Any impairment of hearing involving difficulty in processing the details of sound as opposed to any loss of sensitivity to sound. Also refers to any pain or discomfort in the ear from exposure to sound.

See Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder.

See Electrical Auditory Brainstem Response testing.

The inch-long pathway leading from the outer ear to the eardrum. The ear canal produces cerumen (ear wax) and contains hairs that prevent bacteria and foreign objects from reaching the eardrum.

An impression or cast of the ear canal made to determine the exact size and shape of an ear. The impression is used to make in-the-ear hearing aids, earmolds for BTE hearing aids or custom-made ear plugs.

The presence and growth of bacteria or viruses in the ear. (See also Acute Otitis Media).