Hearing Aids Exam 2 Questions and Answers
(100% Correct Answers) Already Graded A+
Earmold fittings affect what three broad acoustic
characteristics of the hearing aid? [ Ans: ] 1) shape of the
gain-frequency response of the aid when it is mounted in
the ear (insertion loss- affects how the sound is
transmitted)
2)self perceived quality of the patient's voice (occlusion
effect)
3) likelihood for feedback
Explain the insertion loss concept. [ Ans: ] Without an ear
mold, as sound travels through the ear it is affected by
the natural ear canal resonance curve (resonates at higher
frequencies) but is still perceived by the listener equally
across frequencies.
When putting an ear mold in the ear, this changes the
resonance curve of the ear and also affects the perceived
response. Instead of all frequencies being perceived
equally there is a reduced perception of high frequencies
cause by the insertion of the ear mold
Selecting an ear mold is a ____________________ step in the
hearing aid selection process. [ Ans: ] secondary
What do you have to consider when choosing an ear mold?
[ Ans: ] -degree of loss
,-need for venting
-shape, size, and texture of patient's ear
-age
-dexterity
What are the four objectives for hearing aid coupling/and
fitting ear molds? [ Ans: ] -provide a satisfactory acoustic
seal (prevent feedback)
-retain the hearing aid on the pinna
-be comfortable
-be aesthetically acceptable to the patient
What are the 4 different type of ear mold materials? [ Ans:
] -acrylic
-silicone
-polyvinyl chloride
-polyethylene
Describe acrylic ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -very hard and
durable
-easy to modify
,-easy to insert and remove (dexterity)
-may not get a tight seal
-will not bend or compress for narrow ear canals
-appropriate for most older adult fittings/mild moderate
losses
T/F: Acrylic ear molds are typically recommended for
children. [ Ans: ] FALSE - due to concern for injury if
struck while wearing the ear mold
Describe silicone ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -available in
tacky/low pressure cured and high pressure cured
varieties (good for many types of losses)
-most appropriate for children
-most appropriate for severe to profound losses
-fairly hypoallergenic
-difficult to modify due to softness
-most difficult to insert
-tubing adhesives may not stick so may need tube lock
Why are silicone ear molds good for severe to profound
hearing loss? [ Ans: ] because the mold fits down better in
the ear canal and does not create feedback
, If you had a patient with dexterity issues, what ear mold
material would you be most likely to choose? which would
you be least likely to choose? [ Ans: ] most likely - acrylic
least likely - silicone
Describe polyvinyl chloride ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -
available in softer and harder varieties
-more comfortable than acrylic
-good for moderate to severe losses
-not as durable
-can be difficult to modify
-more prone to discoloration
-problematic for patients with vinyl allergies
Describe polyethylene ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -similar
to acrylic but more prone to feedback
-used the least often
-plastic like appearance
-most hypoallergenic
What are three different ways for naming ear mold styles?
[ Ans: ] -descriptive name
(100% Correct Answers) Already Graded A+
Earmold fittings affect what three broad acoustic
characteristics of the hearing aid? [ Ans: ] 1) shape of the
gain-frequency response of the aid when it is mounted in
the ear (insertion loss- affects how the sound is
transmitted)
2)self perceived quality of the patient's voice (occlusion
effect)
3) likelihood for feedback
Explain the insertion loss concept. [ Ans: ] Without an ear
mold, as sound travels through the ear it is affected by
the natural ear canal resonance curve (resonates at higher
frequencies) but is still perceived by the listener equally
across frequencies.
When putting an ear mold in the ear, this changes the
resonance curve of the ear and also affects the perceived
response. Instead of all frequencies being perceived
equally there is a reduced perception of high frequencies
cause by the insertion of the ear mold
Selecting an ear mold is a ____________________ step in the
hearing aid selection process. [ Ans: ] secondary
What do you have to consider when choosing an ear mold?
[ Ans: ] -degree of loss
,-need for venting
-shape, size, and texture of patient's ear
-age
-dexterity
What are the four objectives for hearing aid coupling/and
fitting ear molds? [ Ans: ] -provide a satisfactory acoustic
seal (prevent feedback)
-retain the hearing aid on the pinna
-be comfortable
-be aesthetically acceptable to the patient
What are the 4 different type of ear mold materials? [ Ans:
] -acrylic
-silicone
-polyvinyl chloride
-polyethylene
Describe acrylic ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -very hard and
durable
-easy to modify
,-easy to insert and remove (dexterity)
-may not get a tight seal
-will not bend or compress for narrow ear canals
-appropriate for most older adult fittings/mild moderate
losses
T/F: Acrylic ear molds are typically recommended for
children. [ Ans: ] FALSE - due to concern for injury if
struck while wearing the ear mold
Describe silicone ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -available in
tacky/low pressure cured and high pressure cured
varieties (good for many types of losses)
-most appropriate for children
-most appropriate for severe to profound losses
-fairly hypoallergenic
-difficult to modify due to softness
-most difficult to insert
-tubing adhesives may not stick so may need tube lock
Why are silicone ear molds good for severe to profound
hearing loss? [ Ans: ] because the mold fits down better in
the ear canal and does not create feedback
, If you had a patient with dexterity issues, what ear mold
material would you be most likely to choose? which would
you be least likely to choose? [ Ans: ] most likely - acrylic
least likely - silicone
Describe polyvinyl chloride ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -
available in softer and harder varieties
-more comfortable than acrylic
-good for moderate to severe losses
-not as durable
-can be difficult to modify
-more prone to discoloration
-problematic for patients with vinyl allergies
Describe polyethylene ear mold material. [ Ans: ] -similar
to acrylic but more prone to feedback
-used the least often
-plastic like appearance
-most hypoallergenic
What are three different ways for naming ear mold styles?
[ Ans: ] -descriptive name
