HAC Cochlear Implant Basics & Referral 3

Question 1

Cochlear implants are designed to bypass which damaged structure to restore hearing?

Accepted Answer

Outer hair cells of the organ of Corti

Answer

Cochlear implants electrically stimulate the auditory nerve directly, bypassing damaged or absent outer (and inner) hair cells.

Question 2

A parent asks whether their 10-month-old child with bilateral profound SNHL is too young for a cochlear implant. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

No, the FDA approved cochlear implants for children as young as 12 months, and early implantation is encouraged

Answer

The FDA has approved cochlear implants for children as young as 12 months, and earlier implantation is associated with better language outcomes.

Question 3

Which professional is typically NOT part of the core cochlear implant team?

Accepted Answer

Optometrist

Answer

Cochlear implant teams consist of audiologists, ENT surgeons, and speech-language pathologists; vision specialists are not routinely part of the core team.

Question 4

Post-cochlear implant, what is the term for the process of programming the device to set comfortable and threshold stimulation levels?

Accepted Answer

Mapping (MApping)

Answer

Mapping (also called programming or MAPping) establishes the threshold (T-level) and comfort (C-level or M-level) for each electrode channel.

Question 5

A cochlear implant candidate has otosclerosis causing profound SNHL. What preoperative concern is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Cochlear ossification that may impede full electrode insertion

Answer

Otosclerosis can lead to cochlear ossification, which may prevent full insertion of the electrode array and reduce outcomes.

(HAC) Hearing Aid Certification Practice Test

(HAC) Hearing Aid Certification Practice Test

HAC Cochlear Implant Basics & Referral 3