Hearing Aid Glossary

Hearing aid terminology can be difficult to understand which is why we've put together a list of the most common hearing aid terms used in the industry.

Analogue
Analogue is the conventional signal found in many hearing devices. Analogue aids can be conventional or programmable. Conventional analogue aids do not distinguish different sounds and therefore amplify all sounds equally, which means some sounds are too loud while others may be difficult to hear. This is rectified when the hearing aid user adjusts the volume.

Audiologist – a Masters ( MS ) or Doctorate ( AuD ) level professional with an educational focus in hearing sciences and hearing disorders.

Background Noise – generally refers to the presence of other sound in an environment that is not the speech one is trying to hear.

Band – a range of frequencies that can be adjusted in a hearing independent of other frequencies

Bandwidth – the total area of frequency that a hearing amplifies generally from about 125Hz to 5500KHz

Battery – the power source for a hearing aid

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
These aids sit behind your ear and are connected to an ear mold placed inside your ear via tubing. BTE devices are fastened on the ear with an ear hook and the ear molds are custom made to fit the user's ear. BTE hearing aids are known for being robust and durable. They are practical in that they have the ability to produce a lot of power.

Cochlea – small snail shaped organ in which sound is processed and then sent to the brain.

Cochlear Implant – type of hearing devise which part of is surgically connected to the cochlea and embedded in the skull. The other part is plugged into the port in the skull and contains the hearing aid portion.

Completely in the Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
The whole hearing aid is placed completely inside the canal. CICs are extremely tiny in size and are almost invisible. Some people due to their canal shape or size are unable to wear these types of devices.

Digital Hearing Aid
Launched in the United States in mid 1990's, many believe that the digital system has revolutionized hearing. Digital translates sound to digital code, changes it and re-transmits it back by using mathematical calculations. This relatively new technology has revolutionized hearing devices by duplicating sound transmission. Digital technology is praised for producing a quality sound that has increased accuracy.

Ear Canal – channel on the side of the head that the pinna directs sound down to the eardrum.

Hearing test – series of tests performed with an audiometer that measures a persons hearing loss based on subjective response.

Hearing Loss – any reduction of a persons ability to hear sound below a sound level of 25 decibels between the ranges of 250 Hertz and 8000 Hertz. (see Decibel, Frequency, and Hertz)

In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
These are placed in ones ear. They are often used by those who suffer moderate hearing loss. Some people who have extremely small ears may not find these models suitable.

In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
ITC aids are placed inside the canal. They are often larger and slightly more visible than CIC devices. Some people due to their canal shape or size are unable to wear these types of devices.

Middle Ear Implants (MEI)
A device is planted into the middle ear through surgery. The implant works in conjunction with an external case that can be worn behind the ear or sometimes in the ear. The process works by vibrating the bones in the middle ear. MEI implants work well because they keep the ear canal and ear unblocked. MEI candidates can have a mild to profound loss of sensorineural hearing.

Mixed Hearing Loss - a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Mild Hearing Loss (20 -40 decibels) where the softest sound perceptible at any frequency tested falls between 20 – 40 decibels.

Moderate Hearing Loss (40-60 decibels) where the softest sound perceptible at any frequency tested falls between 40 – 60 decibels.

Open Ear Hearing Aid – a hearing aid designed to fit over the ear with a thin tube or wire running into the ear, and a small, soft plastic tip. The tip has holes to keep from blocking the ear canal so that the user does not feel plugged. Open Ear hearing aids are primarily used for high frequency hearing loss.

Profound Hearing Loss (over 80 decibels) where the softest sound perceptible at any frequency tested falls at 80 decibels or worse.

Progressive Hearing Loss – a hearing loss that becomes progressively worse over time.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss – hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathway from the cochlea to the brain.

Severe Hearing Loss (60-80 decibels) where the softest sound perceptible at any frequency tested falls between 60 – 80 decibels.
-Stable Hearing Loss – a hearing loss that has not changed for several years.

Sudden Hearing Loss – a hearing loss that occurs with a rapid onset requiring immediate medical treatment.

Symmetrical Hearing Loss – hearing loss that is the same or very similar in both ears.

T-Switch or Telecoil
Telecoils are optional on most hearing aids and assist in telephone conversations. The T-switch or telecoil is a small wire inserted into a hearing aid. The telecoil is used to improve telephone communication and it can be used with other assistive devices to enhance television and stereo enjoyment.

Unilateral Hearing Loss – hearing loss in only one ear.


 

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