Glossary of Communication Disorder Terms - N

N

Neuroplasticity

ability of the brain and/or certain parts of the nervous system to adapt to new conditions, such as an injury.

Neural prostheses

devices that substitute for an injured or diseased part of the nervous system, such as the cochlear implant.

Neural stimulation

to activate or energize a nerve through an external source.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1 von Recklinghausen's)

group of inherited disorders in which noncancerous tumors grow on several nerves that may include the hearing nerve. The symptoms of NF-1 include coffee-colored spots on the skin, enlargement, deformation of bones, and neurofibromas.

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF-2)

group of inherited disorders in which noncancerous tumors grow on several nerves that usually include the hearing nerve. The symptoms of NF-2 include tumors on the hearing nerve which can affect hearing and balance. NF-2 may occur in the teenage years with hearing loss. Also see acoustic neurinoma.

Neurogenic communication disorder

inability to exchange information with others because of hearing, speech, and/or language problems caused by impairment of the nervous system (brain or nerves).

Noise-induced hearing loss

hearing loss caused by exposure to harmful sounds, either very loud impulse sound(s) or repeated exposure to sounds over 90-decibel level over an extended period of time that damage the sensitive structures of the inner ear.

Nonsyndromic hereditary hearing impairment

hearing loss or deafness that is inherited and is not associated with other inherited clinical characteristics.