Auditory System: Word Building: Videos & Practice Problems

Combining forms like acousso, audio, and audito relate to hearing, while aro and auriculo pertain to the ear, specifically the auricle. Myringo and tympano refer to the eardrum and tympanic membrane, key structures in the auditory system. Terms such as kousis and akousis involve hearing processes, and the suffix -otea indicates ear conditions. The suffix -ori means pertaining to, as in auditory, describing functions related to hearing. Understanding these combining forms and suffixes is essential for mastering auditory system terminology in otology and audiology.

Combining Forms and Suffixes Concept 1

Understanding the combining forms and suffixes related to the auditory system is essential for mastering medical terminology associated with hearing and ear anatomy. Terms like acouso, audio, and audito all relate to hearing, with "acoustics" serving as a helpful memory aid. When referring to the ear itself, aro and auriculo are used, highlighting the external ear or auricle.

The term myringo denotes the eardrum, while tympano refers specifically to the tympanic membrane, which acts as the boundary between the external and middle ear. Remembering "myringo" and "tympano" can be simplified by associating them with "myringe" and "tempo," respectively.

Hearing-related conditions are often described using kousis and akousis, which pertain to hearing and auditory perception. The suffix otea indicates an ear condition, linking directly to disorders or diseases of the ear. For example, "auto" can be connected to ear through the analogy of a Bluetooth device syncing with a car, symbolizing the ear's role in receiving sound.

Lastly, the suffix ori means "pertaining to," which is commonly used in terms like "auditory," meaning pertaining to hearing or the ear. This understanding of combining forms and suffixes enhances comprehension of auditory system terminology, facilitating clearer communication in medical contexts.

Combining Forms and Suffixes Example 1

Understanding medical terminology related to ear conditions involves breaking down word parts to reveal their meanings. The term hyperacusis combines "hyper," meaning beyond normal, and "acusis," relating to hearing, describing a condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to sound. This heightened auditory perception can cause discomfort or pain in response to everyday noises.

Another important term is tympanosclerosis, which refers to the hardening or scarring of the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum. The prefix "tympano-" relates to the eardrum, while the suffix "-sclerosis" denotes hardening or scarring, indicating pathological changes that can affect hearing function.

Lastly, macrotia describes a condition involving abnormally large ears. The prefix "macro-" means large, and "otia" pertains to the ear, so macrotia literally translates to having large ears, which can be a congenital or developmental characteristic.

By analyzing these terms, one can better understand how prefixes, roots, and suffixes combine to describe specific auditory conditions, enhancing both vocabulary and comprehension in medical contexts.

Match each definition with the correct term.
1) ____ Inflammation of the eardrum.
2) ____ Reconstructive surgery of the ear. 
3) ____ Hearing loss related to old age.


a) Auriculoplasty
b) Otalgia
c) Myringitis
d) Presbycusis
e) Micosis

• A. 1) b2) a3) d
• B. 1) b2) e3) d
• C. 1) c2) a3) d
• D. 1) c2) a3) b

Answer: (C)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the combining forms related to hearing in the auditory system?

Combining forms related to hearing in the auditory system include acousso, audio, and audito. These terms all refer to the sense of hearing. For example, "audio" is commonly used in words like "audiology," which is the study of hearing. The memory tool to remember these forms is "acoustics," which relates to sound and hearing. Understanding these combining forms helps students recognize and build medical terms related to hearing functions and disorders.

What do the combining forms aro and auriculo refer to in medical terminology?

The combining forms aro and auriculo refer to the ear, specifically the external part called the auricle. The auricle is the visible part of the ear that collects sound waves. In medical terminology, these forms are used to describe conditions or structures related to the ear's outer portion. For example, "auriculo" is used in terms like "auriculoplasty," which means surgical repair of the ear. Remembering "listen to the auricle" can help students associate these combining forms with the ear.

What is the difference between the combining forms myringo and tympano?

The combining forms myringo and tympano both relate to the eardrum but emphasize different aspects. Myringo refers directly to the eardrum itself, while tympano refers to the tympanic membrane, which is the thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear. Both are crucial in transmitting sound vibrations. A helpful memory tool is associating "myringo" with "myringe" and "tympano" with "tempo," linking the terms to their auditory function.

What do the suffixes -otea and -ori mean in auditory system terminology?

In auditory system terminology, the suffix -otea refers to an ear condition. For example, it is used to describe diseases or abnormalities related to the ear. The suffix -ori means "pertaining to." When combined with auditory terms, it forms adjectives describing something related to hearing or the ear, such as "auditory," meaning pertaining to hearing. Understanding these suffixes helps students accurately interpret and build medical terms related to ear conditions and functions.

How do the terms kousis and akousis relate to hearing?

The terms kousis and akousis are related to the process of hearing. Specifically, they refer to hearing and the act of perceiving sound. These combining forms are less commonly used but are important in understanding the linguistic roots of auditory terminology. Recognizing these terms helps students grasp the broader context of hearing-related medical vocabulary and how different roots contribute to the meaning of complex terms in audiology and otolaryngology.