 | Term | Definition |
| |
Acoustic |
Pertaining to hearing. |
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Acoustic neuroma |
Benign tumor arising from the 8th cranial nerve in the brain. |
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Audiogram |
A record of ones sense of hearing. |
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Audiometer |
The instrument used to record a patients sense of hearing. |
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Audiometry |
The process of recording a patients sense of hearing. |
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Auditory canal |
A tube that leads from the pinna of the ear to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). AKA: Auditory meatus. |
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Auditory meatus |
A tube that leads from the pinna of the ear to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). AKA: Auditory canal. |
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Auditory nerve fibers |
Carries the nerve impulses from the inner ear to the cerebral cortex. |
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Auditory tube |
Channel between the inner ear and the nasopharynx. AKA: eustachian tube. |
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Aural |
Pertaining the ear. |
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Auricle |
The outer part of the ear that is visible. AKA: Pinna. |
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Cerumen |
A waxy substance secreted by the outer part of the ear. AKA: earwax. |
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Cholesteatoma |
A collection of skin cells and cholesterol in a sac in the middle ear. |
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Cochlea |
A snail shaped tube in the inner ear that contains hearing-sensitive receptor cells. |
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Cochlear |
Pertaining to the cochlea. |
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Deafness |
The inability to hear. |
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Ear thermometry |
Determining the body temperature by measuring tympanic membrane using a infrared thermometer. |
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Endolymph |
Fluid within the cochlear duct of the inner ear. |
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Eustachian tube |
Channel between the inner ear and the nasopharynx. AKA: auditory tube. |
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Hyperacusis |
Excessive sensitivity to sounds. |
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Incus |
The middle ossicle of the middle ear, resembles an anvil. |
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Labyrinth |
A maze-like series of canals of the inner ear, consisting of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. |
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Macrotia |
Abnormally large ears. |
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Malleus |
The first ossicle of the middle ear, resembles a hammer. |
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Mastoiditis |
Inflammation of the mastoid process. |
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Meniere disease |
A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, a feeling of pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing loss. |
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Microtia |
Abnormally small ears. |
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Myringitis |
Inflammation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). |
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Myringotomy |
Incision of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). |
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Ossicle |
Small bone of the middle ear; include the malleus, incus, and stapes. |
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Ossiculoplasty |
Surgical repair of an ossicle. |
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Otic |
Pertaining to the ear. |
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Otolaryngologist |
Ears, nose and throat specialist. |
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Otomycosis |
Fungal infection of the ear. |
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Otopyorrhea |
Discharge of pus from the ear. |
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Otosclerosis |
Harding of the bony tissue of the middle ear. |
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Otoscopy |
Process of visually examining the ear. |
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Oval window |
Separates the middle ear from the inner ear. |
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Perilymph |
Fluid contained within the canals of the inner ear. |
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Pinna |
The outer part of the ear that is visible. AKA: auricle. |
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Postauricular |
Behind the ear. |
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Presbycusis |
Hearing loss due to old age. |
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Salpingopharyngeal |
Pertaining the eustachian tube and pharynx. |
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Semicircular canals |
Area in the inner ear associated with maintaining equilibrium. |
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Serous otitis media |
Noninfectious inflammation of the ear with accumulation of serous fluid. |
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Stapedectomy |
Surgical removal of the stapes. |
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Stapes |
The third ossicle of the middle ear, resembles a stirrup. |
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Suppurative otitis media |
Pus is formed as bacteria invade the middle ear. |
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Tinnitus |
Ringing in the ears. |
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Tuning fork test |
Test of the ear using a vibration source. |
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Tympanic membrane |
Separates the middle and inner ear. |
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Tympanoplasty |
Surgical repair of the eardrum. |
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Vertigo |
A sensation of instability or loss of equilibrium. |
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Vestibule |
Connects the cochlea and the semicircular canals. |
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Vestibulocochlear |
Pertaining to the vestibule and the cochlea. |
