IHS Instrument Selection 3

Question 1

What does the acronym WDRC refer to in hearing instrument signal processing?

Accepted Answer

Wide Dynamic Range Compression

Answer

WDRC (Wide Dynamic Range Compression) amplifies soft sounds more than loud sounds to restore the compressed dynamic range typical of sensorineural hearing loss.

Question 2

A patient understands speech well in quiet but struggles in restaurants. Which technology feature should be PRIORITIZED during instrument selection?

Accepted Answer

Directional microphone system with digital noise reduction

Answer

Directional microphones and noise reduction algorithms specifically target improving the speech-to-noise ratio in environments like restaurants.

Question 3

Which compression parameter determines how quickly a hearing aid responds to a sudden loud sound?

Accepted Answer

Attack time

Answer

Attack time is the speed at which the compressor engages to reduce gain when the input signal exceeds the compression threshold.

Question 4

A patient with bothersome tinnitus is being fitted with hearing aids. Which technology feature may provide additional relief beyond standard amplification?

Accepted Answer

Built-in tinnitus sound therapy programs

Answer

Many modern hearing aids include dedicated tinnitus therapy programs that generate masking or soothing sounds to reduce tinnitus perception.

Question 5

What is the PRIMARY purpose of a feedback cancellation algorithm in a digital hearing aid?

Accepted Answer

Detect and suppress acoustic feedback whistling before it becomes audible

Answer

Feedback cancellation continuously monitors for feedback and applies an inverse signal to cancel the whistle before the patient or listener hears it.

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS Instrument Selection 3