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 -- H

hair cells - the hair-like structures in the inner ear that transform the mechanical energy of sound waves into nerve impulses.

hard of hearing - the term to describe those with mild to profound hearing loss.

hearing aid - an electronic device that brings amplified sound to the ear. A hearing aid usually consists of a microphone, amplifier, and receiver.

hearing aid evaluation (HAE) - the process of selecting an appropriate hearing aid. The audiologist will evaluate different types of hearing aids to determine which is best suited to a particular hearing loss.

hearing loss (or impairment) - a problem with hearing that is characterized by decreased sensitivity to sound in comparison to normal hearing. See conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.

hereditary hearing impairment - hearing loss passed down through generations of a family.

hertz (Hz) - cycles per second. Frequency is denoted in Hz