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Hearing Aid Dispenser Written Examination — Information & Free Practice

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Hearing Aid Dispenser Written Examination

Examination outline
  • 1. Equipment / Pre-visit (4%)
    • K1 Knowledge of calibration requirements for audiometric equipment.
    • K2 Knowledge of methods to perform a listening check of audiometric equipment.
    • K3 Knowledge of function and procedures to operate audiometric equipment.
    • K5 Knowledge of methods to sanitize equipment that will be used on client.
    • K6 Knowledge of physical, medical, and environmental conditions that affect audiometric assessment procedures.
    • T1 Verify function and calibration of test equipment.
    • T2 Sanitize equipment (e.g., examination and audiometric equipment) before contact with client.
    • T3 Maintain an environment that is conducive to audiometric assessment.
  • 2. Case History (8%)
    • K7 Knowledge of techniques to gather and assess client symptoms.
    • K8 Knowledge of health, genetic, and medical conditions that may contribute to hearing loss.
    • K9 Knowledge of the effect of hearing aid use history on assessment and treatment.
    • K10 Knowledge of the effect of ear surgery history on assessment and treatment.
    • K11 Knowledge of types of illnesses, medical treatments, and medications that may affect hearing.
    • K12 Knowledge of health history questions to assess for conditions that may contribute to hearing loss.
    • K13 Knowledge of effects of ear pathologies on hearing loss.
    • K14 Knowledge of the effect of exposure to physical or acoustic trauma on hearing loss and treatment.
    • K15 Knowledge of lifestyle activities that could impact hearing loss and treatment.
    • K16 Knowledge of HIPAA laws and regulations.
    • T4 Obtain client report of symptoms.
    • T5 Obtain pertinent client health and family health history.
    • T6 Obtain pertinent client social and environmental history.
    • T7 Document and maintain protected client hearing and health information.
  • 3. Assessment (24%)
    • 3.1. Pre-Assessment (2%)
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K24 Knowledge of objective signs and subjective symptoms that require a medical referral.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K25 Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to signs and symptoms that require a medical referral.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K26 Knowledge of health, genetic, and medical conditions that may impact audiometric assessment.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K28 Knowledge of logical order of assessment procedures.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K29 Knowledge of issues that would require a modification to assessment procedures.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K30 Knowledge of methods to perform sound field testing.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K31 Knowledge of anatomical features that require a change in testing methodology.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — K32 Knowledge of methods and procedures to test clients with abnormal anatomy.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — T9 Determine need for referral to a physician by assessing client symptoms, objective signs, and medical history.
    • 3.1 Pre-Assessment — T10 Develop audiometric assessment plan to accommodate client needs.
    • 3.2. Assessment (16%)
    • 3.2 Assessment — K33 Knowledge of methods to inform clients about audiometric assessment procedures.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K35 Knowledge of techniques to describe audiometric assessment procedures to clients.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K36 Knowledge of purposes and procedures of performing pure tone air conduction assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K37 Knowledge of purposes and procedures to perform pure tone bone conduction assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K40 Knowledge of methods to monitor and assess client subjective response to auditory stimuli.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K41 Knowledge of purpose of performing masking.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K42 Knowledge of concept and implications of under and overmasking.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K43 Knowledge of procedures of masking during pure tone air conduction testing.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K44 Knowledge of procedures of masking during pure tone bone conduction testing.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K45 Knowledge of procedures of masking during speech testing.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K47 Knowledge of purposes of measuring threshold of discomfort.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K48 Knowledge of procedures to determine dynamic range of hearing.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K49 Knowledge of principles and procedures to establish client threshold of discomfort for pure tones and speech discrimination.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K51 Knowledge of purposes, principles, and procedures of establishing client most comfortable level (MCL) for speech.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K52 Knowledge of principles and procedures of establishing speech reception threshold.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K53 Knowledge of procedures to perform speech reception threshold testing.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K54 Knowledge of principles and procedures to perform speech discrimination / word recognition assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — K56 Knowledge of methods to chart and document assessment results.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T11 Explain procedures to client before and during audiometric assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T12 Perform pure tone air and bone conduction assessments.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T13 Perform masking during hearing assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T14 Measure client threshold of discomfort (i.e., TD, UCL, LDL), to determine loudness tolerance.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T15 Perform most comfortable level assessment (MCL).
    • 3.2 Assessment — T16 Perform speech reception threshold assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T17 Perform speech WRS/SD (word recognition score / speech discrimination) assessment.
    • 3.2 Assessment — T18 Chart and document results of audiometric assessment.
    • 3.3. Evaluation and Interpretation of Results (6%)
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K57 Knowledge of reliable assessment results based on client audiometric and behavioral indications.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K58 Knowledge of relationship between audiometric results and speech assessment results.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K59 Knowledge of conditions, error, or reliability issues that indicate retesting is necessary.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K61 Knowledge of principles and criteria for determining significant air-bone gap.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K62 Knowledge of criteria to identify asymmetrical hearing loss.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K63 Knowledge of how to interpret audiometric assessment results.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K65 Knowledge of audiometric test results that require medical referral.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K66 Knowledge of type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss indicated by audiometric assessment results.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K67 Knowledge of criteria to compare client audiometric test results with subjective symptoms.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K68 Knowledge of criteria to identify changes in hearing.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K69 Knowledge of symptoms associated with specific audiometric assessment results.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K70 Knowledge of counseling techniques to help explain audiometric assessment results to clients.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K71 Knowledge of methods to counsel clients and explain implications of hearing loss.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K72 Knowledge of hearing difficulties related to the degree, type, and configuration of hearing loss.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — K73 Knowledge of consequences of untreated hearing loss.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — T19 Evaluate client audiometric assessment results to determine if retesting is necessary.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — T20 Evaluate client audiometric assessment results to determine degree, type, and configuration of hearing loss.
    • 3.3 Evaluation and Interpretation of Results — T21 Explain and discuss client audiometric assessment results and evaluation of hearing loss with implications for communication.
  • 4. Selection and Sales (13%)
    • 4.1. Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection (10%)
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K74 Knowledge of how to use assessment results to determine amplification recommendations.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K75 Knowledge of anatomical variations that affect client candidacy for amplification.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K76 Knowledge of hearing amplification requirements for different hearing losses.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K77 Knowledge of indications for monaural, binaural, or CROS systems, and implantable devices.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K78 Knowledge of the advantages of different styles of hearing aids.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K79 Knowledge of audiometric assessment results that affect earmold/dome selection.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K80 Knowledge of physical considerations that affect manipulation of hearing aids.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K81 Knowledge of client needs that affect hearing aid selection and fitting.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K82 Knowledge of previous hearing aid use and how that impacts new hearing aid fitting.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K83 Knowledge of effects of previous hearing aid use on client motivation for hearing assistance.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K84 Knowledge of hearing aid features.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K85 Knowledge of criteria for selecting hearing aid parameters based on client needs.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K86 Knowledge of benefits of hearing aid amplification for various lifestyles.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K87 Knowledge of types of hearing aid options and accessories (e.g., Bluetooth, remote controls, TV, telecoil, and FM).
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K88 Knowledge of types of hearing aid controls.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K89 Knowledge of methods to explain hearing aid options to clients.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K90 Knowledge of dynamic range considerations for hearing aid selection.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K92 Knowledge of advantages of different styles of hearing aids.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K122 Knowledge of purposes and procedures to select user-controlled options of hearing aids.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K123 Knowledge of purposes and procedures of adjusting acoustic characteristics of hearing aids.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — K121 Knowledge of purposes and procedures of selecting options and styles of earmolds or domes.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — T22 Determine client candidacy for hearing aids.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — T23 Apply client historical information to hearing aid selection and settings.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — T24 Determine client lifestyle compatibility with hearing aid features.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — T25 Determine hearing aid options and accessories to recommend to clients.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — T38 Select user-controlled options of hearing aid.
    • 4.1 Hearing Aid Candidacy, Recommendation, and Selection — T37 Select physical characteristics of earmold or domes to fit client needs.
    • 4.2. Sale (3%)
    • 4.2 Sale — K124 Knowledge of requirement to obtain medical clearance or waiver for clients.
    • 4.2 Sale — K125 Knowledge of dispenser legal obligation to client to adjust, replace, and refund hearing aids.
    • 4.2 Sale — K126 Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding the sale and fitting of hearing aids.
    • 4.2 Sale — K127 Knowledge of FDA regulations regarding the sale of hearing aids.
    • 4.2 Sale — K128 Knowledge of requirements of documenting hearing aid sales.
    • 4.2 Sale — T39 Obtain signed medical clearance or medical waiver from client before selling hearing aids.
    • 4.2 Sale — T40 Dispense hearing aid to client by adhering to state and federal guidelines and regulations.
  • 5. Ear Impression (8%)
    • K93 Knowledge of purpose and procedures to take an ear impression.
    • K94 Knowledge of purpose and procedures of evaluating client ear canal before an ear impression.
    • K95 Knowledge of expectations and sensations experienced during impression procedures.
    • K97 Knowledge of procedures to take ear impressions on clients with abnormal anatomy (e.g., mastoid cavities).
    • K98 Knowledge of methods to determine size and type of blocking material needed during an ear impression.
    • K99 Knowledge of how to determine placement of blocking material.
    • K100 Knowledge of purposes of using blocking material during an ear impression.
    • T26 Evaluate client ear canal to determine whether an ear impression can safely be performed.
    • T27 Inform client about ear impression procedures to make client aware of sensations.
    • T28 Select type and size of blocking material (e.g., cotton dam) to use during ear impression process.
  • 6. Pre-Fitting (5%)
    • K129 Knowledge of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for hearing aid performance.
    • K130 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating physical characteristics of hearing aids.
    • K131 Knowledge of methods to verify function of hearing aids.
    • K132 Knowledge of manufacturer specifications (included features and settings) for hearing aids.
    • K133 Knowledge of methods used to verify earmold received from manufacturer.
    • K134 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating physical characteristics of earmolds.
    • K136 Knowledge of procedures of setting levels of maximum output for hearing aids.
    • K137 Knowledge of how to program and adjust hearing aids.
    • K138 Knowledge of methods to configure and verify program settings of hearing aids.
    • K139 Knowledge of audiometric test results that affect selection of acoustic properties of hearing aids.
    • T41 Check hearing aids to verify functionality and consistency with order before fitting.
    • T42 Evaluate physical characteristics of custom products and earmolds before fitting (e.g., shell, canal, consistency with order, defects).
    • T44 Pre-program or adjust hearing aid settings for client.
  • 7. Fitting (17%)
    • 7.1. First Fit (8%)
    • 7.1 First Fit — K140 Knowledge of how to insert and remove different style hearing aids.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K141 Knowledge of methods to determine whether hearing aid is a good fit for client.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K143 Knowledge of hearing aid physical characteristics that need adjustment or to be remade.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K144 Knowledge of modifications for custom products and earmolds.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K145 Knowledge of common complaints and their indications for physical hearing aid fit.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K146 Knowledge of physical characteristics that can be modified on earmolds to improve fit or address client complaints.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K147 Knowledge of methods and tools to modify physical characteristics of hearing aids and earmolds.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K148 Knowledge of questions to ask clients regarding hearing aid fit.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K149 Knowledge of physical characteristics that can be modified on hearing aids to improve fit or address client complaints.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K150 Knowledge of purpose and methods to set and adjust electroacoustic characteristics of hearing aids.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K151 Knowledge of procedures to assess electroacoustic characteristics and performance of hearing aid.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K152 Knowledge of common client complaints associated with electroacoustic characteristics of hearing aids.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K153 Knowledge of procedures to help client adapt to sensory stimuli with hearing aid use.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K154 Knowledge of relationship between adjustable acoustic characteristics of hearing aid and client perceptions of sound quality.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K155 Knowledge of adjustments to reduce feedback.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K156 Knowledge of adjustments that need to be made to hearing aid programming, including telecoil.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K170 Knowledge of purposes and procedures of performing unaided and aided sound field testing.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K171 Knowledge of purpose and procedures to perform real ear/probe measurement.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K172 Knowledge of necessary adjustments to hearing aids based on performance.
    • 7.1 First Fit — K173 Knowledge of methods to validate client hearing aid benefit.
    • 7.1 First Fit — T45 Insert hearing aid into client ear to assess fit.
    • 7.1 First Fit — T46 Modify hearing aid or earmold to fit client.
    • 7.1 First Fit — T47 Adjust hearing aid electroacoustic characteristics (e.g., gain, frequency response, maximum power output) to meet client fitting needs.
    • 7.1 First Fit — T52 Evaluate outcome of hearing aid fitting with verification measures (i.e., sound field testing, real ear).
    • 7.2. Delivery (9%)
    • 7.2 Delivery — K157 Knowledge of common issues associated with insertion and removal of hearing aids.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K159 Knowledge of procedures to insert and remove client hearing aids.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K160 Knowledge of information to provide client regarding use of hearing aids (e.g., controls, features).
    • 7.2 Delivery — K162 Knowledge of information to provide to client regarding phone and app use with hearing aid.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K163 Knowledge of questions to ask clients regarding hearing aid fit.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K164 Knowledge of procedures to care for and dispose of hearing aid batteries.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K165 Knowledge of procedures to use and maintain rechargeable hearing aids.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K167 Knowledge of purposes, procedures, and information regarding care and maintenance of hearing aids.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K168 Knowledge of methods to reinforce proper hearing aid use.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K169 Knowledge of methods to reinforce proper hearing aid care.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K175 Knowledge of techniques to assess client proficiency in using hearing aid options, features, and accessories.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K176 Knowledge of use of hearing aid options, features, and accessories.
    • 7.2 Delivery — K178 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating client use of telecoil.
    • 7.2 Delivery — T48 Demonstrate and explain techniques to insert, remove, and manipulate hearing aids.
    • 7.2 Delivery — T49 Teach client to use hearing aid and assistive listening device controls.
    • 7.2 Delivery — T50 Instruct client how to use, maintain, and dispose of hearing aid batteries.
    • 7.2 Delivery — T51 Instruct client on hearing aid care and maintenance to optimize hearing aid function.
    • 7.2 Delivery — T53 Instruct client on how to use hearing aid options, features, and accessories.
  • 8. Follow-Up Care (11%)
    • 8.1. Postfitting Care (8%)
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K179 Knowledge of techniques to conduct ongoing client counseling on hearing aid use.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K180 Knowledge of methods to maintain hearing health.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K181 Knowledge of methods to compare previous and new audiometric test results.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K182 Knowledge of necessary adjustments based on client experience or adaptation level.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K183 Knowledge of necessary adjustments required to achieve real ear measure target.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K184 Knowledge of procedures used to modify earmolds for physical fit and acoustic performance.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K185 Knowledge of methods to select domes to modify acoustic performance.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K186 Knowledge of methods to use buffers and grinders.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K187 Knowledge of ear anatomy that affects hearing aid fitting.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K188 Knowledge of techniques to identify and eliminate acoustic feedback.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K189 Knowledge of purposes and methods of identifying circuit noise of hearing aids.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K190 Knowledge of procedures to identify causes of feedback in hearing aids.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K191 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating frequency response of hearing aid.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — K192 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating gain of hearing aids.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — T54 Provide client with follow-up care.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — T55 Gradually adjust programming of hearing aid in follow-up visits to help client become accustomed to target settings.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — T56 Modify physical characteristics of custom products and earmolds to fit client and troubleshoot client complaints.
    • 8.1 Postfitting Care — T57 Identify electroacoustic adjustments to be performed on hearing aid based on client complaints.
    • 8.2. Repairs (3%)
    • 8.2 Repairs — K193 Knowledge of techniques to differentiate between external and internal feedback.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K194 Knowledge of procedures to run an electroacoustic analysis on a hearing aid to determine if it is performing to manufacturer specifications.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K195 Knowledge of evaluation techniques to determine whether to repair hearing aids or send to the manufacturer for repair.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K196 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating volume control of hearing aids.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K197 Knowledge of techniques to differentiate changes in client hearing from malfunction of hearing aid.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K198 Knowledge of client complaints that indicate hearing aid malfunction.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K199 Knowledge of procedures to assess causes of hearing aid malfunction.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K200 Knowledge of types of repairs for hearing aids.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K201 Knowledge of how to service or repair hearing aids.
    • 8.2 Repairs — K202 Knowledge of equipment and tools used to repair hearing aids.
    • 8.2 Repairs — T58 Assess performance of hearing aids and client complaints to determine whether repairs need to be made.
    • 8.2 Repairs — T59 Perform hearing aid maintenance and repair.
  • 9. Counseling (10%)
    • K204 Knowledge of indicators that a different hearing aid would be more effective to meet client needs.
    • K205 Knowledge of how hearing may change over time.
    • K207 Knowledge of realistic expectations regarding hearing amplification.
    • K208 Knowledge of factors that affect successful hearing aid fitting.
    • K209 Knowledge of adaptation process and implications for new hearing aid users.
    • K210 Knowledge of purposes and methods of evaluating client expectations about amplification.
    • K211 Knowledge of cognitive and physical factors that influence successful hearing aid use.
    • K212 Knowledge of strategies for maximizing communication in different listening environments.
    • T60 Determine when hearing aid is no longer adequate for client needs.
    • T62 Establish realistic expectations about potential experiences while wearing hearing aids.
    • T63 Educate client on practices to optimize communication while using hearing aids and accessories in different circumstances.
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