SLP Hearing and Aural Rehabilitation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with sensorineural hearing loss shows a 'cookie bite' audiogram pattern. Which frequencies are most affected?
- Low frequencies only
- High frequencies only
- Mid-range frequencies (1000-2000 Hz) (Correct answer)
- All frequencies equally
Correct answer: Mid-range frequencies (1000-2000 Hz)
A 'cookie bite' or 'U-shaped' audiogram reflects greatest hearing loss in the mid-range frequencies, typically 1000-2000 Hz.
Question 2: Which type of hearing aid processing strategy is most beneficial for a patient who complains that background noise makes speech understanding extremely difficult?
- Linear amplification
- Frequency transposition
- Directional microphone with digital noise reduction (Correct answer)
- Bone-anchored amplification
Correct answer: Directional microphone with digital noise reduction
Directional microphones combined with digital noise reduction reduce background noise and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio for speech understanding.
Question 3: An audiologist performs speech recognition testing using the NU-6 word list. What is the primary purpose of this test?
- To determine pure-tone average
- To assess suprathreshold word recognition ability (Correct answer)
- To evaluate auditory brainstem response
- To screen for auditory processing disorder
Correct answer: To assess suprathreshold word recognition ability
The NU-6 is a monosyllabic word list used to measure a patient's word recognition score at suprathreshold levels.
Question 4: During aural rehabilitation, a clinician uses the CLEAR strategy. What does the 'E' in CLEAR stand for?
- Enunciate clearly
- Emphasize key words (Correct answer)
- Eliminate distractions
- Evaluate comprehension
Correct answer: Emphasize key words
In the CLEAR communication strategy, 'E' stands for Emphasize key words to improve speech perception for individuals with hearing loss.
Question 5: A child with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) would most likely show which audiological profile?
- Absent otoacoustic emissions with normal ABR
- Present OAEs with absent or abnormal ABR (Correct answer)
- Flat conductive hearing loss with normal OAEs
- Normal audiogram with absent middle ear reflexes only
Correct answer: Present OAEs with absent or abnormal ABR
ANSD is characterized by present OAEs (indicating normal outer hair cell function) with an absent or abnormal ABR reflecting disrupted neural synchrony.
Question 6: Which cochlear implant electrode array design is most appropriate for patients with residual low-frequency hearing to preserve that hearing?
- Full-insertion standard array
- Short or perimodiolar array
- Hybrid or short electrode array (Correct answer)
- Transcutaneous bone-anchored device
Correct answer: Hybrid or short electrode array
Hybrid (electroacoustic) or short electrode arrays are designed to preserve residual low-frequency acoustic hearing while providing high-frequency electrical stimulation.
Question 7: In aural rehabilitation group therapy, the WATCH program (developed by Montgomery) primarily focuses on which skill?
- Auditory memory training
- Speechreading and communication strategies (Correct answer)
- Hearing aid orientation and maintenance
- Tinnitus management
Correct answer: Speechreading and communication strategies
The WATCH program is a structured aural rehabilitation group that emphasizes speechreading skills and active communication strategies.
SLP Hearing and Aural Rehabilitation 2
A patient with sensorineural hearing loss shows a 'cookie bite' audiogram pattern.
Which frequencies are most affected?