EXAM 2 STUDYGUIDE

Hearing Aid

An electronic device that amplifies sound for individuals with hearing loss.

Degree and Type of Hearing Loss

Factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid.

Components of Hearing Aid

Microphone, amplifier, receiver, volume control, and battery.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid

Suitable for children with mild to profound hearing loss, utilizing tubing and ear molds.

Receiver in the Canal (RIC) Hearing Aid

A popular type of hearing aid that amplifies high frequencies and connects to Bluetooth.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid

A customizable and discreet hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid

A very discreet hearing aid suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Maximum Power Output (MPO)

The greatest amount of sound pressure a hearing aid can produce.

Gain in Hearing Aids

The amount of volume or intensity added to the original sound.

Electroacoustic Analysis

A process to ensure hearing aids make soft sounds audible and loud sounds tolerable.

Real Ear Measurement

An objective fitting process that measures sound levels in the ear to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.

Functional Gain

Evaluating hearing aids by measuring the difference in hearing ability with and without the device.

Ling 6 Sounds

A set of sounds used in hearing assessments: ah, oo, eee, sh, sss, mm.

Speech Reading

Using visual cues from lip movements and facial expressions to enhance understanding of speech.

Communication Strategies

Techniques that help improve communication, including assertive and anticipatory strategies.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

Technological devices that help individuals hear better in various situations.

Cochlear Implant

A surgically implanted device that stimulates the 8th nerve directly to help those with severe hearing loss.

Candidacy for Cochlear Implants

Typically for patients with limited benefit from hearing aids and severe to profound hearing loss.

Hearing Aid

An electronic device designed to amplify sound, making it more accessible for individuals experiencing hearing loss. This amplification helps improve communication and overall auditory perception.

Degree and Type of Hearing Loss

Critical factors to consider when selecting an appropriate hearing aid. The degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe, profound) and the type (sensorineural, conductive, mixed) influence the choice of hearing aid style and technology.

Components of Hearing Aid

The main parts of a hearing aid include: a microphone to capture sound, an amplifier to increase the sound's intensity, a receiver to deliver the amplified sound to the ear, a volume control for adjusting loudness, and a battery to power the device.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid

A type of hearing aid where the components are housed in a case that sits behind the ear. It connects to the ear via tubing and a custom-molded earpiece. BTEs are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to profound, and are often used for children due to their durability and ability to accommodate growing ears.

Receiver in the Canal (RIC) Hearing Aid

A hearing aid style where the receiver (speaker) is placed in the ear canal, allowing for a smaller housing behind the ear. RIC hearing aids are known for their ability to amplify high frequencies effectively and often come with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming and control.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid

A type of hearing aid that fits entirely within the outer ear. ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit the individual's ear shape and are typically used for mild to moderate hearing loss. They offer a balance of amplification and discretion.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid

The smallest type of custom hearing aid, fitting entirely within the ear canal. CIC hearing aids are very discreet but are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Their small size can sometimes limit features and battery life.

Maximum Power Output (MPO)

The highest level of sound pressure that a hearing aid can produce, measured in decibels (dB). Proper MPO settings are crucial to ensure that loud sounds are tolerable and do not cause discomfort or further hearing damage.

Gain in Hearing Aids

The amount of amplification, measured in decibels (dB), that a hearing aid adds to the original sound. Gain settings are adjusted to compensate for an individual's hearing loss, making soft sounds audible while keeping louder sounds comfortable.

Electroacoustic Analysis

A set of objective measurements performed on a hearing aid to verify its performance against manufacturer specifications. This analysis ensures that the hearing aid is functioning correctly, providing appropriate gain, and limiting output to safe levels.

Real Ear Measurement

A fitting process where a probe microphone is used to measure sound levels inside the ear canal while the hearing aid is in place. This objective measurement helps audiologists fine-tune the hearing aid settings to match the individual's hearing loss and ear acoustics, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.

Functional Gain

A method of evaluating the effectiveness of hearing aids by comparing an individual's hearing thresholds with and without the devices. Functional gain measures the improvement in hearing ability provided by the hearing aids in real-world listening situations.

Ling 6 Sounds

A set of six phonemes (/ɑ/, /u/, /i/, /ʃ/, /s/, /m/) that represent the speech spectrum. These sounds are used in hearing assessments to check a child's ability to detect and discriminate sounds across different frequencies, which is essential for speech and language development.

Speech Reading

A technique that involves using visual cues, such as lip movements, facial expressions, and body language, to better understand spoken communication. Speech reading can be particularly helpful for individuals with hearing loss, as it supplements auditory information with visual cues.

Communication Strategies

Techniques used to enhance communication effectiveness, especially for individuals with hearing loss. Assertive strategies involve clearly expressing one's needs and preferences, while anticipatory strategies include preparing for communication situations and minimizing potential barriers.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

A variety of devices designed to improve hearing in specific situations, such as classrooms, theaters, or meetings. ALDs can include FM systems, infrared systems, and induction loop systems, which reduce background noise and enhance the clarity of speech signals.

Cochlear Implant

A surgically implanted electronic device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants are used for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids.

Candidacy for Cochlear Implants

The criteria for determining whether an individual is a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant. Typically, candidates have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears and demonstrate limited benefit from hearing aids. Other factors, such as age, overall health, and motivation, are also considered.