Hearing care comes with a vocabulary that can make a straightforward decision feel unnecessarily complicated. This glossary explains the terms patients are most likely to hear during testing, fitting, comparison, and follow-up care.
Hearing Test Terms
Audiogram: A chart showing the quietest sounds you can hear across different pitches in each ear.
Pure-tone testing: Testing that measures hearing thresholds using tones at different frequencies and loudness levels.
Word recognition score: A measure of how clearly you understand speech when it is presented loudly enough to hear.
Speech-in-noise testing: Testing that measures how well you understand speech when competing sound is present.
Conductive hearing loss: Hearing loss caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear.
Sensorineural hearing loss: Hearing loss involving the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural loss.
Asymmetric hearing loss: Hearing that differs significantly between the two ears.
Hearing Aid Styles
BTE: Behind-the-ear hearing aid.
RIC or RITE: Receiver-in-canal or receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid.
ITE: In-the-ear custom hearing aid.
ITC: In-the-canal custom hearing aid.
CIC: Completely-in-canal hearing aid.
IIC: Invisible-in-canal hearing aid.
CROS: A system that routes sound from an unaidable ear to the better-hearing ear.
BiCROS: A CROS system used when the better ear also needs amplification.
Fitting and Programming Terms
Real Ear Measurement: Verification that measures sound near the eardrum while the hearing aid is worn.
Live Speech Mapping: A visual demonstration of how speech is being amplified.
Programming: Adjusting hearing aid settings to match test results and listening needs.
Acclimatization: The process of adapting to amplified sound over time.
Feedback: Whistling or squealing caused when amplified sound leaks and re-enters the microphone.
Gain: The amount of amplification a hearing aid provides.
Compression: Processing that makes soft sounds audible while keeping louder sounds comfortable.
Receiver: The hearing aid speaker.
Wax guard: A replaceable filter that protects the receiver from earwax.
Dome: A soft tip placed on the receiver or tubing.
Earmold: A custom piece fitted to the ear for comfort, retention, or acoustic control.
Technology Terms
Directional microphones: Microphones that emphasize sound from selected directions.
Noise reduction: Processing designed to reduce steady background sounds.
Bluetooth: Wireless technology used for calls, music, app control, and streaming.
LE Audio: A newer Bluetooth standard for efficient audio streaming.
Auracast: A Bluetooth broadcast feature for compatible audio sources and receivers.
Remote microphone: A microphone near a talker that streams their voice to compatible hearing aids.
Telecoil: A coil that receives sound from compatible loop systems and telephones.
Remote programming: Professional adjustments completed through a compatible app while the patient is away from the office.
Care and Service Terms
Trial period: Time to evaluate hearing aids in daily life before the purchase becomes final.
Warranty: Manufacturer coverage for specified repairs, defects, or loss and damage.
Loaner hearing aid: A temporary device used while a patient’s hearing aid is being repaired, when available.
Reprogramming: Updating settings after the initial fitting.
Professional cleaning and tune-up: Inspection and servicing beyond routine home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to understand every term before choosing hearing aids?
No. A good consultation should translate technical differences into practical effects.
Is Real Ear Measurement the same as programming?
No. Programming changes settings; Real Ear Measurement verifies what those settings deliver in your ear.
Are more channels always better?
No. Channel count alone does not predict real-world benefit.
Need a Term Explained?
Gwen Cantrell, BC-HIS and the team explain test results, technology, pricing, and fitting choices without unnecessary jargon.