Free HID Practical Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the HID Practical Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During manual pure-tone threshold testing, a client does not respond to a tone, then responds as the level rises. Which level changes should the dispenser use to begin the next ascending series?

   1. A. Increase 5 dB after no response; decrease 10 dB after a response.
   2. B. Increase 10 dB after no response; decrease 5 dB after a response.
   3. C. Increase 5 dB after no response; decrease 5 dB after a response.
   4. D. Increase 10 dB after no response; decrease 10 dB after a response.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: ASHA specifies that after no response the level is "increased in 5-dB steps" and after a response it is "decreased 10 dB." Thus A follows the recommended ascending threshold sequence; the other pairs change one or both steps.

   Reference: ASHA Guidelines for Manual Pure-Tone Threshold Audiometry — Threshold Measurement Procedure, Levels of succeeding presentations

2. 2Before starting an ear impression, a dispenser explains the procedure to the client. Which sequence matches the Minnesota Department of Health protocol?

   1. A. Inspect the ear, place the protective block, insert material, allow it to set, then remove it.
   2. B. Place the protective block, insert material, inspect the ear, allow it to set, then remove it.
   3. C. Inspect the ear, insert material, place the protective block, allow it to set, then remove it.
   4. D. Inspect the ear, place the protective block, allow material to set, insert it, then remove it.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The MDH script explains, "I will look into your ear with an otoscope" followed by placing an otoblock, inserting material, and removing it after setting. A preserves that safety-critical order; B–D move an examination, block, or curing step out of sequence.

   Reference: Minnesota Department of Health Ear Mold Impressions Protocol — Ear Mold Impressions Protocol §1(a)(i)-(iv)

3. 3A client's hearing aid sounds weak during a listening check despite a verified power supply and normal settings. The client reports no whistling or boomy own voice. Which next inspection best targets an acoustic-path fault?

   1. A. Inspect the microphone inlet and sound opening for wax blockage.
   2. B. Inspect the earmold seal for the leak that produces feedback.
   3. C. Inspect the canal vent for the occlusion effect on own voice.
   4. D. Inspect the charging contacts for insufficient battery power.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: ASHA asks, "Is the microphone blocked?" and "Is the sound opening blocked with wax or anything else?" These sound-path checks fit weak output after power is verified. B addresses whistling feedback, C addresses own-voice occlusion, and D revisits a power problem excluded by the stem.

   Reference: ASHA Daily Care and Troubleshooting Tips for Hearing Aids — Daily Care and Troubleshooting, troubleshooting checklist

4. 4The commissioner sends a certified dispenser a written request for information during a Minnesota disciplinary review. How long does the dispenser have to provide the requested information before that failure itself becomes a disciplinary ground?

   1. A. 14 days
   2. B. 20 days
   3. C. 30 days
   4. D. 45 days

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Minn. Stat. § 148.5195, subd. 3(2), identifies having "failed, within 30 days, to provide information in response to a written request by the commissioner or advisory council" as a disciplinary ground. The applicable period is 30 days.

   Reference: Sec. 148.5195 MN Statutes — Minn. Stat. § 148.5195, subd. 3(2)

5. 5A tone presented to the poorer ear may be heard by the better ear, making the measured threshold unreliable. Where should masking noise be delivered while the tone is presented?

   1. A. Noise to the test ear while the tone enters that same ear.
   2. B. Noise to the non-test ear while the tone enters the test ear.
   3. C. Noise to both ears while the tone enters the test ear.
   4. D. Noise to the test ear while the tone enters the non-test ear.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: ASHA says "masking noise can be presented to the non-test ear while the other ear is receiving the stimuli." B isolates the test-ear threshold by reducing the opposite ear's participation. A and C mask the tested ear, while D reverses which ear receives the tone.

   Reference: ASHA Hearing Loss in Adults Practice Portal — Pure-Tone Audiometry, Air-Conduction Measures

6. 6A dispenser has opened a new disposable tip for the ear-impression gun. What does the Minnesota ear-impression protocol require before using that tip?

   1. A. Cleanse the tip after removing the finished impression.
   2. B. Cleanse the tip during equipment preparation before use.
   3. C. Cleanse the tip after it first touches the ear canal.
   4. D. Cleanse the tip during cleanup at the end of the visit.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: MDH directs staff to clean the syringe or gun tip and specifies, "Disposable tips must also be cleansed." B applies that instruction before use; the other options defer cleansing or add a condition that the protocol does not allow.

   Reference: Minnesota Department of Health Ear Mold Impressions Protocol — Ear Mold Impressions Protocol §2(b)

7. 7A client reports persistent whistling from an inserted hearing aid. Which problem should the dispenser address first as a likely cause?

   1. A. Check the battery orientation and replace the cell if needed.
   2. B. Check the acoustic fit and arrange a fitting adjustment.
   3. C. Check the charger contacts and extend charging time.
   4. D. Check the microphone inlet and brush away visible debris.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: ASHA explains, "Feedback happens when the hearing aid does not fit well" and advises a check-up if it occurs. Whistling therefore calls for evaluation and adjustment of fit; the other checks address different symptoms such as no output.

   Reference: ASHA Daily Care and Troubleshooting Tips for Hearing Aids — Daily Care and Troubleshooting, Avoid feedback

8. 8A Minnesota dispenser is preparing a prescription for a prescription hearing aid. Which foundation must the prescription have to avoid the specific disciplinary ground governing prescriptions?

   1. A. A written case history retained by the dispenser
   2. B. An audiogram delivered to the consumer when the prescription is made
   3. C. A manufacturer fitting report delivered after purchase
   4. D. A physician referral retained for one year

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 148.5195, subd. 3(20)(i), requires that the prescription "is in writing, is based on an audiogram that is delivered to the consumer or potential consumer when the prescription is made." Thus the delivered audiogram is the required foundation in this scenario.

   Reference: Sec. 148.5195 MN Statutes — Minn. Stat. § 148.5195, subd. 3(20)(i)

9. 9A dispenser is transferring separate right- and left-ear pure-tone thresholds to an audiogram. Which chart layout correctly records the results?

   1. A. Frequency on the vertical axis, intensity on the horizontal axis, with separate ears.
   2. B. Intensity on the vertical axis, frequency on the horizontal axis, with both ears combined.
   3. C. Frequency on the horizontal axis, intensity on the vertical axis, with separate ears.
   4. D. Intensity on the horizontal axis, frequency on the vertical axis, with both ears combined.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: ASHA states that an audiogram has "sound frequency on the horizontal axis and sound intensity on the vertical axis" and plots the ears separately. C preserves both the axis assignment and ear separation.

   Reference: ASHA Hearing Loss in Adults Practice Portal — Pure-Tone Audiometry, introductory paragraph

10. 10During otoscopy before an ear impression, a client shifts slightly in the chair. How should the dispenser stabilize the examining hand to protect the ear canal?

    1. A. Brace the hand against the chair while viewing the canal.
    2. B. Brace the hand against the instrument tray while viewing the canal.
    3. C. Brace the hand against the client's head while viewing the canal.
    4. D. Brace the hand against the dispenser's chest while viewing the canal.

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The MDH protocol instructs the examiner to "Use hand and fingers to brace and bridge between the subject’s head and the otoscope." Contact with the client's head lets the examining hand move with the client; the other supports do not.

    Reference: Minnesota Department of Health Ear Mold Impressions Protocol — Ear Mold Impressions Protocol §3(a)(i)