Hearing Health Glossary

Understanding hearing-related terms can help you make informed decisions about your hearing care. Below are common terms explained in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Audiologist

A licensed hearing healthcare professional trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists perform hearing tests and fit hearing aids.

Audiogram

A visual graph that shows the results of a hearing test. It displays the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies and helps determine the degree of hearing loss.

Decibel (dB)

A unit used to measure the intensity or loudness of sound. The higher the decibel level, the louder the sound.

Frequency

The pitch of a sound, measured in Hertz (Hz). High frequencies sound like whistles or birds chirping, while low frequencies sound like drums or thunder.

Hearing Aid

A small electronic device worn in or behind the ear that amplifies sound to improve hearing ability for individuals with hearing loss.

Tinnitus

A condition characterized by ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears without an external source. It can vary in intensity and duration.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The most common type of permanent hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

A medical doctor specializing in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. They diagnose and treat medical causes of hearing loss.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds such as machinery, concerts, or firearms.

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