Glossary of terms

adenoids

the two pieces of tissue located behind the nose that often become enlarged in childhood, which can lead to problems with breathing.

See also Adenoidectomy

allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever)

an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne substances. Rhinitis causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion.

See also Allergic rhinitisAllergy and immunology

aural atresia

the absence of a normal opening into the ear. It is most commonly found in only one ear but can occur in both ears.

See also Plastic and reconstructive surgery

branchial cleft abnormality

a mass of abnormally formed tissues within the neck. These tissues may form pockets called cysts that contain fluid, or they may form passages that drain to an opening in the skin surface.

See also Branchial cleft abnormalitySurgery (general)

bronchus

one of two large subdivisions of the trachea through which air passes to and from the lungs.

congenital cholesteatoma

benign tumors of the temporal bone that usually originate within the middle ear space

congenital muscular torticollis

a condition in which an infant's neck muscle is shortened causing the neck to twist

See also Congenital muscular torticollisRehabilitative services

deviated septum

an abnormal shape of the cartilage that divides the nose; may cause problems with proper breathing or nasal discharge

hearing loss

two main types of hearing loss are sensorineural and conductive. Both types of hearing loss can be present at birth, or they can develop later in life.

See also Hearing lossRehabilitative servicesCochlear implants reduce Nicole's hearing impairmentSurya blossoms as hearing improvesWells family transforms care for deaf and hearing-impaired children

mastoiditis (acute and chronic)

a bacterial infection within the mastoid, a bone that contains a series of air spaces that connect to the middle ear space

otitis externa ("swimmer's ear")

an inflammation of the outer part of the ear extending to the auditory canal.

See also Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)

otitis media (ear infections)

an inflammation of the middle ear caused by infection.

See also Ear infections (otitis media)

thyroglossal duct cyst

a neck mass or lump that develops from cells and tissues remaining after the formation of the thyroid gland during embryonic development

See also Surgery (general)Thyroglossal duct cysts