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• Otolaryngology - ENT
  • Common ENT Terms
  • Ear Related Terms
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  • Throat Conditions
  • Sample Reports - Otolaryngology - ENT

• Common ENT Terms

- H -

• Hair Cells

The sensory cells of the inner ear, which are topped with hair-like structures, the stereocilia, and which transform the mechanical energy of sound waves into nerve impulses.



• Haptic Sense

The sense of physical contact or touch.



• Haptometer

An instrument for measuring sensitivity to touch.



• Hearing

A series of events in which sound waves in the air are converted to electrical signals, which are sent as nerve impulses to the brain, where they are interpreted.



• Hearing Aid

An electronic device that brings amplified sound to the ear. A hearing aid usually consists of a microphone, amplifier, and receiver.



• Hearing Disorder

Disruption in the normal hearing process that may occur in the outer, middle or inner ear, whereby sound waves are not converted to electrical signals and nerve impulses are not transmitted to the brain to be interpreted.



• Hereditary Hearing Impairment

Hearing loss passed down through generations of a family.



• Hoarseness

An abnormally rough or harsh-sounding voice caused by vocal abuse and other disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux thyroid problems or trauma to the larynx (voice box). More



• Hyoid

A bone in the neck suspended between muscles that help produce the swallowing motion.



• Hyperplasia

Excessive growth of normal cells of an organ.



• Hypogeusia

Diminished sensitivity to taste.



• Hyposmia

Diminished sensitivity to smell.