Hearing Loss Cochlear Implants and Surgical Treatments Test

Question 1

A cochlear implant differs from a hearing aid primarily in that it:

Accepted Answer

Bypasses damaged hair cells and directly stimulates the auditory nerve with electrical signals

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

A microphone, sound processor, and transmitter coil

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss with limited benefit from hearing aids

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

2–4 weeks post-surgery to allow healing

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Absence of cochlear nerve (cochlear nerve aplasia)

Answer

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.

Hearing Loss Practice Test

Hearing Loss Practice Test

Hearing Loss Cochlear Implants and Surgical Treatments Test