IHS Hearing Loss Assessment 3

Question 1

A patient's audiogram shows bilateral symmetric hearing loss with thresholds of 25 dB at 500 Hz, 35 dB at 1000 Hz, 55 dB at 2000 Hz, and 70 dB at 4000 Hz. This pattern is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)

Answer

Presbycusis typically presents as bilateral, symmetric, gradually sloping high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss that worsens progressively with age.

Question 2

What is the significance of a 4000 Hz notch on an audiogram?

Accepted Answer

Suggests noise-induced hearing loss from chronic loud sound exposure

Answer

A 4000 Hz notch is the characteristic audiometric signature of noise-induced hearing loss, reflecting the frequency region most susceptible to acoustic trauma.

Question 3

Which masking condition is most critical during bone conduction audiometry?

Accepted Answer

Masking is needed in the non-test ear whenever testing bone conduction

Answer

Because bone-conducted sound travels bilaterally with minimal interaural attenuation, the non-test ear must almost always be masked during bone conduction testing to prevent it from responding.

Question 4

The most common cause of conductive hearing loss in adults in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

Cerumen impaction

Answer

Cerumen (earwax) impaction is the most prevalent cause of conductive hearing loss in adults and is easily corrected by removal.

Question 5

A hearing instrument specialist performs otoscopy and observes a pearly white mass behind the tympanic membrane. The appropriate next step is:

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient to an otolaryngologist immediately

Answer

A pearly white mass behind the tympanic membrane is the classic appearance of a cholesteatoma, which requires prompt medical/surgical evaluation and management.

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS Hearing Loss Assessment 3