IHS - International Hearing Society Professional and Ethical Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client with a history of chronic ear infections mentions that their ear feels full and asks the hearing instrument specialist to 'flush it out' with water.
What is the most ethically and professionally appropriate action for the specialist to take?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client to a physician for a medical evaluation of the ear.

Answer

Use an otoscope to confirm it is just cerumen before attempting a gentle lavage.

Answer

Advise the client to purchase an over-the-counter earwax removal kit and return in one week.

Answer

Explain that while it might be wax, you can only perform a dry removal with a curette.

Question 2

Which of the following actions constitutes an unethical conflict of interest according to the IHS Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a commission structure that pays a higher percentage for the sale of premium-level devices over basic-level devices.

Answer

Attending a free training seminar hosted by a manufacturer to learn about new technology.

Answer

Recommending a specific brand of hearing aid because the specialist has the most experience and success fitting that product.

Answer

Offering a discount on hearing aids to a family member.

Question 3

To comply with the principle of informed consent, a hearing instrument specialist must ensure the client understands all of the following BEFORE they sign a purchase agreement, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The technical specifications of the digital signal processor in the hearing aid.

Answer

The total cost of the hearing aids and any non-refundable fees.

Answer

The specific warranty details and the trial period/return policy.

Answer

The potential benefits, limitations, and realistic expectations of the recommended hearing aids.

Question 4

A hearing professional posts a photo on their personal, private social media account. The photo shows them celebrating a successful fitting with a client, whose back is to the camera but whose distinctive tattoo is visible. The post text says, 'So happy for my client who can hear his grandkids clearly now!' This action is:

Accepted Answer

Unethical, because it shares a client's story without express written consent, which is a breach of confidentiality.

Answer

Acceptable, because the client's face is not visible and the account is private.

Answer

Acceptable, as it is considered positive marketing for the practice.

Answer

Unethical only if another user recognizes the client from the tattoo and comments on the post.

Question 5

According to federal regulations enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), what is required regarding the trial or adjustment period for hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

The full terms of the trial period, including any non-refundable fees, must be clearly disclosed in writing before the sale.

Answer

A mandatory 30-day trial period must be offered for all dispensed hearing aids.

Answer

Any non-refundable fees can be no more than 10% of the total purchase price.

Answer

Sellers are prohibited from charging any fees if the hearing aid is returned during the trial period.

Question 6

The primary purpose of maintaining accurate and comprehensive client records, as required by professional standards and regulations like HIPAA, is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure continuity of care and provide a legal document of the services rendered.

Answer

Justify billing codes to insurance companies.

Answer

Create a database for marketing and sending promotional materials.

Answer

Track sales statistics for business management.

A client with a history of chronic ear infections mentions that their ear feels full and asks the hearing instrument specialist to 'flush it out' with water.What is the most ethically and professionally appropriate action for the specialist to take?

A client with a history of chronic ear infections mentions that their ear feels full and asks the hearing instrument specialist to 'flush it out' with water.
What is the most ethically and professionally appropriate action for the specialist to take?