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
Start the Timed HAC Mock Exam โ†’
130 questions
105 min time limit
70.00% to pass
  1. How does ongoing follow-up support Cochlear Implant Basics & Referral in Hearing Aid Certification? โ†’ It ensures optimal performance and patient satisfaction over time
  2. The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) assesses patient outcomes across how many domains? โ†’ 7
  3. 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
  4. How does ongoing follow-up support Tinnitus Management & Treatment in Hearing Aid Certification? โ†’ It ensures optimal performance and patient satisfaction over time
  5. 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
  6. Which compression parameter determines the input level at which the hearing aid transitions from linear to compressed amplification? โ†’ Kneepoint (compression threshold)
  7. In audiometry, the term 'threshold' is defined as the softest level at which a patient responds: โ†’ 50% of the time
  8. 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
  9. What is the primary purpose of Types of Hearing Loss & Assessment in Hearing Aid Certification? โ†’ Improving hearing outcomes and patient quality of life
  10. What documentation is required for Pediatric Hearing Aid Fitting in Hearing Aid Certification? โ†’ Assessment results, fitting parameters, patient preferences, and follow-up notes
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Real Ear Insertion Gain (REIG) is calculated by: โ†’ Subtracting the REUR from the REAR (REAR โˆ’ REUR)
  14. Why is speech audiometry an important part of hearing assessment? โ†’ Measures ability to hear and understand speech
  15. 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
  16. What is the primary purpose of Telehealth & Remote Hearing Services in Hearing Aid Certification? โ†’ Improving hearing outcomes and patient quality of life
  17. What does OSPL90 (or SSPL90) measure in hearing aid specifications? โ†’ Maximum output sound pressure level with a 90 dB SPL input sweep
  18. Which audiometric finding is characteristic of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)? โ†’ Present OAEs with absent or abnormal ABR
  19. 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
  20. What does 'MPO' stand for in digital hearing aid specifications? โ†’ Maximum Power Output
  21. The ANSI S3.6 standard primarily governs which aspect of audiology practice? โ†’ Audiometer calibration specifications
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. Which component in a hearing aid converts the processed electrical signal back into sound? โ†’ Receiver (speaker)
  25. During speech audiometry, what does a word recognition score (WRS) of 72% suggest? โ†’ Poor speech discrimination ability
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. Which connectivity metric most directly affects the reliability of real-time remote hearing aid adjustments via manufacturer software? โ†’ Latency (ping)
  29. 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
  30. 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)

What Practice Test Geeks adds beyond an AI chat for HAC

An AI chatbot can quiz you, but it can't reproduce the exam conditions or keep your record. Here you get:

  • A timed, full-length HAC mock exam โ€” 130 questions in 105 minutes with a 70% pass mark, modeled on the official exam's question count and time limit, followed by a score report broken down by exam domain.
  • A fixed HAC question bank: the same test every attempt, so your score is comparable from one try to the next instead of changing with every regenerated quiz.
  • Progress saved on your device: completed tests, scores and missed questions stay in My Progress, so you can retake only what you got wrong.
  • HAC flashcards built from the same question bank.
  • Free HAC practice tests with the correct answer shown after each question.
Start the Timed HAC Mock Exam โ†’
Was this helpful?

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

  1. ihsinfo.org โ€” Test delivery, eligibility, fees, retake policy, exam format, passing score, score validity, time limit ยท verified Oct 2026