Summary of Procedures
MEDICAL ASPECTS: The candidate will be asked to examine an ear, which may be the examiner's own ear or that of another candidate or other person. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate safe otoscopic technique as well as knowledge of ear anatomy, physiology and pathology and application of relevant disinfection techniques. Questions will be asked on aspects of hearing loss and ear disorders relating to the overall examination and assessment of a client, including the need for medical referral. Candidates are required to bring with them their own instruments for otoscopy.
AURAL IMPRESSIONS: The candidate is required to take an impression of an ear, which will be that of another candidate or other person. Attention should be paid to the use of appropriate instructions to the client, considerations of hygiene, safe examination and impression technique, awareness of contra-indications and accuracy of results. Questions will be asked about aural impression materials and procedures, about selection of earmould styles and materials and about the effect of acoustic modifications. Candidates are required to provide all the instruments and materials they require for impression taking.
It would be helpful if candidates could arrange to have their own ears examined beforehand to ensure where possible that they are in a suitable condition for otoscopy/impression taking.
AUDIOMETRY: The candidate will be asked to demonstrate his/her ability to carry out accurate pure tone audiometry, including masking, for which the subject may be the examiner or another person. Sample audiograms will be used to assess further the candidate's ability to interpret audiometric data and his/her knowledge and understanding of masking criteria. Questions may be asked on any aspect of audiometric procedure. Candidates are required to provide their own audiometers and accessories.
It is in the candidate's interest to ensure that all equipment and materials they bring to use in the practical examinations are those with which they are properly familiar.
HEARING AID SELECTION: Sample audiograms and case-histories will be used to examine the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of hearing aid selection, with regard to both acoustic and non-acoustic factors. Candidates will be expected to exhibit knowledge of the full range of commercially available technical and practical options, together with an understanding of their advantages and disadvantages. The candidate is not required to bring any equipment for this part of the practical.
ORAL EXAMINATION: Occasionally a borderline candidate may be interviewed by the Examiners, who will ask questions mainly directed towards apparent areas of weakness identified from the candidate's performance on any part of the theory and practical examinations. This is to try and prevent the need for a partial resit. The examiners may interview candidates for other reasons (for example unsafe practice) at their discretion.
The Hearing Aid Council 2003