WORDS TO KNOW

The links below are to an alphabetical glossary of words and terms which you may find useful as you help your child and build your child's team.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Glossary -- E

ear canal - the passageway from the outer ear to the eardrum.

eardrum - also called the tympanic membrane; the eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear and is important in conducting sound to the middle ear and inner ear.

ear infection - the presence and growth of bacteria or viruses in the ear.

early intervention - services provided by public and private agencies to infants and toddlers and their families. These services are designed by law to support families in enhancing a child’s potential growth and development from birth to age three.

earmold - a custom-made mold, used with a behind-the-ear hearing aid, which delivers amplified sounds into the ear.

ear wax (cerumen) - a normal secretion from glands located in the outer ear that keeps the skin of the ear dry and protects it from infection.

Educational Audiologist - an audiologist with special training and experience to provide auditory rehabilitation services to children in school settings.

ENT - ear, nose, and throat.

eustachian tube - a small passageway from the back of the throat to the middle ear that allows air into the middle ear and allows naturally occurring fluid to drain from the middle ear.

evaluation - procedures used by qualified personnel to determine a child's initial and continuing eligibility for early intervention services, consistent with the state's definition of infants and toddlers with disabilities.

external ear - the outer portion of the ear that is normally visible. Components of the external or outer ear include the pinna and the external ear canal.

expressive language – speaking; talking; usually this includes vocabulary and sentences.