IHS Troubleshooting Hearing Instruments 5

Question 1

A patient reports that voices sound natural but background noise is excessively amplified after a fitting adjustment. Which parameter should the clinician review?

Accepted Answer

Directional microphone settings or noise reduction algorithm strength

Answer

Directional microphone mode and noise reduction algorithms directly control the balance between speech and background noise amplification.

Question 2

After cleaning an ITE hearing aid with a brush and wax loop, the patient still reports no sound. What is the next troubleshooting step?

Accepted Answer

Replace the wax guard and retest

Answer

If brushing and wax loop cleaning did not restore function, the wax guard itself is likely blocked and needs replacement before further electrical troubleshooting.

Question 3

A patient whose hearing aid previously worked well now reports it sounds distorted specifically during phone calls. In-person speech is clear. What is the likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Telecoil or Bluetooth streaming pathway issue, not the main microphone or receiver

Answer

If distortion occurs only during phone use (telecoil or Bluetooth) but not with the microphone, the fault lies within the telecoil, wireless module, or streaming pathway.

Question 4

A dispensing professional uses a hearing aid test box (coupler measurements) and finds output is 15 dB below the manufacturer's specification. The battery is new. What is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Internal receiver or amplifier failure requiring manufacturer repair

Answer

A 15 dB output deficit compared to manufacturer specifications in a calibrated test box indicates an internal component failure—most commonly the receiver or amplifier circuit.

Question 5

A hearing aid with feedback management activated still produces constant whistling when properly inserted. What is the recommended next step?

Accepted Answer

Have the patient return for a new earmold impression to improve acoustic seal

Answer

Persistent feedback despite active feedback management usually means the physical acoustic seal is inadequate; a new impression and earmold will correct the venting leak.

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS Troubleshooting Hearing Instruments 5