Hearing Loss Cochlear Implants and Surgical Treatments Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A cochlear implant differs from a hearing aid primarily in that it:
- Amplifies sound mechanically
- Bypasses damaged hair cells and directly stimulates the auditory nerve with electrical signals (Correct answer)
- Is worn externally only
- Treats only conductive hearing loss
Correct answer: Bypasses damaged hair cells and directly stimulates the auditory nerve with electrical signals
Unlike hearing aids that amplify acoustic sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged cochlear hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve via an electrode array inserted into the cochlea.
Question 2: The external components of a cochlear implant system typically include:
- The electrode array and receiver-stimulator only
- A microphone, sound processor, and transmitter coil (Correct answer)
- The cochlea and auditory nerve
- A battery implanted behind the ear
Correct answer: A microphone, sound processor, and transmitter coil
The external components consist of a microphone that picks up sound, a sound processor that codes it, and a transmitter coil that sends signals transcutaneously to the internal implant.
Question 3: Which audiometric criterion is a key candidacy requirement for cochlear implantation in adults in the US?
- Mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss
- Bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss with limited benefit from hearing aids (Correct answer)
- Any degree of conductive hearing loss
- Single-sided deafness only
Correct answer: Bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss with limited benefit from hearing aids
Standard adult cochlear implant candidacy requires bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss with demonstrated limited benefit from appropriately fit hearing aids.
Question 4: After cochlear implant surgery, the device is typically activated (first turned on) after:
- Immediately in the operating room
- 2–4 weeks post-surgery to allow healing (Correct answer)
- 6 months post-surgery
- 1 year post-surgery
Correct answer: 2–4 weeks post-surgery to allow healing
Cochlear implant activation is typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after surgery to allow the surgical site to heal before the external processor is fitted and programmed.
Question 5: A cochlear implant is contraindicated in patients who have which condition?
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Absence of cochlear nerve (cochlear nerve aplasia) (Correct answer)
- Tinnitus
- Age over 65
Correct answer: Absence of cochlear nerve (cochlear nerve aplasia)
Absence of a functional cochlear nerve is a contraindication because the implant's electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve; without a nerve to stimulate, the implant cannot convey sound information.
Question 6: The 'mapping' or 'programming' sessions after cochlear implant activation are used to:
- Physically adjust the electrode array position
- Set the threshold and comfort levels for each electrode to optimize hearing performance (Correct answer)
- Decide if additional surgery is needed
- Teach sign language
Correct answer: Set the threshold and comfort levels for each electrode to optimize hearing performance
MAP programming sessions adjust the minimum (threshold) and maximum (comfort) stimulation levels for each electrode to create a personalized program that provides the best hearing experience.
Hearing Loss Cochlear Implants and Surgical Treatments Test 1
A cochlear implant differs from a hearing aid primarily in that it: