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ETS Domain: Foundations

Praxis 5331 Audiology Questions

Audiology on the Praxis 5331 tests reading pure-tone audiograms, distinguishing conductive vs sensorineural loss, interpreting tympanograms, and knowing when to refer. Expect 6-8 items.

Why this topic matters

High-yield concepts

Sample practice questions

Try answering before revealing the rationale — mark misses to retry later.

Q1.A child's tympanogram shows a Type B tracing with normal ear canal volume. The MOST likely condition is:

  • A.Normal middle ear
  • B.Otitis media with effusion
  • C.Eustachian tube dysfunction
  • D.Perforated tympanic membrane
Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. A flat (Type B) tympanogram with normal ear canal volume is consistent with fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion). A large volume with Type B suggests perforation or a PE tube.

Q2.An audiogram shows a 40 dB air-bone gap at 500-2000 Hz with normal bone conduction thresholds. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

  • A.Sensorineural hearing loss
  • B.Conductive hearing loss
  • C.Mixed hearing loss
  • D.Normal hearing
Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. An air-bone gap with normal bone conduction indicates a conductive hearing loss — the outer or middle ear is not efficiently transmitting sound but the inner ear is intact.

Q3.Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) primarily assess the function of:

  • A.Auditory nerve (CN VIII)
  • B.Outer hair cells of the cochlea
  • C.Middle ear ossicles
  • D.Auditory cortex
Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. OAEs measure sound generated by the outer hair cells of the cochlea in response to acoustic stimulation. They are commonly used in newborn hearing screening.

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FAQ

Do SLPs need to interpret audiograms?

Yes — ASHA scope includes hearing screening and basic interpretation, with referral to audiology for full diagnosis.

When should an SLP refer to audiology?

Any failed hearing screening, any parent/caregiver concern, and any client with unexplained speech-language delay.

What tympanogram type suggests eustachian tube dysfunction?

Type C — negative middle ear pressure with a peak shifted to the negative side.

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