Hearing Aid Audiology & Hearing Assessment Flashcards

Which audiometric test measures the softest sound a patient can detect 50% of the time?

Answer: Pure-tone threshold

Pure-tone threshold is the minimum intensity level at which a patient detects a tone 50% of the time it is presented.

A patient's audiogram shows a 'cookie-bite' pattern. Which frequencies are most affected?

Answer: Mid frequencies (1000–2000 Hz)

A cookie-bite audiogram shows greatest hearing loss in the mid-frequency range, sparing lows and highs.

What does a type B tympanogram indicate?

Answer: Eustachian tube dysfunction or fluid in the middle ear

A flat (Type B) tympanogram indicates reduced or absent tympanic membrane mobility, commonly caused by fluid or perforation.

Which term describes the range of sounds between a patient's threshold and their uncomfortable loudness level?

Answer: Dynamic range

Dynamic range is the difference in decibels between the hearing threshold and the level at which sound becomes uncomfortably loud.

During speech audiometry, what does a word recognition score (WRS) of 72% suggest?

Answer: Poor speech discrimination ability

A WRS below 80% is generally considered poor and suggests difficulty understanding speech even when it is audible.

The ANSI S3.6 standard primarily governs which aspect of audiology practice?

Answer: Audiometer calibration specifications

ANSI S3.6 establishes the specifications for audiometers, including calibration tolerances and test frequencies.

A patient presents with normal hearing sensitivity but reports difficulty understanding speech in noise. Which test would best quantify this deficit?

Answer: Speech-in-noise test (e.g., QuickSIN)

The QuickSIN and similar speech-in-noise tests measure how much signal-to-noise ratio a patient needs for adequate speech understanding.