IHS - International Hearing Society Hearing Instrument Selection Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 78-year-old client has a severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and significant dexterity issues due to arthritis.
They also desire a simple, easy-to-handle device.
Which hearing instrument style would be the most appropriate initial recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) with a custom earmold

Answer

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Answer

In-The-Canal (ITC)

Answer

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) with a stock dome

Question 2

A client presents with a unilateral hearing loss, where the right ear has no usable hearing (profound loss) and the left ear has normal hearing. The client's primary complaint is difficulty hearing conversations on their right side. Which of the following is the most suitable amplification strategy?

Accepted Answer

A contralateral routing of signals (CROS) system

Answer

A traditional hearing aid on the right ear

Answer

Bilateral hearing aids

Answer

A bone-anchored hearing aid on the left side

Question 3

During the hearing instrument selection process, which of the following is an objective measure used to confirm that the hearing aid's amplification levels are appropriate for the client's specific hearing loss in their own ear canal?

Accepted Answer

Real Ear Measurement (REM)

Answer

Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI)

Answer

Aided soundfield testing

Answer

Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE)

Question 4

Which of the following is considered an FDA 'red flag' condition that requires medical referral before a hearing aid can be dispensed to an adult client, unless they sign a medical waiver?

Accepted Answer

Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation

Answer

Gradual, bilateral high-frequency hearing loss

Answer

A history of tinnitus for more than 5 years

Answer

Recruitment and difficulty hearing in noise

Question 5

When selecting an earmold material for a pediatric patient with a severe hearing loss, which material is generally preferred for safety and to ensure a good acoustic seal in a growing ear?

Accepted Answer

Soft silicone

Answer

Hard acrylic

Answer

Polyethylene

Answer

Hard vinyl

Question 6

A primary goal of the initial needs assessment, using tools like the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), before selecting a hearing instrument is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and prioritize the client's specific listening goals and difficulties.

Answer

Determine the exact make and model of the hearing aid.

Answer

Objectively verify the hearing aid's electroacoustic performance.

Answer

Measure the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD).