IHS - International Hearing Society Earmold and Impression Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

During an otoscopic examination prior to taking an ear impression, you observe a small, bony growth deep in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. This condition does not appear to be inflamed or causing discomfort. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Note the presence of the exostosis and proceed with the impression, taking care not to place the otoblock behind the growth.

Answer

Exostoses, or small bony growths, are a relatively common finding. As long as there is no inflammation, infection, or other contraindication, it is acceptable to proceed with the impression. The key is to ensure the otoblock is placed at or just beyond the narrowing to prevent the impression from locking behind it, which could cause discomfort and difficulty upon removal.

Question 2

A hearing instrument specialist is selecting an impression material for a client who requires a high-gain power BTE hearing aid, which necessitates a very snug fit to prevent feedback. Which property of the silicone material is most critical to consider for achieving this goal?

Accepted Answer

A high viscosity

Answer

Higher viscosity silicones are denser and more likely to slightly expand the ear canal tissue when injected. This results in a tighter fitting final product, which is desirable for high-gain instruments to create an effective acoustic seal and minimize feedback. Shore value relates to the hardness after curing, not the pressure exerted during the impression process.

Question 3

A new hearing professional is taking their first independent ear impression. To ensure all critical anatomical landmarks are captured for a full-shell ITE hearing aid, which of the following must be completely filled with impression material?

Accepted Answer

The concha bowl (cavum and cymba), helix, tragus, and anti-tragus

Answer

A successful ear impression for a custom hearing aid must be a complete and accurate reproduction of the outer ear's anatomy. This includes filling the entire concha bowl (both cavum and cymba), the helix curl, and capturing the tragus and anti-tragus landmarks to ensure proper fit, retention, and placement of components like microphones.

Question 4

When injecting impression material into a client's ear with a syringe, what is the recommended technique to prevent air pockets and voids in the final impression?

Accepted Answer

Keep the syringe tip buried in the expressed material as the ear is filled and the syringe is withdrawn.

Answer

To avoid introducing air pockets, folds, or voids, the tip of the syringe should be kept just under the surface of the material that has already been injected. The professional should slowly withdraw the syringe laterally as the material fills the canal and concha, ensuring a continuous, solid fill.

Question 5

A client presents for an earmold impression. The otoscopic exam reveals a significant amount of cerumen completely blocking the view of the ear canal beyond the first bend. Which of the following is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the impression until the cerumen can be safely removed according to your scope of practice or by a medical professional.

Answer

Taking an ear impression is contraindicated when impacted or excessive cerumen is present in the ear canal. Proceeding could push the wax further down, causing impaction or injury. The correct action is to delay the impression until the ear canal is clear, either through removal by the practitioner (if within their scope of practice) or by referring the client for medical removal.

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS - International Hearing Society Practice Test

IHS - International Hearing Society Earmold and Impression Techniques Questions and Answers