The Ultimate Hearing Aid & Hearing Loss Glossary

Understanding the technical terms associated with hearing loss can be confusing. Let’s take a look at some of the key terms related to hearing loss, hearing aid types, and more in plain language.

The world of hearing aids and hearing health care can be confusing and often overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with some of the terminology common to these communities. Below, we’ve created a list of terms with clear explanations of the common terms you are likely to encounter when researching hearing solutions or discussing your condition with hearing care professionals.

A

Assistive Listening Device (ALD): Beyond standard hearing aids, ALDs are specialized tools or accessories for tasks like watching TV, making and receiving phone calls or engaging in public events. Many hearing professionals encourage ALDs to complement existing hearing aid use.

Audiogram: During your hearing test, our team of experts create detailed charts that can show you how your hearing performs at different frequencies. Each mark on an audiogram can point to exactly where your hearing may need support.

Audiologist: These university-trained hearing specialists hold advanced degrees in diagnosing and treating hearing problems. They often work alongside physicians to deliver comprehensive hearing care.

B

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids: Traditional yet sophisticated hearing devices that are designed to rest comfortably behind the ear when in use. Sound is collected and amplified by the device, then piped through a clear tube into the ear through a custom-fitted earmold.

BiCROS Hearing Aids: Ideal for individuals with single-sided deafness and some degree of hearing loss in their better ear, BiCROS (Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids amplify sound from both sides and route it to the better ear. This helps improve clarity and overall hearing, especially in complex listening environments.

Bluetooth: Recent hearing aid technology often includes wireless connections to phones and tablets, enabling wireless audio streaming. This direct streaming feature eliminates the need for users to carry additional devices.

C

Cochlear Implant: When traditional hearing aids aren’t quite enough to meet a user’s needs, these surgically implanted devices might be a good option for those suffering from the most profound level of hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which collect and then amplify sounds, cochlear implants work by directly stimulating the nerves responsible for hearing.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids: Small, discreet hearing aids designed to fit entirely inside the ear canal. CIC hearing aids are custom-made to match the shape of your ear canal, making them nearly invisible. They are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and are ideal for those seeking a minimalistic and private hearing solution.

Conductive Hearing Loss: This is a condition where sounds get blocked somewhere between your outer and middle ear. Unlike other types of hearing loss, like nerve-related hearing loss, doctors can often treat this condition through medical intervention.

CROS Hearing Aids: Designed for individuals with single-sided deafness, CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids, or crossover hearing aids, transmit sound from the ear with hearing loss to the ear with normal hearing. This allows users to hear sounds coming from all directions, even on the side where hearing is impaired.

D

Decibels (dB): Sound measurement units that help track safe listening levels. Whispering typically measures around 30 dBs, while lawnmowers and leaf blowers can often reach levels in excess of 90 dBs, where the dangers of long-term damage increase.

E

Earmold: Much like a fingerprint, each earmold is created using the unique measurements and dimensions of a user’s ear. Hearing professionals can create these custom pieces for optimal sound delivery and comfort, making devices that use them comfortable for extended use.

F

Feedback: Feedback is the unwanted whistling that often happens when sound leaks from a device and then gets re-amplified by it. Many modern hearing aids include special circuitry or programming to stop feedback before it becomes impactful.

H

Hearing Loss: Hearing loss is characterized by a reduction in hearing sensitivity that can range from slight to profound. Age, noise exposure, medications, or even genetics can contribute to changes in hearing. Because of the variety of complex causes, effective treatment and management typically requires professional intervention.

I

In-the-Ear (ITE) or In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids: These custom-crafted hearing devices are designed to fill the outer bowl of the ear, hence their name. These popular devices are good options for users suffering from mild to severe hearing loss.

N

Noise Reduction: In many hearing devices, the use of smart technology is able to separate speech from background noise. This feature is very common in modern hearing aids and can be particularly impactful in crowded places like restaurants.

M

Mixed Hearing Loss: Mixed hearing loss is, as the name suggests, a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can be the result of complex factors and requires professional assistance to treat.

R

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) Hearing Aids: These discreet devices work by placing a tiny speaker directly into your ear canal. This barely visible unit receives signal and is powered by the primary component which sits behind the ear.

Rechargeable Batteries: Increasingly, modern hearing aids are choosing to include rechargeable batteries that require daily charging, much like a cell phone or laptop might be. These batteries, which are typically composed of lithium-ion technology, are incredibly stable and can provide users with an easy method for keeping their devices in working order.

S

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Hearing loss as a result of inner ear or nerve pathway damage. This common type of hearing loss, while typically permanent, can be treated effectively using hearing aids and other assistive devices.

T

Tinnitus: Beyond hearing loss, many people also experience a sensation of ringing, buzzing or whooshing in their ears. Working with a professional can dramatically reduce the impact tinnitus can have on your daily life.

Z

Zinc-Air Batteries: These small, button-shaped batteries are activated when introduced to air, which reacts chemically with the zinc in the battery to produce energy. These batteries come in a variety of sizes and are often classified using different colors for each size.

Ready to Learn More?

Understanding these terms is the first step to truly taking control of your hearing health journey. If you have questions about your hearing or that of a loved one, the expert team at Beltone welcomes your questions and the opportunity to create a unique, personalized plan for addressing your specific needs.