The basics
Audiologist
The hearing specialist who tests your child's hearing and programs their devices. A pediatric audiologist specializes in children — worth seeking out.
Newborn hearing screening
A quick, painless test given shortly after birth. Not passing it doesn't always mean permanent hearing loss — it's a flag for further testing.
Decibel (dB)
The unit used to measure sound loudness — and hearing loss. A whisper is about 30 dB; normal conversation is around 60 dB.
Degrees of hearing loss
How audiologists describe the severity: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Profound means very little sound is heard, even at high volumes.
Early intervention
Free state-run services for babies and toddlers with developmental needs, including hearing loss. The earlier you enroll, the better — ask your pediatrician for a referral.
The technology
Hearing aid
A device that makes sounds louder. Often tried first; for severe-to-profound loss, it may not be enough.
Cochlear implant (CI)
A device that bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve. It has two parts: the internal device (surgically placed under the skin behind the ear) and the external processor (worn behind the ear like a hearing aid; it captures sound and sends it to the internal device).
Bilateral implants
Implants in both ears (one on each side).
Activation
The appointment, usually weeks after surgery, when the external processor is first turned on. The beginning of learning to hear — not instant perfect hearing.
Mapping
The programming of the implant's processor, fine-tuned over many appointments as your child's brain learns to interpret sound.
FM/DM system
A microphone the teacher wears that sends their voice directly to your child's processor — cuts through classroom noise. (You may hear the brand name Roger.)
Therapy & language
Speech-language pathologist (SLP)
The therapist who works with your child on listening, speech, and language skills.
Auditory-verbal therapy
A specialized therapy approach focused on developing listening and spoken language through the implant.
Sign language / ASL
American Sign Language. Learning sign is not giving up on speech — it gives your child full language now, while listening skills develop.
School terms
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
A written legal plan ensuring your child receives the support and services they need in school. You are an equal, required member of the IEP team.
504 plan
A plan providing classroom accommodations (like preferential seating or captioning) for students who don't need specialized instruction.
Teacher of the deaf
A specialist who supports deaf and hard-of-hearing students and consults with classroom teachers.
Mainstreaming / inclusion
Educating your child in general education classrooms alongside hearing peers, with supports in place.
Accommodations
Adjustments that give your child equal access to learning — seating, technology, captioning, extra time. Not advantages; access.
Hear a term we missed? This glossary grows with our community — check back often.