What does the combining form acous/o refer to?

The combining form acous/o specifically relates to hearing. It is derived from the Greek word "akousis," which means "hearing" or "to hear." This term is frequently used in medical terminology to form words associated with auditory functions or conditions. For example, terms like audiology, which studies hearing, and acoumeter, which is an instrument used to measure sound levels, utilize this combining form. Understanding this connection helps clarify its relevance in the medical field, especially in contexts related to auditory health and disorders.