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• Otolaryngology - ENT
  • Common ENT Terms
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  • Sample Reports - Otolaryngology - ENT

• Ear Related Terms

- T -

• Tectorial Membrane

Found in the organ of Corti of the cochlea, this sheet of cells lies above the stereocilia of the hair cells. Movement of the basilar membrane (to which the hair cells are attached) causes the stereocilia to move against the tectorial membrane, initiating a nerve impulse that travels from the hair cell to the brain.



• Temporal lobe

A region of the brain that contains the auditory cortex, which is necessary for interpreting sounds.



• Threshold Of Hearing

The lowest level of sound that is audible to the human ear.



• Tinnitus

The term for the perception of sound when no external sound is present. The sensation of ringing, roaring, buzzing, or clicking in the ears or head. An ailment that is associated with many forms of hearing impairment and noise exposure.



• Transduction

A process by which energy is converted from one form to another.



• TTS

Temporary Threshold Shift refers to a temporary change in hearing thresholds due to noise exposure.



• Tympanic Canal

The lower chamber of the cochlea.



• Tympanic Membrane

The eardrum. A structure that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves. These vibrations are transferred to the small bones in the middle ear.



• Tympanometry

A non-invasive test utilizing air pressure to measure the movement of the eardrum. This test is not a hearing test, but can determine if there is a hole in the eardrum or fluid behind the eardrum. This test can also be utilized to assess the ossicles (bones) of the middle ear to make sure they are working properly.