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 -- S

sensorineural loss - a hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) and/or the hearing nerve.

service coordinator - the individual selected by an early intervention team and designated in an IFSP to coordinate and facilitate early intervention services and integrate the family into the process. The service coordinator must demonstrate understanding of the laws and the nature of the process.

service provider - a public or private agency designated to provide early intervention services for an eligible child and the child's family in accordance with an approved IFSP.

sign language - a method of communication used primarily by people who are deaf or hard of hearing in which hand movements, gestures, and facial expressions convey grammatical structure and meaning.

single point of entry - the local contact point designated to accept referrals when a developmental delay in an infant or toddler is suspected.

speech frequencies - the frequencies within the 500 to 4000 Hertz area that are most important for hearing and understanding of speech.

Speech Awareness Threshold (SAT) - the lowest hearing level in decibels at which a person can detect the presence of speech. Also known as the speech detection threshold (SDT).

Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) - the lowest hearing level in dB at which 50 percent of two-syllable (spondee) words can be identified correctly. Also known as the ST (speech threshold or spondee threshold).

Speech-Language Pathologist - a professional who evaluates and provides treatment for speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing problems of children and adults. Speech and language delays are frequently seen in children with hearing impairments. Minimum academic degree is a Master's degree. State licensure is required to practice speech-language pathology in many states.

sudden deafness - the loss of hearing that occurs quickly due to such causes as an explosion, a viral infection, or the use of some drugs.

syndromic hearing impairment - a hearing loss that is accompanied by additional physical characteristics (such as blindness, mental retardation or involvement of other organs).