Terms and Definitions

Cochlear implant: a device consisting of an external microphone and speech processor that can allow a person to recover a portion of hearing that has been lost.

Congenital: referring to a condition that existed at birth.

Croup: a hacking, bark-like cough caused by inflammation of the upper airways.

Cyst: a structure or pocket within the body filled with fluid or diseased matter.

Endoscope: an illuminated tubular instrument that allows doctors to see inside a hollow organ as an aid to diagnosis.

Esophageal: relating to the esophagus, a tube that runs down the neck between the trachea and the spinal column and behind the left bronchus.

Laryngitis: a condition resulting from inflammation of the larynx; may cause loss of voice.

Nasal polyp: a mass of swollen tissue, usually benign but possibly cancerous, within the nasal membrane.

Nasal septal dislocation: broken nose.

Otitis media: inflammation of the middle ear, particularly common in infants or young children; caused by either a virus or bacteria and usually involves upper respiratory difficulties.

Otoscope: a lighted instrument that allows a physician to examine the auditory canal and eardrum.

Rhinitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, often accompanied by congestion, itching, and sneezing.

Sinusitis: inflammation of the sinus membranes.

Sleep apnea: short periods of cessation of breathing during sleep, which could be caused by an obstruction to the airway.

Strep throat: an inflammatory sore throat caused by bacterial infection and accompanied by red and white patches within the throat, fever, exhaustion, and lower stomach pain.

Stridor evaluation: “stridor” refers to a vibrating sound heard during breathing, caused by an obstruction within the airways.

Neck abscess: a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue.

Tinnitus: a condition caused by an auditory disturbance that causes the affected person to hear a ringing in the ears.

Tonsillitis: an inflammation of the tonsils usually accompanied by sore throat, fever, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, tender or swollen lymph nodes, and loss of voice.

Tracheobronchial: relating to the trachea, through which air passes to and from the lungs, and the bronchus, the two air-passage tubes that connect with the lungs.

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