Questions to Know Flashcards
Explain how audiologic management differs from diagnostic audiology.
Management: focuses on ongoing care and support
Diagnostic: identifies hearing issues
Differentiate between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic: external reward
Intrinsic: personal interest or satisfaction
Examples of formal vs. informal assessments along with their benefits and limitations (i.e., formal being COSI, HHIE-A and informal being conversation/observation)
Formal: (COSI, HHIE-A) are standardized, gives reliable data
Informal: (conversation/observations) are flexible, allows natural assessment but is less consistent
Examples of situations where prognosis for benefit from hearing aids might be limited
Cochlear dead regions, Meniere’s Disease, not enough hearing loss, too much hearing loss.
To assess treatment needs, what information should be obtained? How could these factors contribute to the selection of an appropriate hearing aid?
Gather information on listening demands, finances, physical ability (dexterity), and lifestyle. These factors guide choices in hearing aid type, features, and styles for better user satisfaction and functionality.
Describe the typical process for getting hearing aids.
Assessment, selection, fitting, orientation, and follow-up
What are the basic/major components of hearing aids?
Microphone, amplifier, receiver, controls, battery
Describe the types of hearing aids and advantages and disadvantages to each.
- BTE (behind the ear): +durable, +powerful, -large, and -visible(depending on generation)
- ITE (in the ear): +Easy handling, +/-moderate power, +/-visible but not compact
-CIC (completely in canal): +discrete, +fits mild-moderate hearing loss, -may have feedback issues due to small size
Discuss features available in current hearing aids
- Directionality: enhances desired sounds
- Feedback control: minimizes whistling sounds
- Speech-in-noise: Enhances speech clarity in noisy environments
- Multiple memories: Allows switching between listening programs
Describe what features should be included in a hearing aid orientation
Cover basic use, care, maintenance, insertion, controls, warranty, and troubleshooting. Ensure users know how to operate and care for their devices
What are appropriate expectations for hearing aid users? What is the importance of setting appropriate expectations?
Hearing aids amplify sounds but not restore hearing back to normal. Setting realistic expectations helps with user satisfaction and adjustment.
When is hearing aid use judged to be successful?
Determined by improved communication, comfort, and overall user satisfaction in daily listening environments.
What are the benefits of binaural hearing?
Improves sound localization, enhances speech understanding, and provides a natural, balanced sound
Name limitations of hearing aids?
Reduced effectiveness in noisy environments, battery life, feedback issues, limited power for severe loss, and cost
How is a hearing aid fitting verified? How is it validated?
Verification: Objective tests (real-ear measurements) confirm device meets standards
Validation: Subjective feedback ensures user feels benefit in real-world situations
