Which type of hearing aid is most appropriate for a patient with a bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who is not a cochlear implant candidate, wishes to use a hearing aid, and has adequate residual cochlear reserve?
- A Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid with custom earmold providing maximum gain and output ✓
- B Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid
- C Body-level hearing aid with external receiver
- D Receiver-in-canal (RIC/RITE) hearing aid with open-fit dome
Correct answer: A. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid with custom earmold providing maximum gain and output
Explanation
For severe-to-profound SNHL, maximum amplification is required. A BTE hearing aid with a custom earmold is the preferred option because it can deliver the highest gain (>65 dB) and maximum output needed for severe-to-profound losses, while the custom earmold provides an acoustic seal to prevent feedback at high gain levels and allows coupling of a power receiver. CIC aids have insufficient output; RIC with open-fit domes cause acoustic feedback at high gain; body-worn aids are obsolete in most settings. Power BTE aids are standard for this category.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.