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Bárány test

a test designed to reveal whether the semicircular canals of the inner ear are functioning properly. The patient is rotated in a special chair—the Bárány chair—with his or her head in each of the planes that bring the three canals vertical to the direction of rotation. The resulting nystagmus (involuntary movements of the eyes) indicates whether the canals are functioning properly. Also called Bárány method. [Robert Bárány (1876–1936), Austrian physician]

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

cochlear implant

cochlear implant

an electronic device designed to enable individuals with complete deafness to hear and interpret some sounds, particularly those associated with speech. It consists of a microphone to detect sound, a headpiece to transmit sound, a processor to digitize sound, and a receiver to signal electrodes that are surgically implanted in the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve. In contrast to a hearing aid, which amplifies sound, it directly stimulates the auditory nerve.