NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION IN HEARING
INSTRUMENT SCIENCES (NBS-HIS) EXAM STUDY
QUESTIONS WITH ACCURATE SOLUTIONS AND
EXPLANATIONS 2024-2025 EDITION GUIDE TO PASS
1. What is the best action if you suspect medical pathology?
Correct Answer: Refer the patient to a licensed physician or audiologist
Explanation: Suspected medical issues require referral to a medical
professional to stay within scope and ensure proper care.
2. When should you refer a patient to a physician?
Correct Answer: When signs of infection, pain, or sudden hearing loss are
present
Explanation: These red flags indicate medical conditions that need
immediate attention.
3. What should be done if a patient refuses treatment?
Correct Answer: Document the refusal and respect their decision
Explanation: Respecting autonomy is ethical; always document for legal and
clinical accuracy.
4. What is the most ethical response to a patient complaint?
Correct Answer: Listen, acknowledge the concern, and take steps to resolve
it
,Explanation: Professional and empathetic responses foster trust and resolve
issues effectively.
5. What should you do if a colleague is practicing unethically?
Correct Answer: Report the behavior through appropriate professional
channels
Explanation: Ethical guidelines require you to protect patients by reporting
misconduct.
6. What is a CIC hearing aid?
Correct Answer: Completely-in-Canal hearing aid
Explanation: CIC aids fit entirely within the ear canal, offering discretion and
minimal visibility.
7. What is a RIC hearing aid?
Correct Answer: Receiver-in-Canal hearing aid
Explanation: In RIC devices, the receiver sits in the canal, connected to the
main body behind the ear.
8. Why is Bluetooth technology used in hearing aids?
Correct Answer: For wireless streaming from phones, TVs, and other devices
Explanation: Bluetooth allows seamless audio connectivity and enhances
user experience.
9. What is feedback cancellation?
, Correct Answer: A digital process to reduce or eliminate whistling sounds
Explanation: Modern hearing aids use algorithms to manage and suppress
acoustic feedback.
10. How often should hearing aids be professionally cleaned?
Correct Answer: Every 3–6 months or as needed
Explanation: Regular maintenance ensures optimal function and longevity of
the device.
11. What is the life expectancy of a hearing aid?
Correct Answer: Typically 5–7 years
Explanation: With proper care, hearing aids remain functional and effective
within this timeframe.
12. How can moisture affect hearing aids?
Correct Answer: It can damage internal components and affect performance
Explanation: Moisture causes corrosion or short circuits in delicate
electronics.
13. What is binaural amplification?
Correct Answer: Using hearing aids in both ears
Explanation: Binaural fittings improve localization, clarity, and listening in
noise.
14. Why might a patient hear their own voice too loudly?
INSTRUMENT SCIENCES (NBS-HIS) EXAM STUDY
QUESTIONS WITH ACCURATE SOLUTIONS AND
EXPLANATIONS 2024-2025 EDITION GUIDE TO PASS
1. What is the best action if you suspect medical pathology?
Correct Answer: Refer the patient to a licensed physician or audiologist
Explanation: Suspected medical issues require referral to a medical
professional to stay within scope and ensure proper care.
2. When should you refer a patient to a physician?
Correct Answer: When signs of infection, pain, or sudden hearing loss are
present
Explanation: These red flags indicate medical conditions that need
immediate attention.
3. What should be done if a patient refuses treatment?
Correct Answer: Document the refusal and respect their decision
Explanation: Respecting autonomy is ethical; always document for legal and
clinical accuracy.
4. What is the most ethical response to a patient complaint?
Correct Answer: Listen, acknowledge the concern, and take steps to resolve
it
,Explanation: Professional and empathetic responses foster trust and resolve
issues effectively.
5. What should you do if a colleague is practicing unethically?
Correct Answer: Report the behavior through appropriate professional
channels
Explanation: Ethical guidelines require you to protect patients by reporting
misconduct.
6. What is a CIC hearing aid?
Correct Answer: Completely-in-Canal hearing aid
Explanation: CIC aids fit entirely within the ear canal, offering discretion and
minimal visibility.
7. What is a RIC hearing aid?
Correct Answer: Receiver-in-Canal hearing aid
Explanation: In RIC devices, the receiver sits in the canal, connected to the
main body behind the ear.
8. Why is Bluetooth technology used in hearing aids?
Correct Answer: For wireless streaming from phones, TVs, and other devices
Explanation: Bluetooth allows seamless audio connectivity and enhances
user experience.
9. What is feedback cancellation?
, Correct Answer: A digital process to reduce or eliminate whistling sounds
Explanation: Modern hearing aids use algorithms to manage and suppress
acoustic feedback.
10. How often should hearing aids be professionally cleaned?
Correct Answer: Every 3–6 months or as needed
Explanation: Regular maintenance ensures optimal function and longevity of
the device.
11. What is the life expectancy of a hearing aid?
Correct Answer: Typically 5–7 years
Explanation: With proper care, hearing aids remain functional and effective
within this timeframe.
12. How can moisture affect hearing aids?
Correct Answer: It can damage internal components and affect performance
Explanation: Moisture causes corrosion or short circuits in delicate
electronics.
13. What is binaural amplification?
Correct Answer: Using hearing aids in both ears
Explanation: Binaural fittings improve localization, clarity, and listening in
noise.
14. Why might a patient hear their own voice too loudly?
