Understanding Hearing Care

Audiogram
An audiogram is a graphic record produced by audiometry. It measures decibels (how loud something is) in relation to hertz (how frequently a sound wave cycles in a second). An audiogram is created by specialists at CCMC Hearing care to diagnose types of hearing loss.
Audiology
Audiology is the branch of science and medicine concerned with the sense of hearing. It is the study of hearing, balance, and related disorders.
Audiometry
Audiometry is a branch of audiology. It is the measurement of the range and sensitivity of a person's sense of hearing. Audiologists use a tool called an audiometer, which is used to create an audiogram.
Auditory Training
Sometimes referred to as audiologic rehabilitation, auditory training can help people with hearing loss utilize the hearing ability they have maintained. This training includes distinguishing between sounds, lip reading, and interpreting body language.
Decibels
Decibels are the units used to measure the volume of a sound.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition where one or both of the ears experience sound not created by an external sound, usually characterized as a ringing in the ears.
Ototoxic
If something is ototoxic, it means it's toxic to your ears. Ototoxic substances can damage the inner ear. Some medicines and over the counter pain killers can be ototoxic.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of gradual hearing loss caused by damage to the cells and/or nerves in the ear.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is when sound waves can't reach the inner ear. It can be caused by infection, trauma to the ear, or a blockage. Conductive hearing loss can often be reversed, or partially reversed, with the right treatment.
Congenital Hearing Loss
Congenital hearing loss is hearing loss that a person is born with. There are many different causes, including genetic factors, infections, or premature birth. It's important to diagnose hearing loss in newborns because it can affect their development.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the other types. For example, a person could have sensorineural hearing loss and also have an infection in the inner ear, causing conductive hearing loss.
Unilateral Hearing Loss
The hearing loss is in one ear.
Bilateral Hearing Loss
The hearing loss is in both ears.
Pre-Lingual Hearing Loss
The hearing loss started before learning to talk.
Post-Lingual Hearing Loss
The hearing loss started after learning too talk.
Symmetrical Hearing Loss
The hearing loss is the same in both ears.
Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
The hearing loss is different in both ears.
Progressive Hearing Loss
The hearing loss happened gradually over time.
Sudden Hearing Loss
The hearing loss was sudden.
Stable Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that stays the same.
Fluctuating Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that changes frequently, getting better or worse.