Words and abbreviations

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33 words and abbreviations

ABR

Auditory brainstem response. A test using sensors on the skin to measure responses to sounds.

AABR

Automated auditory brainstem response. A screening test that checks for a response to sounds.

Audiogram

A chart recording hearing test results at different pitches and levels.

Audiology

The service concerned with hearing assessment and related support.

BSL

British Sign Language. A visual language with its own grammar.

CAMHS

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Deaf CAMHS is a specialist service with its own referral criteria.

Cochlear implant, CI

A system with implanted and external parts that converts sound into electrical stimulation for the hearing nerve.

Conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss involving the passage of sound through the outer or middle ear.

Cued Speech

Handshapes and placements used with speech to make spoken language sounds visually distinguishable.

Deaf / deaf

Words people use in different ways. Capital D Deaf often refers to cultural and linguistic identity. Respect the person’s preference.

DLA

Disability Living Allowance. A child disability benefit in England, subject to eligibility rules.

EHC needs assessment

An assessment of whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan.

EHCP

Education, Health and Care Plan. A legal plan setting out identified needs and required provision, where one is issued.

ENT

Ear, Nose and Throat. A medical specialty.

Glue ear / OME

Otitis media with effusion. Fluid in the middle ear that can cause temporary hearing loss.

Hearing threshold

The quietest sound detected at a particular pitch during a test.

HVS

Hearing and Vision Specialist Service, the local sensory education service.

Language access

Being able to understand and express meaning through an accessible language and communication environment.

Local Offer

The council’s published information about SEND support, services and opportunities.

MASSH

Multi Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub. Stockport’s safeguarding and support route.

OAE

Otoacoustic emissions. Responses generated by the cochlea. An OAE result alone does not establish hearing levels.

PALS

Patient Advice and Liaison Service. An NHS advice and concerns route.

Radio aid / remote microphone

A system transmitting a speaker’s voice to compatible hearing equipment.

Reasonable adjustments

Changes required under equality law to address disability related disadvantage. What is required depends on the situation.

SENCO

Special Educational Needs Coordinator. The person coordinating a setting’s SEND support.

SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

SENDIASS

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing loss involving the inner ear or hearing nerve.

SLT / SaLT

Speech and language therapist or speech and language therapy. This can include broader language and communication needs, not only speech.

SSE

Sign Supported English. Signs used alongside spoken English, following English word order.

Teacher of the Deaf, ToD

A specialist teacher supporting deaf children’s education and access. Ask about the relevant qualification and provision.

Tympanometry

A test of middle ear and eardrum response to pressure changes.

VRA

Visual reinforcement audiometry. A hearing test using a visual reward for responses to sound.

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