ABA Audiologic Assessment & Diagnosis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of pure-tone audiometry?
- To assess speech discrimination
- To measure softest tones heard at each frequency (Correct answer)
- To test middle ear pressure
- To check hearing aid settings
Correct answer: To measure softest tones heard at each frequency
Pure-tone audiometry is used to determine the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies.
Question 2: What does tympanometry evaluate?
- Inner ear balance
- Eardrum and middle ear function (Correct answer)
- Speech clarity
- External ear size
Correct answer: Eardrum and middle ear function
Tympanometry measures eardrum movement in response to pressure changes to assess middle ear function.
Question 3: What is the primary use of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)?
- Measure brain activity
- Test cochlear function (Correct answer)
- Evaluate eustachian tube
- Analyze speech patterns
Correct answer: Test cochlear function
OAEs are used to detect cochlear (outer hair cell) function, often in newborn hearing screening.
Question 4: Why is speech audiometry performed?
- To measure brainstem response
- To assess speech recognition and comprehension (Correct answer)
- To diagnose ear infections
- To monitor dizziness
Correct answer: To assess speech recognition and comprehension
Speech audiometry evaluates a person's ability to recognize and understand speech at different volume levels.
Question 5: What is the function of an audiogram?
- It shows balance ability
- It graphs hearing thresholds (Correct answer)
- It measures bone density
- It evaluates speech fluency
Correct answer: It graphs hearing thresholds
An audiogram charts hearing sensitivity across various frequencies and intensities.
Question 6: What is auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing used for?
- To assess earwax buildup
- To detect auditory nerve and brainstem function (Correct answer)
- To examine speech patterns
- To observe cochlear vibrations
Correct answer: To detect auditory nerve and brainstem function
ABR evaluates the integrity of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways by recording electrical activity.
Question 7: Which test is best for evaluating newborn hearing?
- Tympanometry
- OAE and ABR (Correct answer)
- Speech audiometry
- Vestibular testing
Correct answer: OAE and ABR
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and ABR are common tests used in newborn hearing screening programs.
Question 8: Why is case history important in audiologic assessment?
- To schedule appointments
- To guide diagnosis and testing (Correct answer)
- To estimate hearing aid cost
- To identify insurance needs
Correct answer: To guide diagnosis and testing
A comprehensive case history provides context for test results and guides diagnostic decisions.
Question 9: What is the significance of bone conduction testing?
- To test balance
- To determine type of hearing loss (Correct answer)
- To amplify sound
- To map ear canal shape
Correct answer: To determine type of hearing loss
Bone conduction helps distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
ABA Audiologic Assessment & Diagnosis 1
What is the purpose of pure-tone audiometry?