Hearing Loss Audiological Testing and Diagnosis Test 2

Question 1

What frequency range is routinely tested in a standard clinical audiogram?

Accepted Answer

250 Hz to 8,000 Hz

Answer

A standard clinical audiogram tests pure-tone thresholds from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz, as this range encompasses the frequencies most critical for speech understanding and everyday listening.

Question 2

What is the main purpose of bone conduction testing in an audiological evaluation?

Accepted Answer

To bypass the outer and middle ear and directly stimulate the cochlea

Answer

Bone conduction testing uses a vibrating device placed on the mastoid bone or forehead to bypass the outer and middle ear, directly stimulating the cochlea to isolate sensorineural function.

Question 3

According to ASHA guidelines, what dB HL threshold is generally considered the boundary of normal hearing for adults?

Accepted Answer

25 dB HL

Answer

ASHA defines normal hearing as thresholds of 0–25 dB HL; thresholds above 25 dB HL are considered indicative of hearing loss in adults.

Question 4

What does an 'air-bone gap' on an audiogram indicate?

Accepted Answer

A difference between air and bone conduction thresholds suggesting a conductive component

Answer

An air-bone gap exists when air conduction thresholds are poorer than bone conduction thresholds by 10 dB or more, indicating a conductive component (outer or middle ear problem) is present.

Question 5

Word Recognition Score (WRS) testing measures a patient's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Correctly repeat a list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words presented at a comfortable level

Answer

The WRS (also called speech discrimination score) presents phonetically balanced monosyllabic words at a suprathreshold level to assess clarity of hearing, not just loudness.

Hearing Loss Practice Test

Hearing Loss Practice Test

Hearing Loss Audiological Testing and Diagnosis Test 2