Audiology Praxis 5343 UPDATED ACTUAL
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the relationship between fundamental frequencies and harmonics? - CORRECT
ANSWER - F0= lowest freq component of a complex periodic sound; harmonic is a
regular and repeating multiple of the f0
In which frequencies and at what intensities are most speech sounds produced? - CORRECT
ANSWER - When applied to speech, the human voice spans a range from about 125Hz to
8kHz. 55-65 dB
Define threshold - CORRECT ANSWER - "Threshold is defined as the lowest decibel
hearing level at which responses occur in at least one half of a series of ascending trials. The
minimum number of responses needed to determine the threshold of hearing is two responses out
of three presentations at a single level ."
What is the relationship between sound pressure level (SPL) and hearing level (HL)? -
CORRECT ANSWER - dB HL normalizes SPL scale to 0 because we do not hear the
same at all frequencies. Our ears do not perceive low- and high-frequency sounds as well as they
do sounds between 500 and 4,000 Hz. Thus, normal hearing, if plotted on an audiogram using
the SPL scale, would be a curved, wavy line.
Describe the function of each of the three major parts of the hearing mechanism - CORRECT
ANSWER - OUTER: Pinna-- Funneling of sound & localization. Ear canal-- Amplifies
sounds & protects TM
MIDDLE: Reduces impedance mismatch & Protects from loud sounds (also, Eustachian tube
equalizes pressure BC for the TM to vibrate, the air pressure needs to be equal on each side of
the TM.)
INNER: amplify sounds, frequency selectivity, converts sound to electrical signal, maintain
balance
Function of outer and inner hair cells? - CORRECT ANSWER - OUTER: Amplification
of displacement on the traveling wave & frequency selectivity (active processes are here)
INNER: Nerve excitation= send signals to auditory nerve
,What are the fluids found in the labyrinths of the inner ear? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Scala vestibuli: Perilymph
Scala media: Endolymph
Scala tympani: Perilymph
What impacts can hearing loss cause for learning in children? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Delay in speech and language, reduced academic achievement and vocabulary, lessened literacy
skills, social isolation and poor self-concept, vocational choices
Describe the differences in speech and language development between pre- and post lingually
deafened children. - CORRECT ANSWER - pre lingual- deafened before they learn
speech
post lingual- deafened after they learn speech (about age 6)-effects are not as severe for post
lingually deafened children; need to implant/amplify immediately for prelingual
What impacts can hearing loss cause for adults (ex: social isolation)? - CORRECT
ANSWER - fatigue, depression, social withdraw, impaired memory, reduced quality of
life, headaches, increased stress and blood pressure
What are the etiologies of hearing loss present at birth? - CORRECT ANSWER - 50%
Genetic (syndromic & Non-syndromic)
25% Environmental
25% Idiopathic
Genetic causes of HL? Non-syndromic and syndromic - CORRECT ANSWER - Non-
syndromic:
Connexin mutation related
BFN B4
Mitochondrial
, Syndromic:
Alport syndrome
Branchio-oto-rental syndrome
CHARGE
Jervel and Lange-Nielson Syndrome
Pendred syndrome
Treacher Collins syndrome
Stickler syndrome
Ushers syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome
Down syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 2
Environmental causes of hearing loss (pre/perinatal= present at birth) - CORRECT
ANSWER - TORCH (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, HIV, herpes, rubella, CMV)
Premature birth, low birth weight, asphyxia
Maternal- pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, RH incompatibility
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Characteristics of waardenburg syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - pigmentation
abnormalities (gray spots in hair or different color eyes) and wide-set eyes, congenital SNHL,
*can be progressive
Characteristics of Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - Sensorineural,
conductive, or mixed & can be progressive or permanent at birth. Can cause ossicular fixation or
cochear hypoplasia. Kidney abnormalities!
Characteristics of CHARGE syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - Colomba of the eyes
Heart defects
Atresia or stenosis of the Chonae (nasal passage)
Retardation of growth/development
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the relationship between fundamental frequencies and harmonics? - CORRECT
ANSWER - F0= lowest freq component of a complex periodic sound; harmonic is a
regular and repeating multiple of the f0
In which frequencies and at what intensities are most speech sounds produced? - CORRECT
ANSWER - When applied to speech, the human voice spans a range from about 125Hz to
8kHz. 55-65 dB
Define threshold - CORRECT ANSWER - "Threshold is defined as the lowest decibel
hearing level at which responses occur in at least one half of a series of ascending trials. The
minimum number of responses needed to determine the threshold of hearing is two responses out
of three presentations at a single level ."
What is the relationship between sound pressure level (SPL) and hearing level (HL)? -
CORRECT ANSWER - dB HL normalizes SPL scale to 0 because we do not hear the
same at all frequencies. Our ears do not perceive low- and high-frequency sounds as well as they
do sounds between 500 and 4,000 Hz. Thus, normal hearing, if plotted on an audiogram using
the SPL scale, would be a curved, wavy line.
Describe the function of each of the three major parts of the hearing mechanism - CORRECT
ANSWER - OUTER: Pinna-- Funneling of sound & localization. Ear canal-- Amplifies
sounds & protects TM
MIDDLE: Reduces impedance mismatch & Protects from loud sounds (also, Eustachian tube
equalizes pressure BC for the TM to vibrate, the air pressure needs to be equal on each side of
the TM.)
INNER: amplify sounds, frequency selectivity, converts sound to electrical signal, maintain
balance
Function of outer and inner hair cells? - CORRECT ANSWER - OUTER: Amplification
of displacement on the traveling wave & frequency selectivity (active processes are here)
INNER: Nerve excitation= send signals to auditory nerve
,What are the fluids found in the labyrinths of the inner ear? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Scala vestibuli: Perilymph
Scala media: Endolymph
Scala tympani: Perilymph
What impacts can hearing loss cause for learning in children? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Delay in speech and language, reduced academic achievement and vocabulary, lessened literacy
skills, social isolation and poor self-concept, vocational choices
Describe the differences in speech and language development between pre- and post lingually
deafened children. - CORRECT ANSWER - pre lingual- deafened before they learn
speech
post lingual- deafened after they learn speech (about age 6)-effects are not as severe for post
lingually deafened children; need to implant/amplify immediately for prelingual
What impacts can hearing loss cause for adults (ex: social isolation)? - CORRECT
ANSWER - fatigue, depression, social withdraw, impaired memory, reduced quality of
life, headaches, increased stress and blood pressure
What are the etiologies of hearing loss present at birth? - CORRECT ANSWER - 50%
Genetic (syndromic & Non-syndromic)
25% Environmental
25% Idiopathic
Genetic causes of HL? Non-syndromic and syndromic - CORRECT ANSWER - Non-
syndromic:
Connexin mutation related
BFN B4
Mitochondrial
, Syndromic:
Alport syndrome
Branchio-oto-rental syndrome
CHARGE
Jervel and Lange-Nielson Syndrome
Pendred syndrome
Treacher Collins syndrome
Stickler syndrome
Ushers syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome
Down syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 2
Environmental causes of hearing loss (pre/perinatal= present at birth) - CORRECT
ANSWER - TORCH (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, HIV, herpes, rubella, CMV)
Premature birth, low birth weight, asphyxia
Maternal- pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, RH incompatibility
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Characteristics of waardenburg syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - pigmentation
abnormalities (gray spots in hair or different color eyes) and wide-set eyes, congenital SNHL,
*can be progressive
Characteristics of Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - Sensorineural,
conductive, or mixed & can be progressive or permanent at birth. Can cause ossicular fixation or
cochear hypoplasia. Kidney abnormalities!
Characteristics of CHARGE syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - Colomba of the eyes
Heart defects
Atresia or stenosis of the Chonae (nasal passage)
Retardation of growth/development
