(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 […]

(OH-toe-scope) A special combination flashlight/magnifying glass used for examining the ear canal and eardrum.

(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.

The external portion of the ear that collects sounds waves and directs them into the ear. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal.

The membrane between the middle and inner ear where the stirrup (stapes) bone sits. The footplate of the stirrup pulsates with the sound vibrations in the middle ear and transmits them into the fluid of the inner ear.

Impaired hearing. Hearing loss. Also used to refer to auditory illusions or auditory hallucinations.