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Dictionary of Terms

Amplification:

An increase in the intensity (loudness) of a sound. In the case of Songbird Hearing Aids, the amplification is produced digitally, delivering a crystal-clear increase in the sound.

Audiologist:

(awe-dee-ALL-oh-jist) A health-care professional with a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) or a masters degree in audiology and licensed by one of the audiology associations. Audiologists are trained to identify, measure and evaluate hearing loss and related disorders.

Audiology:

The study or science of hearing. The profession of audiology is concerned with measurement and rehabilitation of auditory and communication problems.

Background noise:

Any sound that a person does not wish to hear or that interferes with what they are trying to hear. Background sounds compete with speech and often make it difficult or impossible for a hard of hearing person to understand speech.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE):

A hearing aid that rests behind the ear. The Songbird flexfit™ is a behind-the-ear design.

Bilateral hearing loss:

Hearing loss in both ears.

Binaural hearing aids:

Hearing aids worn in both ears at the same time.

Digital hearing aid:

A hearing aid that provides amplification by processing sounds as bits (numbers) instead of as a voltage. This is the way computers work. Digital hearing aids can control or modify sound in almost an infinite number of ways through its programs.

directfit™:

The Songbird Disposable Hearing Aid with the in-the-canal design. The entire hearing aid fits directly into the ear canal. This model is only recommended for individuals who have worn and are completely comfortable with an in-the-canal hearing aid.

Disposable hearing aid:

A hearing aid that is mass-produced to be so inexpensive that it is thrown away once its battery has worn out-usually in 30 to 45 days.

Distortion:

The inexact reproduction of sound. Hearing aids, like all electronic devices produce a small amount of distortion.

Feedback:

A high-pitched whistle or squeal that's made when an amplified sound is picked up by a microphone and re-amplified. For example, it occurs when the sound coming out of a hearing aid leaks out of the ear canal, gets back into the hearing aid's microphone and is amplified over and over until all it does is howl at its maximum loudness. Feedback can be caused by as earmold or hearing aid that does not fit properly, from a cracked or damaged earmold (or tube in BTE hearing aids) or from a damaged hearing aid. Many modern digital hearing aids have special anti-feedback circuitry to prevent (or greatly reduce) feedback.

flexfit™:

The Songbird Disposable Hearing Aid with the behind-the-ear design. Most of the hearing aid fits discreetly behind the ear, resulting in greater comfort. This model is highly recommended for anyone that is not already using an in-the canal hearing aid or anyone seeking a more comfortable solution to his or her in-the-canal hearing aid.

Hard of hearing:

A term used to describe people with hearing loss. Their losses can range from slight to profound. Hard of hearing people understand some speech with or without hearing aids.

Hearing aid:

A device that amplifies sound and directs it into the ear canal. A hearing aid usually consists of a microphone, amplifier and receiver.

Hearing loss:

the loss of hearing ability characterized by decreased sensitivity to sound in comparison to normal hearing. Hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Hearing loss ranges from slight to profound. Typically the classes of hearing loss are based on the average hearing loss at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz. Here is one commonly used classification.

Normal hearing: -10 to 15 dBHL
Slight loss: 16 to 25 dBHL
Mild loss: 26 to 40 dBHL
Moderate loss: 41 to 55 dBHL
Moderately severe loss: 56 to 70 dBHL
Severe loss: 71 to 90 dBHL
Profound loss: 91 to 120 dBHL

In-the-canal hearing aid (ITC):

A type of hearing aid that fits partly in the ear canal but extends to the bowl of the ear.

Listening strategy:

Any method or plan that helps a person to hear in a particular situation, often called a hearing loss coping strategy. The goal is to identify the situations where a person has the most difficult hearing, or has the most need to hear, and then modify the situation in some way to gain a hearing advantage.

Mild hearing loss:

A hearing loss ranging between 26 and 40 dB.

Moderate hearing loss:

A hearing loss ranging between 41 and 55 dB.

Moderately severe hearing loss:

A hearing loss ranging between 56 and 70 dB.

Normal hearing:

Hearing ranging between -10 dB and 15 dB.

Occlusion:

The phenomenon that when persons with normal hearing close off the opening into the ear canal, the loudness of low pitched sounds (presented by bone conduction) increases.

Ototoxic:

(oh-toe-TOX-ick) Refers to any chemical or medication (drug) that is potentially harmful to the auditory system-especially to the cochlear and vestibular organs and associated nerves-concerned with hearing and balance. Ototoxic medications may aggravate an existing hearing problem or cause new hearing problems.

Profound hearing loss:

A hearing loss ranging between 91 and 120 dB. This is essentially a total hearing loss.

Receiver:

The name for the tiny speaker inside the hearing aid.

Severe hearing loss:

A hearing loss ranging between 71 and 90 dB.

Slight hearing loss:

A hearing loss ranging between 16 and 25 dB.

Telecoil:

A tiny coil of wire built into many hearing aids that allows the hearing aid to pick up the magnetic fields emitted by telephones, various assistive listening devices, or induction room loops. Sometimes referred to as "t-switch" or "t-coil".

Tinnitus:

(TIN-ih-tus or tih-NIGH-tus) A sensation (subjective perception) of various (phantom) noises in the ears. Tinnitus is variously described as ringing, roaring, clicking, humming, buzzing, swishing, whooshing, clanging, shrieking and other similar sounds that seems to originate in your ears or head. It is not a disease, but a symptom of various abnormal underlying condition it he auditory system. It is often associated with hearing loss and exposure to loud noise.

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Important Medical Information
Hearing loss can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition or the result of excessive wax build-up. A physician can treat these conditions. If you have not already done so, the makers of Songbird Disposable Digital Hearing Aids suggest you should consult your doctor to rule out any of these medical concerns.