HIS Assistive Listening Devices & Hearing Assistive Technology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of assistive listening system uses electromagnetic induction to transmit audio signals directly to a telecoil in a hearing aid?
- FM system
- Induction loop system (Correct answer)
- Infrared system
- Bluetooth system
Correct answer: Induction loop system
Induction loop (hearing loop) systems create an electromagnetic field that is picked up by the telecoil (T-coil) in hearing aids and cochlear implant processors.
Question 2: An FM assistive listening system operates by transmitting audio using which technology?
- Visible light pulses
- Magnetic induction
- Radio frequency signals (Correct answer)
- Ultrasonic waves
Correct answer: Radio frequency signals
FM systems transmit audio via radio frequency signals from a transmitter (worn by the speaker) to a receiver worn by the listener.
Question 3: Which assistive listening device (ALD) is most susceptible to interference from other light sources such as fluorescent lighting?
- FM system
- Hearing loop system
- Infrared system (Correct answer)
- Bluetooth system
Correct answer: Infrared system
Infrared systems transmit audio using invisible light waves and can be disrupted by other infrared sources, including fluorescent lighting and sunlight.
Question 4: A patient with a severe-to-profound hearing loss reports difficulty using the telephone even with hearing aids. The MOST appropriate assistive technology to recommend first would be:
- A neck loop coupled to a telecoil-equipped hearing aid
- A captioned telephone (CapTel) (Correct answer)
- An infrared TV listener
- A personal FM system with lapel microphone
Correct answer: A captioned telephone (CapTel)
A captioned telephone displays real-time captions of spoken words, making telephone communication accessible regardless of residual hearing ability.
Question 5: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that places of public accommodation provide effective communication. Which assistive listening system is specifically mandated in many large assembly areas under ADA guidelines?
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Hearing loop or FM system (Correct answer)
- Captioned telephones
- Personal amplifiers
Correct answer: Hearing loop or FM system
ADA guidelines require assistive listening systems (such as hearing loops or FM systems) in assembly areas with audio amplification, ensuring access for people with hearing loss.
Question 6: A personal sound amplification product (PSAP) differs from a hearing aid in that PSAPs:
- Require FDA clearance before sale
- Are intended for individuals with hearing impairment
- Are designed for people without hearing loss in specific listening situations (Correct answer)
- Must be programmed by a licensed hearing instrument specialist
Correct answer: Are designed for people without hearing loss in specific listening situations
PSAPs are consumer electronic devices intended for people with normal hearing who want to amplify sound in specific situations; they are not FDA-cleared hearing devices for hearing impairment.
Question 7: Which feature of an alerting device would be MOST appropriate for a patient with profound hearing loss who needs to be notified of a doorbell?
- An amplified doorbell chime
- A vibrotactile wristband alert (Correct answer)
- A telecoil receiver
- An FM transmitter
Correct answer: A vibrotactile wristband alert
A vibrotactile wristband alert converts the doorbell signal into a physical vibration on the wrist, which is reliably perceivable even with profound hearing loss.
HIS Assistive Listening Devices & Hearing Assistive Technology 1
Which type of assistive listening system uses electromagnetic induction to transmit audio signals directly to a telecoil in a hearing aid?