Glossary of terms
This page provides explanations for many of the technical terms and bits of
jargon relating to deafness you might encounter.
Glossary
Pease note: This is not a complete or comprehensive glossary of audiology and medical terms. It includes some of the technical and often unfamiliar terms that you may hear used in connection with your child’s deafness.
If you happen to come across any other terms that are not clear, ask your audiologist or ENT consultant for a full explanation of what the term means – or contact us for an explanation.
A
Acoustic reflex
The reflex caused by the involuntary contraction of a muscle attached to the eardrum which occurs when a loud sound is heard. This reflex can be measured by an audiologist to aid in diagnosing deafness.
Air-bone gap
This is the difference (or gap) between the two lines showing air-conduction and bone-conduction hearing test results plotted on an audiogram. An air-bone gap – i.e. a difference between the air-conduction and bone- conduction test results – indicates problems somewhere in your outer and/or middle ears (see Mixed Hearing Loss).
B
Behavioural Observation Audiometry
Observation of a baby’s responses to sound which is often monitored from the time aids are fitted. This is generally seen by changes in facial expression, specifically eyebrow furrowing, eye widening or stilling to sound. This is the first type of measurement of aided benefit and tends to occur before a child is developmentally ready for more formal testing.