HAC Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield HAC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here โ free, no sign-up.
HAC exam key facts
- The hearing aid specialist licensing exam (IHS ILE) has 105 multiple-choice questions, 80 of which are scored and 25 of which are unscored pilot questions. Source
- Candidates get 120 minutes to complete the IHS International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE). Source
- The IHS hearing aid specialist licensing exam (ILE) reports only Pass or Fail on an overall raw score; IHS recommends a passing score, but each state or provincial licensing agency makes the final decision. Source
- The International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE), the written hearing aid specialist licensing exam, costs $260 USD, payable to the International Hearing Society by credit or debit card when scheduling. Source
- Retake rules for the IHS International Licensing Examination (ILE) vary by state or province, and the post-exam Test Completion email explains next steps if a retake is needed. Source
- A passing IHS ILE result can be sent to another state or province's licensing agency with a Score Transfer Letter, which costs $50 (free for IHS members), if that agency accepts it instead of a retake. Source
130 questions
105 min time limit
70.00% to pass
- How does ongoing follow-up support Cochlear Implant Basics & Referral in Hearing Aid Certification? โ It ensures optimal performance and patient satisfaction over time
- The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) assesses patient outcomes across how many domains? โ 7
- Which of the following best describes the concept of 'significant other involvement' in hearing aid counseling? โ Including communication partners in counseling to improve overall communication outcomes
- How does ongoing follow-up support Tinnitus Management & Treatment in Hearing Aid Certification? โ It ensures optimal performance and patient satisfaction over time
- An adult patient's aided CNC word recognition score is 38% in the best ear. According to typical US CI candidacy criteria, how should the audiologist proceed? โ Document the score and refer to a cochlear implant center
- Which compression parameter determines the input level at which the hearing aid transitions from linear to compressed amplification? โ Kneepoint (compression threshold)
- In audiometry, the term 'threshold' is defined as the softest level at which a patient responds: โ 50% of the time
- During a listening check with a stethoset, the clinician hears no sound from the hearing aid despite a new battery. What should be checked next? โ Whether the wax guard is clogged or the receiver is blocked
- What is the primary purpose of Types of Hearing Loss & Assessment in Hearing Aid Certification? โ Improving hearing outcomes and patient quality of life
- What documentation is required for Pediatric Hearing Aid Fitting in Hearing Aid Certification? โ Assessment results, fitting parameters, patient preferences, and follow-up notes
- What distinguishes a wide-band FM ALD transmitter from a narrow-band FM ALD transmitter? โ Wide-band transmitters occupy more bandwidth and can deliver higher audio fidelity
- What role does patient education play in Telehealth & Remote Hearing Services for Hearing Aid Certification? โ It empowers patients to manage their hearing health effectively
- Real Ear Insertion Gain (REIG) is calculated by: โ Subtracting the REUR from the REAR (REAR โ REUR)
- Why is speech audiometry an important part of hearing assessment? โ Measures ability to hear and understand speech
- What is the primary advantage of a multi-band compression system over single-band compression in hearing aids? โ It allows independent gain adjustments across different frequency regions
- What is the primary purpose of Telehealth & Remote Hearing Services in Hearing Aid Certification? โ Improving hearing outcomes and patient quality of life
- What does OSPL90 (or SSPL90) measure in hearing aid specifications? โ Maximum output sound pressure level with a 90 dB SPL input sweep
- Which audiometric finding is characteristic of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)? โ Present OAEs with absent or abnormal ABR
- Which type of hearing aid coupling is most appropriate for a patient with chronic otitis externa who cannot tolerate an occlusive earmold? โ Open-fit thin-tube or RIC with open dome
- What does 'MPO' stand for in digital hearing aid specifications? โ Maximum Power Output
- The ANSI S3.6 standard primarily governs which aspect of audiology practice? โ Audiometer calibration specifications
- Under HIPAA, a hearing care professional may share a patient's audiogram with a referring physician without a separate authorization if: โ The disclosure is for treatment purposes
- Which coupling method is used when a patient with a telecoil-equipped hearing aid uses a neck loop connected to an FM receiver? โ Inductive coupling
- Which component in a hearing aid converts the processed electrical signal back into sound? โ Receiver (speaker)
- During speech audiometry, what does a word recognition score (WRS) of 72% suggest? โ Poor speech discrimination ability
- A patient with a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) wants to use an FM system. What coupling method is most appropriate? โ Bluetooth streaming to the BAHA sound processor
- Which of the following is a required element on a hearing aid's labeling under FDA regulations? โ Conditions for which medical evaluation is recommended before purchase
- Which connectivity metric most directly affects the reliability of real-time remote hearing aid adjustments via manufacturer software? โ Latency (ping)
- A digital RF ALD system operating at 2.4 GHz may experience interference from which common household or office device? โ Wi-Fi router or microwave oven
- What term describes the ratio of the desired speech signal to background noise that an FM system is designed to improve? โ Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
Turn these facts into recall:
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How this page was made: written with AI tools. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- ihsinfo.org โ Test delivery, eligibility, fees, retake policy, exam format, passing score, score validity, time limit ยท verified Oct 2026