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The Evolution of Custom Hearing Aids

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1.  Which of the following are features that assist in delivering a more natural sound to the wearer of a custom hearing device? Proximity of the receiver to the patient's tympanic membrane. The patient may like how the custom device looks in their ear. The position of the hearing aid in the ear makes use of the natural 'pinna effect'. Both A and C

2.  What invention in 1870 paved the way for early hearing aid technology? Digital circuitry. Vacuum tube technology. Hollowed out animal horns. Carbon transmitter for the telephone.

3.  Which of the following inventions first enabled hearing aids to be made small enough to fit inside the ear? Moving from analog to digital. Transistor technology. Vacuum tube technology. Carbon transmitter.

4.  In 1977 the development of this important feature propelled the development and sales of in the ear hearing devices? The first Apple II computer. Testing of first MRI scanner. NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). Zinc-air battery.

5.  Which of the following are factors to consider when reviewing hearing aid candidacy? Physical status of patient. Prior amplification experience. Cognitive and mental status. All of the above

6.  Which of the following are factors to consider when choosing hearing aid style for a potential patient? Cosmetic concerns. Any manual dexterity concerns. Desired features and/or user controls. All of the above.

7.  What are distinct advantages to fitting a custom hearing device? Ease of insertion, cosmetic appearance. Potential reduction of wind noise. Custom molded to the patient's ear resulting in a more comfortable fit. All of the above.

8.  What are features currently available on custom hearing devices? Directional microphones. Push button controls for VC and program change. Deep canal fittings. All of the above.

9.  Which of the following is NOT a custom hearing device? Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). Behind-the-ear (BTE). In-the-ear (ITE). In-the-canal (ITC).

10.  Which of the following is NOT true when determining hearing aid size and style for a patient. It is important to consider any concerns with manual dexterity. It is truly a 'one size fits all' solution. Ear canal shape and size can play a factor. Patient concerns regarding visibility of the hearing aid is an important consideration.