HAC Tinnitus Management & Treatment 3

Question 1

During a tinnitus evaluation, residual inhibition is tested by masking the tinnitus and then measuring what?

Accepted Answer

The temporary suppression of tinnitus after the masking sound is removed

Answer

Residual inhibition refers to the temporary reduction or elimination of tinnitus immediately after a masking sound is turned off.

Question 2

A patient with tinnitus also presents with hyperacusis. Which sound therapy approach requires the most caution?

Accepted Answer

High-level broadband masking above the loudness discomfort level

Answer

Using high-level masking in a patient with hyperacusis can worsen sound sensitivity; instead, very low-level sound enrichment is recommended.

Question 3

Pulsatile tinnitus that synchronizes with the heartbeat is most likely associated with which underlying condition?

Accepted Answer

Vascular or cardiovascular abnormalities

Answer

Pulsatile tinnitus synchronized with heartbeat is commonly caused by vascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations, carotid stenosis, or benign intracranial hypertension.

Question 4

In the Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) model developed by the VA, at what level does a hearing care provider first become directly involved?

Accepted Answer

Level 2: Audiologic evaluation

Answer

In the PTM stepped-care model, the hearing care provider (audiologist) first becomes directly involved at Level 2 for audiologic evaluation and triage.

Question 5

Which neural plasticity concept underlies why tinnitus often persists even after auditory nerve severing?

Accepted Answer

Central gain increase in auditory cortex after deafferentation

Answer

After deafferentation, the central auditory system increases gain to compensate for reduced input, generating phantom sounds even without peripheral input.

(HAC) Hearing Aid Certification Practice Test

(HAC) Hearing Aid Certification Practice Test

HAC Tinnitus Management & Treatment 3