IHS - International Hearing Society Earmold and Impression Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

During an otoscopic examination prior to taking an ear impression, you observe a small, bony growth deep in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal.
This condition does not appear to be inflamed or causing discomfort.
What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Note the presence of the exostosis and proceed with the impression, taking care not to place the otoblock behind the growth.

Answer

Immediately refer the client to a physician for medical clearance before proceeding with the impression.

Answer

Use a smaller otoblock to bypass the growth and achieve a deeper impression.

Answer

Cancel the appointment and rebook after the client has had the growth surgically removed.

Question 2

A hearing instrument specialist is selecting an impression material for a client who requires a high-gain power BTE hearing aid, which necessitates a very snug fit to prevent feedback. Which property of the silicone material is most critical to consider for achieving this goal?

Accepted Answer

A high viscosity

Answer

A low shore value

Answer

A powder and liquid composition

Answer

A long curing time

Question 3

A new hearing professional is taking their first independent ear impression. To ensure all critical anatomical landmarks are captured for a full-shell ITE hearing aid, which of the following must be completely filled with impression material?

Accepted Answer

The concha bowl (cavum and cymba), helix, tragus, and anti-tragus

Answer

The earlobe and mastoid process

Answer

The cymba concha, external auditory meatus, and incisura intertragica

Answer

The ear canal up to the first bend only

Question 4

When injecting impression material into a client's ear with a syringe, what is the recommended technique to prevent air pockets and voids in the final impression?

Accepted Answer

Keep the syringe tip buried in the expressed material as the ear is filled and the syringe is withdrawn.

Answer

Inject the material in short bursts to allow air to escape.

Answer

Move the syringe tip rapidly in a circular motion to spread the material quickly.

Answer

Fill the concha bowl first before injecting material into the ear canal.

Question 5

A client presents for an earmold impression. The otoscopic exam reveals a significant amount of cerumen completely blocking the view of the ear canal beyond the first bend. Which of the following is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the impression until the cerumen can be safely removed according to your scope of practice or by a medical professional.

Answer

Use a high-viscosity material to push the wax against the otoblock.

Answer

Proceed with the impression but inform the lab about the wax.

Answer

Place the otoblock just in front of the wax blockage.

Question 6

After successfully removing a cured silicone ear impression, what is the essential final step before concluding the procedure with the client?

Accepted Answer

Perform a post-impression otoscopic examination of the ear.

Answer

Trim any excess material from the helix area of the impression.

Answer

Immediately package the impression in a box with foam padding for shipping.

Answer

Ask the client if they experienced any dizziness.