Question 1

A result of screening audiogram on a patient is abnormal. Which test may the primary provider perform next to further evaluate the cause of this finding?&#10;A) Impedance audiometry&#10;B) Pure tone audiogram&#10;C) Speech reception test&#10;D) Tympanogram

Accepted Answer

Tympanogram measures the movement of the eardrum to evaluate the ear canal and middle ear. This can help identify issues such as fluid buildup or eustachian tube dysfunction that could contribute to the abnormal screening audiogram. Impedance audiometry can also evaluate the middle ear, but may not be necessary unless further evaluation is warranted. Pure tone audiogram and speech reception tests evaluate the patient's ability to hear specific frequencies and understand speech, respectively, but do not necessarily provide more information on the underlying cause of the abnormal screening audiogram.

Question 2

Which are risk factors for developing hearing loss caused by presbycusis? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Diabetes&#10;B) GERD&#10;C) High blood pressure&#10;D) Liver disease&#10;E) Smoking

Accepted Answer

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking are all risk factors for developing hearing loss caused by presbycusis. GERD and liver disease are not known to be associated with this type of hearing loss.

Question 3

A child who has recurrent otitis media fails a hearing screen at school. The provider suspects which type of hearing loss in this child?&#10;A) Central&#10;B) Conductive&#10;C) Mixed type&#10;D) Sensorineural

Accepted Answer

Recurrent otitis media can cause conductive hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the middle ear that impairs sound conduction to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is associated with abnormalities in the outer or middle ear, and typically can be treated with medical or surgical options. Central hearing loss is due to a problem in the neural pathways between the ear and brain, while sensorineural hearing loss is associated with damage to the sensory cells of the inner ear or the nerve pathways that transmit sound from the inner ear to the brain. Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of conductive and sensorineural components.

Deck 65: Impaired Hearing