T - Z

Threshold Level (T level): The minimum level of electrical stimulation required at each electrode along the cochlear implant electrode array for a child to first hear a sound.

Tympanogram: The results of tympanometry testing (mobility of the eardrum) are recorded on a graph or chart. A graph with a flat line indicates middle ear problems such as presence of fluid (no mobility). A graph with a curve like a mountain indicates normal mobility.

 Tympanometry Testing: A small probe is placed in your child’s ear while the movement of the eardrum is measured. This test shows if there is a problem in the middle ear, such as middle ear fluid which may accompany or follow an ear infection.

Unilateral Hearing Loss: Person has a hearing loss in only one ear.

Visual Reinforced Audiometry (VRA): A toy that lights up and moves (for instance, a toy monkey that claps his hands) as soon as a child indicates in some way that he is aware of a sound (such as a tone) that has been presented. The child learns that when he responds to sound, he is then rewarded or reinforced with the moving toy.