HAC Cochlear Implant Basics & Referral 4

Question 1

What does the term 'electrode array' refer to in a cochlear implant system?

Accepted Answer

The surgically implanted series of electrodes inserted into the cochlea

Answer

The electrode array is the flexible strand of electrodes inserted into the scala tympani of the cochlea to electrically stimulate the auditory nerve.

Question 2

Which hearing loss configuration typically makes a patient the BEST candidate for a cochlear implant rather than a conventional hearing aid?

Accepted Answer

Severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with poor word recognition

Answer

Patients with severe-to-profound bilateral SNHL and poor aided word recognition gain the most benefit from cochlear implantation over conventional amplification.

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Document the score and refer to a cochlear implant center

Answer

A CNC score of 38% in the best-aided condition meets the ≤50% threshold, so referral to a cochlear implant center is the appropriate next step.

Question 4

What is the role of telemetry in cochlear implant management?

Accepted Answer

Measuring electrode impedances and neural responses to verify device integrity

Answer

Telemetry measures electrode impedances and can record electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) to confirm device function and neural health.

Question 5

A child receives a cochlear implant at age 14 months. Intensive auditory-verbal therapy is recommended primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Early auditory experience during critical periods maximizes spoken language development

Answer

Auditory-verbal therapy capitalizes on the brain's neuroplasticity during early critical periods to develop listening and spoken language skills post-implantation.

(HAC) Hearing Aid Certification Practice Test

(HAC) Hearing Aid Certification Practice Test

HAC Cochlear Implant Basics & Referral 4