Hearing aid glossary
Plain-language terms for conversations about hearing, devices and support.
Definitions are educational, not a way to diagnose yourself. Read our editorial policy.
- Audiogram
- A chart recording hearing-test results across different pitches.
- Audiologist
- A hearing professional who assesses hearing and provides related care.
- Bilateral
- Involving both ears.
- Unilateral
- Involving one ear.
- Frequency
- Pitch, usually expressed in hertz (Hz).
- Threshold
- The softest level detected under the conditions of a hearing test.
- High-frequency difficulty
- Difficulty with higher-pitched sounds. Both current PAMUINI models are excluded for this need.
- Tinnitus
- Perception of sound without an external sound source.
- OTC
- Over the counter; a US hearing-aid access category for adults with perceived mild to moderate loss.
- Prescription hearing aid
- A hearing aid obtained through a licensed hearing professional.
- Amplification
- Increasing the level of sound.
- Feedback
- Whistling associated with an amplified sound loop.
- Ear tip
- The removable part that fits at the ear canal on some devices.
- BTE
- Behind-the-ear device style.
- In-ear
- A broad description of a device worn within the ear rather than behind it.
- Rechargeable
- Using a battery designed to be recharged according to the device instructions.
- Disposable battery
- A replaceable battery that must not be recharged unless specifically designed for it.
- Pair
- Two devices; check that the quoted price actually includes both.
- Reference price
- Indicative pricing, not a confirmed order total.
- Trial terms
- The seller's written conditions for trying and returning a device.
- Warranty
- Written coverage for specified product problems, subject to its terms.
- Suitability check
- PAMUINI's short routing questionnaire, not a hearing test or medical clearance.
- Source citation
- A link identifying evidence behind a statement; not an endorsement.
- Clinical review
- Assessment by a qualified clinical professional; currently pending for this library.
Terminology references: NIDCD hearing aids and ASHA hearing loss in adults. Independent clinical review pending.