IHS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield IHS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which frequency region is most critical for maximizing speech discrimination when fitting hearing aids? → 2,000–4,000 Hz (high-frequency consonant region)
2. A patient with bothersome tinnitus is being fitted with hearing aids. Which technology feature may provide additional relief beyond standard amplification? → Built-in tinnitus sound therapy programs
3. When reprogramming a repaired hearing aid, what does the audiology assistant do? → Start a new programming session.
4. Which of the following is an example of a 'repair strategy' used in communication rehabilitation? → Asking a speaker to slow down or rephrase after a misunderstanding
5. What does a rollover phenomenon in word recognition testing suggest? → Retrocochlear pathology
6. What do equal loudness contours (Fletcher-Munson curves) demonstrate about human hearing? → The ear's perceived loudness varies with both frequency and sound intensity level
7. Which of the following is considered a method of hearing aid validation, not verification? → Using the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI).
8. Which condition is associated with low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness, tinnitus, and episodic vertigo? → Ménière's disease
9. What is the significance of a 4000 Hz notch on an audiogram? → Suggests noise-induced hearing loss from chronic loud sound exposure
10. The maximum comfortable loudness level (MCL) is typically measured during which type of audiometric procedure? → Loudness discomfort level assessment and hearing aid fitting
11. According to FTC regulations, what is the MINIMUM trial period a hearing aid dispenser must offer to consumers? → 30 days
12. A patient reports they can hear sound from their hearing aid only when they press on the battery door. What does this indicate? → Poor battery contact due to a warped or worn battery door
13. What is the reference standard level for 0 dB Hearing Level (HL) based on? → The average threshold of young adults with normal hearing
14. What is the speed of sound in air at approximately 20°C (68°F)? → 343 m/s
15. What does Type A tympanogram indicate? → Normal middle ear pressure and compliance
16. Which assistive listening system is most commonly installed in theaters, houses of worship, and conference rooms to benefit hearing aid users with telecoils? → Hearing loop (audio induction loop) system
17. According to ASHA guidelines, what is the recommended starting frequency for pure-tone threshold testing? → 1000 Hz
18. The most common cause of conductive hearing loss in adults in the United States is: → Cerumen impaction
19. A hearing aid wearer complains that their own voice sounds 'hollow' or 'like talking in a barrel.' This phenomenon is called: → The occlusion effect
20. A patient's bone conduction thresholds and air conduction thresholds are both elevated by the same degree with no air-bone gap. This pattern is consistent with: → Pure sensorineural hearing loss
21. Insertion Loss occurs when; → The level in the ear canal with a hearing aid inserted is less than the input level.
22. A patient with an open jaw impression shows a significant gap between the impression and the tragus area when the mouth is closed. This most likely indicates: → The temporomandibular joint movement was not adequately captured
23. The impedance matching function of the middle ear is primarily achieved by: → The ratio of tympanic membrane area to stapes footplate area
24. What is the standard unit used to measure sound frequency? → Hertz (Hz)
25. A patient reports that their new hearing aids help in quiet but not during phone calls. The BEST immediate counseling step is to: → Demonstrate the telecoil or Bluetooth streaming feature and practice phone use in session
26. A spouse accompanies a hearing-impaired patient to a counseling session and frequently answers questions directed at the patient. The clinician should: → Gently redirect questions to the patient to preserve their autonomy
27. How many correct responses out of how many presentations are typically required to establish a threshold in the ascending technique? → 2 out of 3
28. Which earmold tubing size is most commonly used with a standard behind-the-ear hearing aid for adults? → #13 tubing
29. Which factor most significantly affects the difference between 2 cc coupler measurements and real-ear measurements? → Individual ear canal acoustics and residual ear canal volume
30. Tinnitus is MOST accurately defined as: → The perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic source