Hearing Loss Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hearing aid style sits entirely within the ear canal and is the least visible?
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- Completely-in-canal (CIC) (Correct answer)
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
Correct answer: Completely-in-canal (CIC)
Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest and least visible style, fitting entirely within the ear canal.
Question 2: A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is typically recommended for which patient population?
- Adults with mild hearing loss only
- Children and those with severe to profound hearing loss (Correct answer)
- Adults who want the smallest device
- Patients with single-sided deafness only
Correct answer: Children and those with severe to profound hearing loss
BTE hearing aids are recommended for children because they can be reprogrammed as needs change, and for those with severe to profound hearing loss due to their greater amplification capacity.
Question 3: What is the primary function of a telecoil (T-coil) in a hearing aid?
- To amplify background noise
- To connect to Bluetooth devices
- To pick up electromagnetic signals from loop systems and telephones (Correct answer)
- To reduce feedback
Correct answer: To pick up electromagnetic signals from loop systems and telephones
A telecoil picks up electromagnetic signals from telephone handsets and hearing loop induction systems, improving hearing in compatible environments.
Question 4: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids differ from traditional BTE aids in that the receiver (speaker) is located:
- In the main body behind the ear
- Inside the ear canal (Correct answer)
- On top of the ear
- Underneath the ear
Correct answer: Inside the ear canal
In RIC hearing aids, the receiver is placed directly in the ear canal, connected to the behind-ear unit via a thin wire, which reduces feedback and improves sound quality.
Question 5: What does 'feedback' refer to in the context of hearing aids?
- User satisfaction ratings
- Amplified sound leaking back into the microphone causing a whistling sound (Correct answer)
- Battery life notifications
- Volume control response
Correct answer: Amplified sound leaking back into the microphone causing a whistling sound
Hearing aid feedback is a high-pitched whistling or squealing caused when amplified sound from the receiver leaks back into the microphone and is re-amplified.
Question 6: Which type of hearing aid battery size is the largest and longest-lasting?
- Size 10 (yellow)
- Size 312 (brown)
- Size 13 (orange)
- Size 675 (blue) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Size 675 (blue)
Size 675 (blue) batteries are the largest zinc-air hearing aid batteries and provide the longest battery life, typically used in BTE aids for severe to profound hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices Test 1
Which hearing aid style sits entirely within the ear canal and is the least visible?