Hearing Loss Glossary
Here are some basic terms commonly used. If you have any question about
a term that you don't see here, please e-mail me.
I'll see if I can find the definition for you!
- Audiologist
- A non-medical professional highly trained and specializing in hearing
and deafness. Tests hearing and evaluates hearing aids.
- Otolaryngologist
- Commonly known as an ENT this doctor specializes in problems of the Ears,
Nose, and Throat.
- Otologist
- A medical doctor that specializes in problems of the ear.
- Outer Ear
- The part of the ear that is outside the head and the ear canal.
- Middle Ear
- Between the outer and inner ear, the middle ear is separated from the
ear canal by the eardrum. It contains the ossicles that
pump sound vibrations from the eardrum to the fluid in the inner ear. This causes wave in
the fluid, which are transmitted as sound by the auditory nerve to the
brain.
- Inner Ear
- The innermost part of the ear. Made up of the cochlea,
the balance mechanism, and the auditory nerve.
- Auditory Nerve
- Located in the inner ear, leading to the brain.
- Cochlea
- The hearing organ. Located in the inner ear it is snail like in
shape.
- Eardrum
- The tympanic membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle
ear.
- Ossicles
- The three tiny bones in the middle ear
- Cerumen
- Earwax is an oily glandular substance that lubricates the ear. It can
harden and block the ear canal, and should be removed only by an Otologist.
- External Otitis
- Inflammation of the outer ear. Should be treated by an Otologist.
- Otitis Media
- Middle ear infection. Fluid may form in the middle ear and affect the
hearing, so immediate examination and treatment by an Otologist is urgent.
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This Page Last Updated
06/02/99
