L 9 Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears

Astigmatism

(ah-STIG-mah-tizm)

A condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea.

Audiometry

(aw-dee-OM-eh-tree)

The use of an audiometer to measure hearing acuity.

Barotrauma

(bar-oh-TRAW-mah)

Pressure-related ear discomfort that is often caused by changes in air pressure.

Cataract

(KAT-ah-rakt)

The loss of transparency of the lens that causes a progressive loss of visual clarity.

Cochlear implant

(KOCK-lee-ar)

An electronic device implanted behind the ear to restore certain hearing losses.

Diplopia

(dih-PLOH-pee-ah)

The perception of two images of a single object.

Glaucoma

(glaw-KOH-mah)

A group of diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure that causes damage to the retinal nerve fibers and to the optic nerve.

Hemianopia

(hem-ee-ah-NOH-pee-ah)

Blindness in one half of the visual field.

Hyperopia

(high-per-OH-pee-ah)

A defect in which light rays focus beyond the retina (also known as farsightedness).

Myopia

(my-OH-pee-ah)

A defect in which light rays focus in front of the retina (also known as nearsightedness).

Nystagmus

(nis-TAG-mus)

Involuntary, constant, rhythmic movement of the eyeball.

Ophthalmoscopy

(ahf-thal-MOS-koh-pee)

The visual examination of the fundus of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

Optometrist

(op-TOM-eh-trist)

Specializes in measuring the accuracy of vision to determine whether corrective lenses are needed.

Otitis media

(oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah)

An inflammation of the middle ear.

Otomycosis

(oh-toh-my-KOH-sis)

Fungal infection of the external auditory canal.

Otopyorrhea

(oh-toh-pye-oh-REE-ah)

Flow of pus from the ear.

Otorrhea

(oh-toh-REE-ah)

Any discharge from the ear.

Periorbital edema

Swelling surrounding the eye or eyes.

Photophobia

(foh-toh-FOH-bee-ah)

Excessive sensitivity to light that can be the result of migraines, excessive wearing of contact lenses, drug use, or inflammation.

Presbycusis

(pres-beh-KOO-sis)

Gradual loss of sensorineural hearing that occurs as the body ages.

Presbyopia

(pres-bee-OH-pee-ah)

The common changes in the eye that occur with aging.

Radial keratotomy

(ker-ah-TOT-ah-mee)

The surgical procedure to correct myopia by making incisions partially through the cornea, causing it to flatten.

Strabismus

(strah-BIZ-mus)

Disorder in which the eyes point in different directions or are not aligned correctly.

Tinnitus

(tih-NIGH-tus)

A ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in one or both ears.

Tonometry

(toh-NOM-eh-tree)

The measurement of intraocular pressure.

Vertigo

(VER-tih-goh)

Sense of whirling, dizziness, and the loss of balance, that often is combined with nausea and vomiting.