Glossary of terms

The glossary of terms provides definitions of key concepts, technical terminology, and abbreviations to ensure clarity, consistency and supports reader understanding.

Term	Definition / Description
CI	Cochlear implant (s)
Assistive hearing technology	Assistive hearing technology refers to a range of devices and systems designed to support individuals with hearing loss by enhancing, amplifying, or clarifying sound. In the South African context, access to such technology is shaped by socio-economic conditions, healthcare availability, and affordability.
Auracast™	A Bluetooth®-based broadcast audio technology that enables a single audio source to transmit sound to multiple compatible receiving devices simultaneously. Auracast allows users, including those with hearing devices, to access shared audio streams in public and private environments, such as theaters, airports, or classrooms.
Bone conduction hearing devices	A hearing device that transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear via the skull bones, bypassing the outer and middle ear. These devices are commonly used for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness, where traditional air-conduction hearing aids may be ineffective or unsuitable.
Conductive hearing loss	A type of hearing loss caused by obstruction, damage, or dysfunction of the outer or middle ear, which reduces the efficient transmission of sound to the inner ear. Common causes include ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormalities of the ear canal or ossicles.
Digital Divide (DD)	The digital divide in South Africa refers to unequal access to and effective use of digital technologies and services.  It is reflected in disparities in internet connectivity, affordability, digital skills, and access to devices, particularly between urban and rural communities.
Digital literacy	The ability to effectively use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills (Von Kessel et al., 2022).
Health literacy	A multidimensional set of skills involving the ability to obtain, access, understand, evaluate, and apply health information in order to make informed decisions about personal health care (Weinstein, 2022).
Mixed hearing loss	A form of hearing loss that combines elements of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, indicating dysfunction in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)	A type of hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear (cochlea), auditory nerve, or central auditory pathways. It is commonly associated with aging, noise exposure, genetic factors, or ototoxic medications and typically affects sound clarity and speech understanding.