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Glossary

Acoustics
The teaching and science of sound and its perception.

Analogue hearing systems
Analogue devices can only process sound signals in an analogue form. Subsequent functional changes are no longer possible. Digital programming of analogue hearing systems has enabled major advances to be made in
optimising the computer-supported customisation of hearing systems to individual needs using a variety of controls while maintaining their very small size.

Fitting
The individual modification in shape and function of hearing systems for users.

Audiogram
The representation of auditory threshold and in some cases other indicators to describe hearing or hearing impairment (see also audiometer and audiometric tests).

Audiology
The teaching and science of diagnosing, treating and preventing hearing loss.

Audiometer
An electronic device for measuring hearing.

Audiometric tests
Process for determining the type and degree of hearing impairment.

BiCROS
BiCROS stands for Contralateral Routing of Signals. A type of communications technology used in spectacle hearing systems for asymmetric deafness.

Binaural hearing systems
Providing two hearing systems, one for each ear.

Cerumen
Substance secreted by the glands in the outer ear; popularly known as ear wax.

Cerumen guard
A protective cover over the sound outlet of in-the-ear devices, which helps to prevent the build-up of cerumen on the hearing system speaker.

Organ of Corti
Hearing organ composed of receptor cells and supporting cells, located on the basilar membrane within the cochlea.

CROS
CROS stands for Contralateral Routing of Signals. A type of communications technology used in spectacle hearing systems for deafness on one side only.

Digital hearing systems
hearing systems that process audio signals digitally; also known as: DSP hearing systems.
Digitally programmable hearing system
A modern hearing system combining digital and analogue technology.

Digital signal processing
Processing a signal using mathematical algorithms.
(abbreviated to DSP)

Decibel
Unit of measurement for the loudness of an acoustic signal.

Receiver (or FM receiver)
A component of an FM system, worn by the hearing system user, which picks up signals from an FM transmitter and sends them on to the hearing system. (see also FM system)

FM System
A communication system for improving speech comprehension in difficult listening situations. A radio microphone is worn by the speaker which transmits wireless signals via frequency modulation (using very high frequency) to a receiver which is worn by the listener.

freestyle
A communication system which is modern in its design and easy to operate.

Auditory canal resonance
Auditory canal resonance is responsible for the perception of sounds. Every auditory canal has its own natural and individual amplifying resonance. Fitting a hearing system can influence what is heard naturally.

Audible frequency range
The audible range of frequencies, which in young people extends from about 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Spectacle hearing systems
Spectacle hearing systems are communication systems built into the arms of spectacles. Sophisticated processing makes them practically invisible and almost undetectable.

Speakers
Miniature loud speakers inside a hearing system.

Audible range
The dynamic audible range from the limit of audibility to the limit of discomfort across the entire audiometric frequency range.

hearing system
An electronic device for amplifying soundwaves and transferring them into the ear. The principle components are microphone, amplifier and speaker.

Hearing loss
A reduced ability to hear

Inner ear
Comprising the organs of hearing (the cochlea) and the organs of balance
(the vestibule and semi-circular canals).

Sound regulation
A potentiometer or other controller in the hearing system which adjusts frequencies.

la belle
A spectacle hearing system from bruckhoff.

Volume control
Manual or automatic volume control in a hearing system.

Monaural hearing systems
Providing just one ear with a hearing system.

Ear impression
An impression made of the outer ear in order to manufacture a correctly fitting ear mould or in-the-ear hearing system.

Ear wax
Popular name for cerumen – the secretion from the glands in the external auditory canal.

Ear mould
A plastic device created from an outer ear impression, used to connect a behind-the-ear hearing system with the auditory canal; synonymous with: Otoplastic

Peripheral noise
The term peripheral noise is used by the wearers of hearing systems to describe an indefinable phenomenon. It signifies everyday background noise. hearing systems amplify not just the useful sound desired, but also this intrusive background noise. This is a common reason for rejecting a hearing system when it is first fitted. Spectral analysis of environmental background noise shows that it increases markedly in the area below 800 Hz. Effective amplification in open ear hearing systems only begins however at about 1000 Hz. This transfer characteristic means that low frequency disruptive background noise is cut out. This provides natural background noise suppression. This enormous advantage which open ear hearing systems have, does however have its limitations. Feedback can develop at high amplification. But CROS devices can help in such cases.
Speakers and microphones are located on both sides of the head. The resulting acoustic head-shadow permits open hearing systems to operate without feedback up to amplifications of 55 dB. The synonym Comfort-CROS has been developed from this “wearable” solution.
Comfort CROS spectacles are also accepted in cases of symmetrical hearing loss. Positive responses from the hearing impaired have helped application developers to move away from classic CROS ways of thinking. The hearing systems specialist will now consciously select the type of hearing system which enables open ear fitting, without feedback.

Open ear hearing systems
A hearing system without an ear mould, i.e. without closing off the inner ear.

open ear gain
The information content of speech depends essentially on recognising consonants and sibilants. This low-energy group of sounds is located in just the frequency range where the initial stages of hearing loss, with their typical loss of higher pitch sounds, occur. The consequence is being “hard of hearing”. Information is heard, but not understood. The goal of fitting a hearing system would then be to lift the high frequencies while simultaneously maintaining the audible impression of low frequencies. Open ear hearing systems meet both requirements. The natural sound of the ear remains unaffected. By means of individualised “open ear gain”, high frequency amplification of up to 17dB can be achieved.

Personal FM system
A hearing system audio accessory comprising a transmitting microphone worn by the speaker which transmits wireless signals via frequency modulation (using VHF - very high frequency) to a receiver worn by the listener wearing a hearing system; this improves communication in situations where hearing is difficult.

Programmable hearing system
A hearing system with analogue or digital signal processing, whose parameters can be set by computer.

Directional hearing
The ability to determine the direction from which a sound is coming.

Snorstop
An eye-mask which uses sophisticated electronics to reliably prevent snoring.

Tinnitus
Noises in the ear, the causes of which have not yet been fully researched.

Tinnitus Devicer
A device that combats tinnitus.

Wearing comfort
A hearing system being comfortable, hardly noticeable and easy to operate.

Amplification
An increase in the sound intensity of the output signal in comparison to the input signal.