Cued Speech - method of communication that combines speech reading with a system of handshapes placed near the mouth to help deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals differentiate words that look similar on the lips (e.g., bunch vs. punch) or are hidden (e.g., gag).

Cytomegalovirus (Congenital) - one group of herpes viruses that infects humans and can cause a variety of clinical symptoms, including deafness or hearing impairment; infection with the virus may be either before or after birth.Decibel - unit that measures the intensity or loudness of sound.


Decibel Sound Pressure Level - Used to signify strength and weaknesses of decibels.


Digital Hearing Aids - In older hearing aids, the sound was converted to electrical impulses. With 100% digital hearing aids the sounds are converted to streams of numbers (all ones or zeros like a computer). The numbers then can be processed and manipulated by a microchip. Once modified, the numbers are reconverted to sound and sent through an amplifier.


Digital Sound Processing -This is the method used by Digital Hearing Aids.

Directional Hearing - This is the ability to tell which direction a sound is coming from. This ability is often distorted or lost by hearing aid users.
Dysarthria - group of speech disorders caused by disturbances in the strength or coordination of the muscles of the speech mechanism as a result of damage to the brain or nerves.

Dysequilibrium - any disturbance of balance.

Dysfluency - disruption in the smooth flow or expression of speech.

Dysphonia - any impairment of the voice or speaking ability.

Dyspraxia of Speech - in individuals with normal muscle tone and speech muscle coordination, partial loss of the ability to consistently pronounce words.

Eardrum: The tympanic membrane  vibrates when struck by sound traveling down the ear canal. This vibration displaces the attached bones of the middle ear (the ossicles). The malleus bone connects the eardrum to the other ossicles

Ear Infection - presence and growth of bacteria or viruses in the ear.

Ear Mold - Refers to the ear piece used in Behind The Ear hearing aids.