O
Occlusion effect
A change in the acoustical properties of the ear that results from the physical presence of a hearing aid in the ear canal. The result is that the fells like they are talking inside a barrel. Some modern hearing aids can largely overcome the occlusion effect.
Oral deaf education
An approach based on the principle that most hard of hearing and deaf people can be taught to listen and speak with early intervention and consistent training to develop their hearing potential. The goal is for these children to grow up to become independent, participating citizens in mainstream society. Also known as Auditory-oral education.
Otitis externa
Infection (inflammation) of the outer part of the ear extending into the ear canal. It may be accompanied by pain, swelling and secretions. Sometimes referred to as "swimmer's ear."
Otitis media
Inflammation of the tissue lining the middle-ear cavity. Often resulting in infection (fluid) in the middle ear. It occurs when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked and the fluid that builds up in the middle ear becomes infected. Usually results in a temporary conductive hearing loss. Common in children. Children with recurrent attacks may have fluctuating hearing loss and may be more at risk for acquiring permanent hearing loss.
Otitis media with effusion (OME)
Inflammation of the middle ear with an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum in the middle ear space.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
Inaudible, but measurable, sounds created by the vibrations of hair cells in the cochlea, which bend with the movement of fluid. OAEs are measured with a sensitive microphone placed in the ear canal. OAEs are used by audiologists as a test of inner ear (cochlear) function.
Otitis externa
Infection (inflammation) of the outer part of the ear extending into the ear canal. It may be accompanied by pain, swelling and secretions. Sometimes referred to as "swimmer's ear."
Otitis media
Inflammation of the tissue lining the middle-ear cavity. Often resulting in infection (fluid) in the middle ear. It occurs when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked and the fluid that builds up in the middle ear becomes infected. Usually results in a temporary conductive hearing loss. Common in children. Children with recurrent attacks may have fluctuating hearing loss and may be more at risk for acquiring permanent hearing loss.
Otitis media with effusion (OME)
Inflammation of the middle ear with an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum in the middle ear space.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
Inaudible, but measurable, sounds created by the vibrations of hair cells in the cochlea, which bend with the movement of fluid. OAEs are measured with a sensitive microphone placed in the ear canal. OAEs are used by audiologists as a test of inner ear (cochlear) function.
Otologist
(oh-TALL-oh-jist) An otolaryngologist who has completed a specialty fellowship focused on ear disorders. Otologists complete over 10 years of medical training and a specialized otology training fellowship prior to entering practice.
Otosclerosis
(OH-toe-sklair-ROW-sis) An inherited dominant genetic condition that causes abnormal spongy bone growth on the tiny bones in the middle ear and in the bone surrounding the oval window. Often this results in the stirrup (stapes) becoming fixed to the oval window of the cochlea, Because the stapes no longer vibrates freely, this causes a progressive conductive hearing loss. If the otosclerosis eventually invades the cochlea (cochlear otosclerosis), the result is additional (sensorineural) hearing loss.
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. For a more in-depth understanding of ototoxic drugs, read this article.
P
Phoneme
The smallest unit in a language that is capable of conveying a change in meaning. For example, the "m" in "mat" and the "b" in "bat." There are 41 phonemes in the English language.
Pidgin signed English (PSE)
A form of signing that uses American Sign Language signs for the most part, but signed in English word order. People that are hard of hearing, if they sign, generally use PSE to supplement their oral communication.
Postlingually deafened
Deafness (hearing loss) that occurs after language has been acquired.
Posturography
A test that measures how you maintain your balance when one or more of your senses is blocked.
Pre-lingually deafened
A person who is either born deaf or who lost his hearing early in childhood, before acquiring language.
Presbycusis
(prez-bee-KOO-sis) Gradual hearing loss, especially in the high frequencies, due to aging.
Pressure equalization tube (PE)
A small tube that is surgically inserted in the eardrum to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the ear canal and to permit drainage. PE tubes are used when a Eustachian tube is not working properly or is clogged up.
Proprioceptive system
(proh-pree-oh-SEP-tiv) One of the three separate balance systems in your body. It consists of nerve sensors in the muscles, tendons and joints, especially in your legs, ankles and feet, that help you to keep your balance. The other two systems are your visual system and your vestibular system in your inner ears. When you vestibular system is damaged, your proprioceptive system works with your visual system to give you some semblance of balance.
Pure tone air conduction audiometry
Measurement of hearing thresholds to pure tones presented through earphones or ear inserts.
Pure tone average (PTA)
The average of your hearing loss at the following 4 test frequencies—500, 1,000, 2,000 & 4,000 Hz. The PTA is expressed in decibels (dB).
Pure tone bone conduction audiometry: Measurement of hearing thresholds to pure tones presented from a small vibrator placed against the skull.