Hearing Loss Ear Health 4

Question 1

Age-related hearing loss is medically known as:

Accepted Answer

Presbycusis

Answer

Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people get older, often affecting high frequencies first.

Question 2

Which frequencies are typically lost first in age-related hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

High frequencies

Answer

High-pitched sounds, such as consonants and birdsong, are usually the first to fade with presbycusis.

Question 3

Which common medication class is known to be potentially 'ototoxic' (harmful to hearing)?

Accepted Answer

Certain antibiotics and high-dose aspirin

Answer

Some antibiotics (aminoglycosides) and very high doses of aspirin can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.

Question 4

What is the main purpose of a hearing aid?

Accepted Answer

To amplify sound for the wearer

Answer

Hearing aids amplify and process sound to make it easier for a person with hearing loss to hear, but they do not cure the loss.

Question 5

A cochlear implant differs from a hearing aid because it:

Accepted Answer

Directly stimulates the auditory nerve

Answer

A cochlear implant bypasses damaged hair cells and electrically stimulates the auditory nerve directly.

Hearing Loss Practice Test