The Journal of the American Academy of Audiology presents information for the audiology profession written in objective, neutral and scientific language. The journal follows the AMA (American Medical Association) Manual of Style, with some exceptions specific to the journal and the American Academy of Audiology.
Authors writing for JAAA should note that the following terminology may not be used in JAAA articles:
Normal: Do not use the word normal as an adjective for any reason, including for a medical condition, medical test or medical outcome. The term is imprecise and has varying meanings to different reader audiences. Also do not use variations of the term normal.
The following are suggested terminology alternatives for any use of the word normal. If the specific phrase you are considering does not appear below, use these suggestions as guidelines for your specific writing needs.
Normal hearing: Do not use the term normal hearing. Instead, use the following:
On first reference: Identify the hearing range with a specific technical definition of the range. Also follow that range with a phrase in parentheses that identifies the way you may be referring to this group later in the article.
For example:
Individuals who have hearing thresholds no greater than 15 dB HL1 (the reference group)…
After the first reference: Use the term: the reference group.
For example: The reference group had…
Be sure that the terminology that will be used for any later references is included in parentheses after the first reference.
Normal audiogram/s: Do not use the term normal audiogram or normal audiograms.
On first reference: Identify the audiogram range with a specific technical definition. Follow this definition with a phrase in parentheses that identifies the way you may be referring to this range later in the article. This phrase could be: (the reference range).
After the first reference: Use the term: the reference range.
Additional terms used by the journal:
Use: Audiological. Do not use: audiologic.
Use: d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Do not use: deaf, hard of hearing, etc.
Health care (a noun) is written as two words. Do not use: healthcare (written as one word).
Health care, when used as an adjective, is hyphenated. For example: health-care settings, health-care experts.
Use: Hearing-health care. Do not use: hearing health care.
Use: Hearing-health-care professionals. Do not use: hearing health care professionals.
In addition, the journal uses person-first language.
For example:
Use: individuals who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Do not use: d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
Use: students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Do not use: d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing students.
