Terminology

Cochlear Implant Acronyms & Vernacular

  • ACE: Advanced Combined Encoder. A Cochlear signal coding strategy.
  • Activation: the post-operative process by which the external sound processor is linked with the internal implant.
  • ALD: Assisted living device or assisted listening device.
  • AN: Auditory neuropathy
  • ASL: American Sign Language
  • ART: Auditory Response Telemetry; MED-EL’s measurement system of auditory nerve responses.
  • Audio-Mixing: amplification ratio between two input device sources.
  • Auria: Advanced Bionics’ previous generation sound processor introduced to market in 2002.
  • BEA: Advanced Bionics’ “Bionic Ear Association”
  • Bilateral: Both ears implanted.
  • Bimodal: One implanted ear with a hearing aid other ear.
  • Binaural: Hearing with both ears.
  • Bluetooth: wireless technology.
  • BSL: British Sign Language
  • BTE: Behind the ear sound processor.
  • BWP: Body worn sound processor.
  • C1: Advanced Bionics’ first generation internal device (implant) introduced to market in 1996.
  • C Level: Most comfortable level at the upper stimulation level, neither too loud nor too soft.
  • CII:  Advanced Bionics’ second generation internal device (implant) introduced to market in 2001.
  • CI: Cochlear implant; often used to describe the complete implant package, the internal implant and external sound processor.
  • CI24RE: Cochlear’s most current internal device (implant) introduced to market in 2005.
  • CIS: Continuous Interleaved Sampling; A signal coding strategy used by Advanced Bionics, Cochlear and MED-EL.
  • ClearVoice: CV; Advanced Bionics’ software program used with HiRes Fidelity 120 developed to automatically reduce background “noise.”
  • CT/CAT: Computed tomography or Computed axial tomography
  • dB: Decibels.
  • ECAP: Electrically evoked compound action potential.
  • Electrode Array: the part of the implant inserted into the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve.
  • ENT: an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (Otolaryngologist)
  • ESRT: Electrically evoked stapedial reflex threshold.
  • EVA: Enlarged vestibular aqueduct.
  • Fidelity120: F120; an Advanced Bionics signal coding strategy used with HiRes.
  • Freedom: Cochlear’s fourth generation internal device (implant) introduced to market in 2005.
  • FSP: Fine structure Processing; A MED-EL signal coding strategy.
  • HA: Hearing aid
  • Harmony: Advanced Bionics’ current BTE processor introduced in 2006.
  • HiRes90K: Advanced Bionics’ most current internal device (implant) introduced to market in 2003.
  • HiRes: High Resolution; an Advanced Bionics signal coding strategy.
  • Headpiece: See “RF Coil”
  • Hook Up: See “Activation”
  • IDR: Input Dynamic Range.
  • Magnet: Located in the center of the RF coil providing adhesion to the head. Often used when referring to the RF coil or headpiece. See “RF Coil”
  • MAP/Mapping: A program adjustment made by an implant audiologist.
  • M Level: Most comfortable level at the upper stimulation level, not too loud or too soft.
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • N22: Cochlear’s first generation internal device (implant) introduced to market in 1985.
  • N24: Cochlear’s second generation internal device (implant) introduced to market in 1998.
  • N24C: Cochlear’s contour (coiled) internal device (implant) introduced to market in 2002.
  • N5: Nucleus 5; Cochlear’s most current implant system introduced to market in 2009.
  • Neptune: Advanced Bionics’ most current generation body worn sound processor introduced to market in 2011.
  • NRI: Neural Response Imaging; Advanced Bionics’ measurement system of auditory nerve responses.
  • NRT: Neural Response Telemetry; Cochlear’s measurement system of auditory nerve responses.
  • PSP:  Platinum Series Sound Processor; Advanced Bionics’ previous generation body worn sound processor.
  • RF: Radio Frequency.
  • RF Coil: The external transmitting RF coil used to power and send signal to the implant.
  • SAS: Simultaneous Analog Stimulation; an Advanced Bionics signal coding strategy for early generation implants. (See C1)
  • Sequential surgery: Each ear implanted in separate surgeries
  • Simultaneous surgery: Two ears implanted during one surgery
  • Sound Processor: The external device that converts sound into electrical signal transmitted to the internal device (implant).
  • SPEAK: A Cochlear signal coding strategy.
  • Switch on: See “Activation.”
  • T-Coil: Telecoil; A very small wire coil that serves as an antenna built into BTE processors and used to receive input signal from telephones, FM systems, etc.
  • T Level: Threshold level; the least amount of stimulation that can be detected. Also called THR.
  • T-Mic: Advanced Bionics’ patented in-the-ear (entrance to the ear canal) microphone, not to be confused with T-coil.
  • Unilateral: One implanted ear

Other Sources

University of Iowa Cochlear Implant Center: Cochlear Implants Glossary

Drexel University College of Medicine : Cochlear implant: Alternative Names

Center for Hearing Loss Help: Glossary  of Hearing Loss and Other Terms Related to Ears