlea.” In audiology, retrocochlear refers to hearing loss that is caused by damage to
Reverberation can be a desirable or undesirable effect in sound. In music, reverberation can be used to create a sense of space or atmosphere. However,
What is Reverse-Slope Audiogram? A reverse-slope audiogram is a type of audiogram that shows a hearing loss that is more pronounced at low frequencies than
What is the Round Window in Your Ear? The round window is a membrane-covered opening in the cochlea of the inner ear. It is located
What is Real Ear Testing? Real ear testing (REM) is a type of hearing test that measures the performance of hearing aids in the ear
What is a real-ear aided response? Real ear aided response (REAR) is a measure of the sound pressure level (SPL) of a sound in the
What is Real Ear Unaided Response (REUR)? Real ear unaided response (REUR) is a valuable tool for audiologists and hearing aid users. It can help
What is Real Ear Occluded Response (REOR)? Real ear occluded response (REOR) is a measure of the sound pressure level (SPL) of a sound in
What is a Receiver (Hearing Aid)? A receiver is the speaker inside of a hearing aid that converts the amplified electrical energy to sound waves.
What is Recruitment in Audiology? Recruitment is a condition that occurs in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), a type of hearing loss that affects the inner
What are Swimplugs? Swimplugs are earplugs that are specifically designed to keep water out of the ear canal. They are often used by swimmers, surfers,
What is the Superior Olivary Complex (SOC)? The superior olivary complex (SOC) is a group of nuclei located in the brainstem that are involved in
What is a Sound Booth? Sound booths are typically made of sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic foam or fiberglass. The walls, ceiling, and floor of
What is stria vascularis? The stria vascularis is a specialized region of the inner ear that is responsible for producing and maintaining the endolymph, the
What is the Stapes? The stapes is the smallest and last bone in the ossicular chain, a chain of three bones that transmit sound waves
What is the Stapedius? The stapedius is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. It is located in the middle ear, and its tendon
What is the spiral limbus? The spiral limbus is a part of the organ of Corti in the inner ear. It is a thin, bony
What is the Speech Reception Threshold (SRT)? Speech reception threshold (SRT) is a measure of hearing ability that is used to assess the lowest intensity
What is Speech Reading? Speech reading is the technique of using lip reading and other visual cues produced by a speaker to help with the
What is Speech Mapping? Speech mapping is a type of real-ear measurement (REM) that uses speech as the input signal. This allows audiologists to see
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do? A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a healthcare professional who assesses speech and language development and treats language and speech
What is Speech Audiometry? Speech audiometry is a valuable tool for assessing a person’s ability to understand speech. However, it is important to remember that
What is Tympanometry? Tympanometry is a test that measures the mobility of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and the middle ear cavity. It is a painless
What is a Tympanogram? A tympanogram is a graph that shows the mobility of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. It is a test that is
What is the Tympanic Membrane? The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is a thin, semi-circular membrane that separates the ear canal from the
What is TTS (Temporary Threshold Shift)? TTS, or temporary threshold shift, is a temporary hearing loss that occurs after exposure to loud noise. It is
What is a tuning fork? A tuning fork is a handheld device that produces tones that are essentially pure tones. Tuning forks of different sizes
What is the Tunnel of Corti? The tunnel of Corti is a narrow space beneath the arch of Corti in the cochlea. It is filled
What is a Transmitter? A transmitter is a device that sends a signal from one place to another. In audiology, a transmitter is used in
What is a Traveling waves? A traveling wave is a wave that moves through a medium, transporting energy from one point to another. In the
What is the trapezoid body? The trapezoid body is a nerve fiber pathway in the lower brainstem that decussates from one hemisphere to the other.
What is a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)? A Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) is a device that allows people who are deaf
What is the Tragus? The tragus is a small, cartilaginous prominence that projects in front of the ear canal. It is covered with skin and
What is the Tonotopic Organization?” Tonotopic organization is the spatial arrangement of neurons in the auditory system such that neurons that respond to similar frequencies
What is Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL)? Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL) is a measurement that is often made prior to the ordering of or programming of
What is an umbo? An umbo is the centermost point of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. It is the point at which the tympanic membrane
What is Unilateral in Audiology? Pertaining only to one ear or one side of the head (i.e., The person with hearing loss on the right
What is the Utricle? The utricle is a small, sac-like structure located in the vestibule of the inner ear. It is part of the vestibular
What is Volume Control? Volume control is a wheel or button on the faceplate of a hearing aid or on a remote control that is
What is the Vestibular System? The vestibular system is a part of the inner ear that is responsible for balance. It is made up of
What is the vestibule in the human body? The vestibule is a part of the inner ear that is located between the cochlea and the
What is the Vestibulocochlear Nerve? The vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as the auditory nerve or the eighth cranial nerve, is a sensory nerve that connects
What is the VIII Nerve? The VIII nerve, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve or the acoustic nerve, is the eighth of twelve cranial nerves.
What is Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)? Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is a behavioral test used to assess the hearing of infants and toddlers who are
What is Vertigo? Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or feeling like the world is spinning around you. It is a symptom of a problem
What is a Vent? Some hearing aids come with vents already built in, while others require the addition of a vent. Vents can also affect
What is a Wavelength? Wavelength is the distance between two points on a wave that is in the same phase of vibration. In audiology, the
What is a wax loop? A wax loop is a small tool used by professionals and hearing aid users to clean ear wax out of
What is the WNL? WNL stands for “within normal limits.” In audiology, this term is used to describe hearing that is within the normal range.
What is the Word Recognition Score (WRS)? A word recognition score (WRS) is a measure of how well a person can understand speech. It is