Hearing terms guide

Get familiar with words and phrases around hearing aids

Having hearing loss or being close to someone who has can be challenging and confusing, especially with all the new terminology. The articles in this guide aim to help you better navigate and understand the world of hearing aids. We hope it will allow you to feel more comfortable when exploring your options and talking to an audiologist or hearing care specialist.

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Hearing loss

Hearing aids

Clinic visit

What is an audiologist?

What is an audiologist?

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Hearing aids

A hearing aid is a small, sound amplifying device that you wear inside or behind your ear. It helps to make sounds clearer for people who have hearing loss. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 20% of the world’s population deals with a form of hearing loss. And it is estimated that only a fifth of these people act on their loss and use hearing aids.

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Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids

A RITE hearing aid is like a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, with one major difference. The receiver, or speaker, fits inside the ear canal instead of in the hearing aid shell, which creates a smaller, less visible hearing aid.

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Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

The Philips HearLink behind-the-ear hearing aids are placed discreetly behind the ears. They are supportive, versatile and easy to handle, which makes them our most popular style.

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In-the-ear hearing aids (ITE)

The in-the-ear (ITE) hearings aids are custom made to your exact ear anatomy and are simply placed within your outer ear and ear canal. The in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are most commonly used by those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

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Custom in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is our most powerful in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. The ITC hearing aid sits slightly further out of your ear canal and is custom-made based upon your unique ear shape.

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Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids

A custom-built, discreet hearing device for your unique ear anatomy, designed to sit completely in the ear canal. It is suitable for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. This discreet hearing aid is not only small but designed to improve your hearing capabilities and daily life.

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Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids

The IIC is worn deep within the ear canal, allowing you to hear more of the sounds around you with a device that is hardly visible in and around your ear. You are thus given the benefit of a hearing aid without explicitly showing that you are wearing it.

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Pure tone hearing test

The best way to check your hearing health is to take a hearing test. This is a test that allows a hearing care specialist or licensed practitioner to evaluate your hearing. Your hearing test results will determine any next steps that are needed. Regular hearing tests are essential for your hearing health.

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Hearing loss

Hearing loss is a reduction in your hearing acuity. It can affect people of all ages, from newborn babies to the elderly, and can occur for many reasons.

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What is sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged or unable to process sound as intended. This type of hearing loss can be acquired or genetic and can affect people of all ages.

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What is conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss happens through damage or obstruction in the outer or middle ear.

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What is mixed hearing loss?

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Find out what this means and how to treat mixed hearing loss here.

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Recognizing the signs:
Are you experiencing hearing loss?

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Tinnitus: An indicator of potential hearing loss

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How to start the conversation about hearing loss with your loved ones

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Hearing terms guide

Get familiar with words and phrases around hearing aids​

Get familiar with words and phrases around hearing aids