ANSWERS| LATEST UPDATE 2026/202| Graded A+
The National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) exam:
* Focuses on **real clinical decision-making**
* Covers key domains like:
* Hearing assessment
* Hearing aid selection & fitting
* Patient counseling & rehab
* Professional practice ([NBC His][1])
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### 1.
A patient presents with sudden unilateral hearing loss. What is the MOST appropriate
initial action?
A. Fit hearing aid immediately
B. Refer to physician urgently
C. Perform speech audiometry
,D. Recommend OTC amplifier
✅ **Answer: B. Refer to physician urgently**
**Rationale:** Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency → requires immediate
referral.
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### 2.
Which condition is a contraindication for taking an ear impression?
A. Mild cerumen
B. Normal tympanic membrane
C. Active ear infection
D. Slight hearing loss
✅ **Answer: C. Active ear infection**
**Rationale:** Infection increases risk of complications during impression.
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### 3.
,What is the primary purpose of speech audiometry?
A. Measure ear canal volume
B. Evaluate speech understanding
C. Test middle ear pressure
D. Assess cochlear damage
✅ **Answer: B. Evaluate speech understanding**
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### 4.
Which hearing aid feature improves hearing in noisy environments?
A. Omnidirectional microphone
B. Directional microphone
C. Volume control
D. Telecoil
✅ **Answer: B. Directional microphone**
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### 5.
A patient complains of feedback (whistling). What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Weak battery
B. Poor seal of earmold
C. Low gain setting
D. Damaged microphone
✅ **Answer: B. Poor seal of earmold**
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### 6.
Which test evaluates middle ear function?
A. Pure tone audiometry
B. Tympanometry
C. Speech recognition
D. Otoacoustic emissions