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APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Acoustic Reflex
–
Reflexive contraction of the stapedius muscle in response to loud sound.
Automated Audiometry (Auto HL)
–
Automated measurement of hearing that allows the listener to
control the intensity with a hand switch.
Compliance Peak -
The point of maximum mobility in a tympanogram, which indicates the degree of
mobility within the middle-ear system.
Contralateral Acoustic Reflex
–
Acoustic reflex occurring in one ear as a result of stimulation of the
same ear.
Ear Canal Volume
- Volume measured between the tip of the probe and the tympanic membrane at
the starting pressure for a tympanogram using a 226 Hz probe tone.
Ipsilateral Acoustic Reflex -
The acoustic reflex elicited when the stimulus is presented to the same
ear where the response is measured.
Normal Box -
Range of pressure peak and compliance peak values associated with normal middle-ear
function (-150 daPa to +100 daPa, 0.2 cm
3
to 1.4 cm
3
per ASHA, 32, Supl. 2, 1990, 17-24), only available
on 226 Hz probe tone testing.
Pressure Peak -
Pressure value where maximum mobility occurs in a tympanogram. This pressure
value approximates the pressure within the middle-ear space.
Probe Tone
–
The pure tone that is held at a constant intensity level in the ear canal
–
assists in the
measurement of middle ear function.
Screening Audiometry
–
Rapid assessment of the ability of individuals to hear acoustic signals across
a frequency range at a fixed criterion intensity level; designed to identify those who require additional
audiometric procedures.
Tympanogram
–
Graph of the middle ear immittance as a function of the amount of air pressure
delivered to the ear canal.
Tympanometry
–
Procedure used in the assessment of middle ear function in which the immittance
of the tympanic membrane and middle ear is measured as air pressure delivered to the ear canal is
varied.