Term
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Definition
| When we hear through the entire ear system, the sound is conducted by air. If there is a problem within the outer ear or middle ear system, then the conduction of sound is partially blocked and we cannot hear as well, the sound is attenuated. When there is such a problem, we call it a conductive hearing loss. |
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Term
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Definition
| When there is no problem in conducting the sound through the outer ear or middle ear, however, there is a problem in the inner ear, then the nerve is affected. This is called a sensori-neural hearing loss. That is because we did not know if it was the sensory (cochlear) or neural (retrocochlear) system affected without further testing. |
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Term
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Definition
| When there is both a problem in the conductive mechanism (outer and middle ear) as well as a problem in the nerve, we have both types of hearing loss |
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Term
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Definition
| This is a whole other type of hearing loss. There really is not hearing loss, even though the individual says there is. Other names for this are functional hearing loss, malingering, non-organic hearing loss. |
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Term
| Auditory Nervous System Impairments |
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Definition
This occurs with disease or damage to the auditory nervous system and may or may not be accompanied by physical hearing loss.
A. Retrocochlear (due to a change in neural structure and function such as what is caused by a space-occupying lesion (like an acoustic neuroma) or by stroke. The more peripheral the lesion, the more impact on auditory function, the more central the lesion, the less impact on auditory function.
B. APD (auditory processing disorder): When the problem is from a developmental disorder or diffuse changes, such as auditory processing disorder in children or central changes from the aging process, then we have Auditory Procession Disorder. There may be ADD, LD, and language problems. These may exhibit as receptive language processing disorders or may be neuropsychological disorders (auditory attention and auditory memory – deficits in cognitive ability). In the elderly, this is due to neural degeneration. In children, it is generally idiopathic. |
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Term
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Definition
a. place the fork stem midline on the forehead
b. ask where they hear the sound
c. Depending on where they hear it (lateralization), we can
make certain assumptions:
i. midline = normal or symmetrical hearing loss (sensori-neural or conductive)
ii.lateralize = conductive hearing loss, unilateral sensori-neural hearing loss; if the loss is conductive, the tone is louder in the poorer ear, if the loss is sensori-neural, the sound is louder in the better ear. |
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Term
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Definition
a. place the fork stem on the mastoid bone
b. as you close off the ear by pressing on the tragus, ask them if it is louder, softer, or the same when you close the ear
c. if they say:
i.louder – then hearing is normal or sensori-neural hearing loss
ii. the same – then the problem is conductive |
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Term
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Definition
compares length of time tone is perceived by air conduction versus bone conduction
a. alternate holding a vibrating tuning fork against the mastoid versus next to the entrance to the ear
b. ask them where the sound is heard longer:
c. if they say:
i.same amount of time for both – hearing is normal or there is a sensori-neural hearing loss (positive Rinne)
ii. heard longer on the mastoid – there is a conductive hearing loss (negative Rinne) |
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Term
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Definition
a. compares examiner’s hearing and patient’s hearing
b. place the fork stem on the mastoid and alternate between examiner and patient
c. when the patient no longer hears the tone, the examiner places it on his/her mastoid
d. If:
i. both stop hearing at the same time, the hearing is normal
ii.patient stops hearing before the examiner, then it is a diminished Schwabach and there is a sensori-neural hearing loss
iii.if they not only hear as long as the examiner but beyond the examiner (prolonged Schwabach), there is probably a conductive hearing loss |
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Term
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Definition
congenital malformation of the auricle
This may not affect hearing in any significant way, however it may affect sound localization and affect the acoustics of how we are accustomed to listening to sound. Also remember, when there is a craniofacial anomaly, there may be other abnormalities linked to it. |
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Term
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Definition
Similar to microtia but the opposite, it is a congenital
condition of excessive enlargement of the auricle. Again, this may not affect hearing in any significant way. They may be made smaller surgically. |
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Term
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Definition
another congenital malformation, primarily of the ear canal. At
some point, the ear canal is closed off. There may be no problems past the point of closure or there may be other accompanying abnormalities such as congenital ossicular malformations. This will cause a significant conductive hearing loss if the sensory mechanism is intact which may be corrected through the surgical opening of an ear canal, assuming all structures of the middle ear are present and normal. |
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Term
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Definition
another condition that is usually congenital, it is a narrowing
of the ear canal. Again this may or may not affect hearing. It does often cause wax to build up in the individual. Sometimes the ear canal is widened surgically. It may also occur later in life as the body changes |
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Term
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Definition
an accumulation of wax in the ear canal. It causes
a conductive hearing loss of varying degrees from 15dB to as much as 60dB. A good cleaning should take care of the problem. |
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Term
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Definition
this is an infection of the ear canal or auricle. There
may be inflammation, bacteria, or even fungal growth. The most common type known is “swimmer’s ear”. This can be treated by the physician. Hearing loss, if any, is conductive and when the inflammation is gone, hearing returns to normal. |
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Term
| CARCINOMA OF THE AURICLE (Basal/Squamous Cell) |
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Definition
| There are various types of cell carcinoma that may occur such as basal call, epidermoid, and squamous cell. This must be treated or it can spread. Sometimes the external portion with this problem is surgically removed. As with the above disorders, this may or may not cause hearing loss, however, important acoustic information dependent on the shape of the auricle may be lost. |
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Term
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Definition
| Rounded hard bony nodule growing from the osseous portion of the EAM and caused by extended exposure to cold water. Usually wide base, usually bilateral, history of exposure to cold, can occlude the ear canal, not round |
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Term
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Definition
skin covered by bone growth, usually round, narrow base,
Usually unilateral, skin covered, may obstruct normal migration of squamous epithelium outward |
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Term
| TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION |
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Definition
this is a hole of the eardrum. It
may occur due to spontaneous bursting due to otitis media, a foreign object being pushed though the canal too far, or even due to a trauma such as extreme changes in pressure or jumping into a pool on the side. Hearing loss may or may not occur, depending on the cause. If there is hearing loss, it will be conductive. There may be pain and even dizziness. Sometimes it will heal on its own. Sometimes a paper patch is used. If this doesn’t work, an graft may be placed to replace the damaged membrane. |
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Term
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Definition
This is one of the most common childhood problems. It
will cause a conductive hearing loss. The most common type is OM with effusion. Without effusion, there is just inflammation. Purulent effusion has pus and mucoid effusion thick and mucuslike. It can be acute or chronic or recurrent. Depending on type and duration, this can cause educational problems. While the child has OM, there is usually some conductive hearing loss. If left untreated, it can become permanent and become sensori-neural. Usually, antibiotics are used and if this does not help, then a myringotomy and placement of ventilation tube may be needed. |
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Term
| EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION |
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Definition
This tube allows for pressure
equalization between the ME and the outside. If it becomes restricted due to swelling, or even because of the small, torturous curvature of young children, then oxygen or fluid can be trapped. First, with oxygen, the pressure is negative, much like being on a plane and not equalizing. If left uncheck and to persist, then this can lead into a bout of OM. ET dysfunction may or may not cause a conductive hearing loss. If the negative pressure persists, then skin cells can become trapped in a pocket and cause a cholesteatoma. |
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Term
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Definition
This occurs when there is a sudden, extreme change in
atmospheric pressure, whether due to diving and coming up too quickly or as occurs when an airplane is descending. Even if the change is not extreme, if the ET is not functioning correctly, this can still occur. Extreme negative middle ear pressure may be observed. If any hearing loss occurs, it will be conductive. If not corrected, it can become an otitis media. Treatment may include nasal sprays and decongestants |
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Term
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Definition
This is the most common tumor of the middle ear. It may occur on the jugular bulb, in the middle ear, or along the vagus nerve. It is a heavy vascular supply of cells that arises in the middle ear near the jugular bulb and may cause pulsatile tinnitus. It is bluish in color. It may cause a conductive hearing loss and if untreated, can press on the cochlea causing a reduction in oxygen getting to the cochlea and thus resulting in a mixed hearing loss. Depending on the
location, there may also be facial nerve paralysis. Hearing loss maybe anything and the most common treatment is surgery |
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Term
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Definition
This is a stiffness of the ossicles in the middle ear. It
usually affects the stapes and it is usually hereditary. If a female does not exhibit this before childbirth, it may often rear its head when she is pregnant. It is usually hereditary and more often in women. It is characterized by resorption of bone and then new, spongy formations occur about the footplate of the stapes and where it attaches to the oval window. The cure is surgical. They may chip away and free the stapes or place a prosthesis so the ossicular chain moves and transmits sound again. Hearing loss often begins as a low frequency conductive hearing loss and may become a flat conductive hearing loss across all frequencies. |
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Term
| DISARTICULATION OF OSSICULAR CHAIN |
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Definition
Also known as a discontinuity.
There is a separation somewhere in the ossicular chain causing a separation within the chain. This may occur in the incus, in the incudostapedial joint, in the crura of the stapes, or even of the malleus. The result would be a conductive hearing loss. Again, surgical treatment would be necessary. Hearing aids might be selected instead. |
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Term
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Definition
This can occur due to aging or as a change in the
structure of the tympanic membrane due to chronic otitis media. White plaques are formed on the TM and cause an increased stiffening of the TM. Depending on the severity, conductive hearing loss can occur. This is usually a surgical treatment. |
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Term
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Definition
This can occur following chronic OM or due to a
chronic retraction pocket of the TM. A pocket of cells form and results in a growth. If unchecked, it can erode through the bones of the skull. Adhesions can grow on the ossicles. It may or may not cause a conductive hearing loss, depending on the side and extent of the growth. It must be removed surgically but should be watched as it is not unusual for it to recur. There is also congenital cholesteatomas which must also be removed. |
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Term
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Definition
Gradually decreasing hearing due to the aging process.
Mostly affects those over age 65 with sensori-neural hearing loss. Other issues during the normal lifetime may exacerbate this such as noise exposure, reduced oxygen due to vascular disease, medications, etc. Usually begins as a sloping hearing loss with most hearing loss in the higher frequencies. Hearing aids are the only solution. |
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Term
| NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS/ACOUSTIC TRAUMA |
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Definition
| Continual exposure to loud noises over long periods of time without ear protection will cause a sensori-neural hearing loss. This may also occur from a one-time blast of extremely loud noise near the ear. Shorter exposures may cause something called TTS (temporary threshold shift) such as after a concert, when the hearing is muffled but eventually returns to normal. When it no longer returns to normal it becomes PTS (permanent threshold shift). Use of ear protectors to avoid loud noise and hearing aids if desired are the only solutions. |
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Term
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Definition
| This is a congenital infection and it induces a sensori-neural hearing loss. This is the leading cause of congenital hearing loss that is not genetic and it usually transmitted in utero. It may be of delayed onset, it may be progressive, it may be asymmetrical. The mother may not even know she has this as she may think she only has a cold. Hearing aids or cochlear implant and appropriate educational placement are the treatments. |
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Term
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Definition
| this is due to a viral infection and usually affects the child in utero during the first trimester. In the 60’s, this was the leading cause of nongenetic congenital sensori-neural hearing loss in infants and the one of the prime factors for the development of all the educational laws, including inclusion and mainstreaming that have occurred since. As with CMV, hearing aids, CI, and appropriate educational placement are the treatments. |
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Term
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Definition
| A venereal disease which can affect hearing during the more advanced stages if left untreated. It can be transmitted in utero from an infected mother and may result in progressive sensori-neural hearing loss. In adults, during the later stages of syphilis, the hearing will deteriorate both sensory-wise and neurally. Hearing aids and antibiotics such as penicillin if it is not too late are the treatments. |
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Term
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Definition
| Sensori-neural hearing loss caused by drugs and chemicals that are toxic to the ear. It may also affect the vestibular system. It is usually permanent but in the case of aspirin and quinine, it may be reversible. For the majority, hearing aids or CI will be the only solutions. The following are the main causes of ototoxicity. |
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Term
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Definition
| Bacterial infection may cause inflammagion of the cochlea or labyrinth. The meninges become inflamed. It may cause total deafness, it may be asymmetrical. If early treatment with corticosteroids is initiated, it may arrest the hearing loss before it becomes severe. Hearing aids, CI, and educational placement are the final outcomes. |
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Term
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Definition
Also caused by infection, the vestibular labyrinth
becomes inflames and may produce vertigo, with or without hearing loss. It may be transient or may become toxic and become permanent along with hearing loss. In the more severe form, the membranous labyrinth of the cochlea is usually affected and hearing loss is permanent. Hearing aids would be suggested. |
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Term
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Definition
aka Ransay Hunt syndrome. Caused by the
chicken pox virus and often occurs in older people or when there is extreme stress. Must have had the chicken pox when younger. Causes little pimple-like eruptions that are very painful, may cause facial nerve paralysis, dizziness, and sensori-neural hearing loss. Medical treatment and hearing aids if necessary are the treatments. |
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Term
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Definition
often used synonymously with endolymphatic
hydrops. There is excessive fluid in the cochlea and the vestibular labyrinth and symptoms include fullness in the ear, reduced hearing, roaring in the ear and vertigo. Cochlear Meniere’s may only have fluctuating hearing loss without the vertigo and vestibular Meniere’s may have the extreme vertigo without the hearing loss. Over time, any hearing loss may become permanent and be progressive. Often, patients are told to watch their diet, avoid salt and caffeine, and are given diuretics. When hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids may be suggested. |
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Term
| AUDITORY NEUROPATHY/DYS-SYNCHRONY |
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Definition
this is a condition in which
the patient displays auditory characteristics that support normal outer
hair cell function and abnormal or sys-synchronous responses from the
8th nerve and brainstem. So the site of dysfunction is between the OHC
and brainstem. Auditory test will be normal, the OAE will be normal,
and the ABR will be abnormal or absent. Speech recognition will be
poor in noise but in quiet it is variable, may be slightly or greatly reduced. |
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Term
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Definition
A disorder in which the body produced antibodies that attacks itself, one common example being rheumatoid arthritis.
May affect the auditory system and may be characterized by bilateral,
progressive, sensori-neural hearing loss. Treatment would be hearing aids or CI. |
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Term
| BENIGN POSITIONAL PAROXYSMAL VERTIGO (BPPV) |
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Definition
| a form of dizziness characterized by latency of onset when in a certain position, severe vertigo for seconds, transiency, and fatigability. It is the most common cause of dizziness in the elderly but may occur due to head trauma, cold, whiplash, etc. Otoliths made of calcium carbonate crystals are not reabsorbed into the body and float in the semicircular canals, causing temporary vertigo when the head is turned toward the side with the excess. This may be cured with a canalith repositioning maneuvers. |
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Term
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Definition
a genetic syndrome with the following as
the most common characteristics – white forelock, multi-colored iris, with displacement of medial canthi, hearing loss. The hearing loss may be unilateral or bilaterally, may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, may be of any degree. Hearing aids would be helpful. |
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Term
| BOR (BRACHIO-OTO-RENAL SYNDROME) |
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Definition
these may have brachial
clefts, fistulas, cysts, renal malformation. There may be preauricular tags. It is also possible to have hearing loss whether conductive, sensori-neural, or mixed. Hearing aids would be the treatment.
******no hearing loss associated with BPPV |
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Term
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Definition
CHARGE stands for Colomboma, Heart disease,
Atresia Choanae (nasal cavity), Retarded growth, Genital Hypoplasia, and Ear anomalies. The ear anomalies may cause any type of hearing loss, conductive, sensori-nerual, or mixed. Depending on the child is how the hearing loss will be handled but usually with hearing aids. |
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Term
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Definition
This is a recessive genetic disorder of the
endocrine metabolism. There may be goiter and congenital hearing loss. The loss is generally symmetrical, moderate to profound, sensori-neural. Treated with hearing aids. |
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Term
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Definition
This is also a recessive genetic disorder. There is usually hearing loss that is sensori-neural as well as retinitis pigmentosa causing a progressive loss of vision. Again, the hearing loss may be
treated with hearing aids. |
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Term
| TREACHER-COLLINS SYNDROME |
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Definition
Rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial abnormalities, underdevelopment of certain bones of the head. Many involve the ear, mostly malformation of the external ear
and middle ear structures, including atresia. 40% are autosomal dominant inheritance but 60% are likely new mutations. Most hearing loss will be conductive. |
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Term
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Definition
| A noise in the ears or head, usually described as crickets, whistle, steam, sometimes a roaring, but may also be voices. May accompany middle ear, cochlear, or even CANS disorders. If there is hearing loss, a hearing aid often helps. Sometimes maskers, TRT, or Neuromonics device, or other devices help retrain the brain so this becomes a nonissue. Within this family of disorders may also be found HYPERACUSIS and a new one – MISOPHONIA |
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Term
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Definition
| – some localized area is denied its normal blood supply because of occlusion of an artery or drainage from a vein. When blood supply is denied to an area servicing the ear, an auditory disorder can occur, whether sensory, neural, or both. Hearing aids if possible would be recommended. |
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Term
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Definition
| In this disorder, the myelin sheaths of the nerves are disrupted causing scattered areas of demyelination of white matter within the nervous system. If the auditory nervous system is affected, then there an be hearing disorder of any degree with speech perception problems. The problem is retrocochlear. Hearing aids may or may not be helpful. Medical management through medication may sometimes arrest and even reverse the plaques. |
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Term
| ACOUSTIC NEUROMA (AKA COCLEOVESTIUBLAR SCHWANNOMA) |
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Definition
| The most common growth affecting the auditory nerve. It is always benign and may or may not cause hearing loss, depending on the size. They are most often unilateral and often develop from the vestibular branch of the VIIIth nerve. There may be tinnitus, hearing loss, unsteadiness, difficulty understanding words, etc. They are bilateral for those suffering from NFII. If very small they may be watched, if surgically removed, the hearing is generally lost, or the newer treatment using the Gamma Knife may be used and then the area is monitored for necrosis of the tumor over time. This is one way the hearing can be preserved if it had not been affected. |
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Term
| CPA TUMOR (CEREBELLOPONTINE ANGLE TUMOR) |
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Definition
| This is a tumor arising in the angle between the cerebellum and pons where the VIIIth nerve enters the brainstem. If large enough and presses on the nerve, then again hearing loss may occur, and may be sensory, neural or both. Hearing aids could be used. |
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Term
| CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (STROKE) |
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Definition
| This is caused by an interruption of the blood supply to the brain resulting in sudden loss of function from that portion that was damaged. Hearing may or may not be affected but usually not. Sometimes there may be problems understanding words. |
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Term
| DIABETIC CRANIAL NEUROPATHY |
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Definition
| Diabetes mellitus is an insufficiency of insulin with complications that include neuropathy and degenerative alterations of blood vessels. This may attach all systems and may re with vestibular and auditory disorders. Generally, the auditory disorder is retrocochlear (neural).Hearing aids may or may not help. |
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Term
| AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDERS |
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Definition
This may exhibit in multiple
symptoms. It may be merely a mild problem understanding the teacher in a noisy class to having problems even listening at home. It may be accompanied by distractibility and behavioral issues. There may be problems following directions and there may be reading and spelling problems. The elderly also tend to experience this problem manifesting as they individual having greater difficulty understanding words than would be indicated from the audiogram (phonemic regression). While there may be some benefit with hearing aid use, other programs and therapy that train to listen in noise or react more quickly may be helpful. |
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Term
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Definition
| refers to abnormal or reduced function; the actual dysfunction described by the measures of hearing status. |
|
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Term
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Definition
| refers to a functional limitation imposed by a hearing impairment |
|
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Term
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Definition
| refers to the obstacles to psychosocial function resulting from or imposed by a disability |
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Term
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Definition
the instrument by which we measure
hearing. It measures frequency, intensity, and speech. It runs from –10dBHL to 120dBHL for intensity and measures from 125Hz – 12000Hz in frequency. Some special audiometers, known as high frequency audiometers, may measure up to 20000Hz. It also produces broad-band noise, speech noise, and narrow-band noise. May also direct signals from an external CD player or tape recorder for speech testing or use a microphone for monitored live voice. |
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Term
| Oscillator/ Frequency dial |
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Definition
| generates pure tones at discrete frequencies and controlled by frequency dial. |
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Term
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Definition
| the switch that may keep a sound on or keeps the sound off until pressed; controls duration of sound. |
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Term
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Definition
| changes the intensity of the signal – usually in 5dB steps, some may be even smaller |
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Term
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Definition
| changes the frequency of the signal |
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Term
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Definition
| changes from air conduction to bone conduction to speech, etc. |
|
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Term
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Definition
| monitors output of the oscillator, microphone, or auxiliary items such as tape or CD player |
|
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Term
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Definition
| The device that converts one form of energy to another such as acoustical or vibratory. These may include earphones (insert or supraaural), loudspeakers, or bone conduction vibrators |
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Term
| ANSI – American National Standards Institute |
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Definition
| the governing body that sets the standard for audiometers, hearing aid specifications, etc. These may change. The current standard is ANSI 1996, prior to this was ANSI, 1969. An association of specialists, manufacturers, & consumers that determines standards for measuring instruments, including audiometers. They are the specs by which our equipment is calibrated. |
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Term
| ISO – International Standards Organization |
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Definition
another standard
used but not usually in the US, usually in Europe. |
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Term
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Definition
The level at which the patient can just barely detect
the signal correctly 50% of the time. This is the same for pure tones and speech; air conduction and bone conduction; the “just-audible” concept |
|
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Term
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Definition
| The hearing test as measured through supra-aural or insert earphones, tests the entire auditory system. |
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Term
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Definition
The hearing test via a bone vibrator, tests the nerve of hearing directly – may be felt due to bone oscillator vibration in those with severe hearing losses and usually occurs at 250Hz & 500Hz. This is called a vibrotactile
response. |
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Term
|
Definition
the introduction of a noise into the nontest ear as needed, usually when there is great asymmetry.
a.typically used for air conduction when the difference between ears is equal to or greater than 40 - 50dB
b.typically used for bone conduction when there is any difference between ears
c.typically used for speech when there is a difference between ears of 40 – 50dB or greater
Use 40dB with supra-aural headphones, 50dB with insert earphones, and 0dB for bone
***** bone conduction determines the type of hearing loss
Within 10 dcBLs it is going to be sensorineural |
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Term
| Hughson-Westlake “Ascending Method” or Hughson-Westlake technique |
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Definition
| the method by which we obtain threshold |
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Term
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Definition
this is an average by which to estimate the severity of the hearing loss:
a.the more common average is 500Hz, 1000Hz, and 2000Hz
b.now we often use 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, and 3000Hz for a more accurate representation in the presence of high frequency hearing loss.
c.Fletcher Average – when there is a precipitous drop at 1kHz, a Fletcher average may be more accurate, this is the best 2 frequency average so in this case you might average 250Hz in. |
|
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Term
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Definition
| when the intensity of the tone during bone conduction is increased due to the one of the ears being covered. Usually for 1000Hz and below. Does not occur in conductive hearing loss. |
|
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Term
| Vibrotactile response (VT) |
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Definition
| usually seen at 250Hz and 500Hz and the stimulus is felt as a vibration rather than hears; usually occurs primarily for bone conduction testing. |
|
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Term
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Definition
the difference between the air conduction and bone conduction
air conduction – bone conduction = air-bone gap |
|
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Term
|
Definition
the amount of reduction in intensity that occurs as a signal crosses over the head (is transmitted by bone conduction) from one ear to the other ear; the point at which the better ear begins to respond:
a.about 40 - 50dB for air conduction (depending on phones)
b.at 0dB for bone conduction
c.also the loss of intensity of a sound introduced to one ear and heard by the other. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
a way to remove the nontest ear from the test procedure when cross-hearing is suspected. The difference for air conduction is based on the BC of the better ear to the AC of the worse ear.
Noises used for pure tones are:
a.white noise
b. narrow band noise
For speech testing we use:
a.speech noise
b.pink noise |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| If the thresholds from the test ear exceed the bone conduction threshold of the nontest ear by the amount of minimum interaural attenuation, then masking MUST be used. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Always use masking in the non-test ear during bone conduction testing if there is any difference at all between ears. |
|
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Term
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Definition
the level where increased masking noise
will no longer result in a shift of threshold |
|
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Term
| Speech reception or recognition threshold (SRT) |
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Definition
| The lowest level at which speech can be detected or recognized. The minimum level where spondee words that they have been familiarized with can be correctly detected 50% of the time. AKA Speech detection threshold or speech recognition threshold |
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Term
| Speech recognition or discrimination |
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Definition
The percentage correct of 50 or 25 monosyllabic word lists presented at some level above the SRT, usually 30 – 40SL (SL meaning above the minimum hearing threshold of the spondee threshold).
The ability to perceive and recognize speech
Lets us know the prognosis with amplification. |
|
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Term
| Speech detection threshold (SDT) = Speech awareness threshold (SAT) |
|
Definition
lowest level at which a speech signal is
audible or detected 50% of the time; this is used when the individual cannot speak, has a profound hearing loss, or is a child who cannot communicate, this may be used in place of SRT if they cannot repeat spondees |
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Term
| MLV – monitored live voice |
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Definition
| the tester gives the words while monitoring their voice level through a VU meter |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| a cassette or CD is hooked up to the audiometer and the speech stimuli are delivered this way |
|
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Term
| Sound field testing (SF): |
|
Definition
| when the stimuli, whether speech or pure tone or noise, are delivered through speakers in the room. This maybe used to check the efficacy of hearing aids or to test children who won’t tolerate headphones. May also be used for localization for infants and toddlers. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| most comfortable listening level or most comfortable loudness level: |
|
|
Term
| UCL or ULL uncomfortable listening level or uncomfortable loudness level aka TD (threshold of discomfort) and LDL (loudness discomfort level): |
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Definition
| the level at which speech is uncomfortably loud. May also be done with pure tones. A normal ear should tolerate 90 – 100dB. If there are tolerance problems, it suggests a cochlear problem and it sets the limits of the hearing aid output. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| the difference between the SRT and the UCL is the range of useful hearing. |
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