Top 21 Audiologist Interview Questions In 2024 [With Answers]

It is commonly believed that God created humans. But, there are a few instances when even god faltered in creating some robust individuals. We are talking about some special fellas who are marred by a major shortcoming, which is an inability to hear and recognize sounds. Such special people are called deaf in the human world, but I strongly believe that God did have an exceptional plan for them. Such people, need the services of an audiologist whose primary duty is to treat all the ailments related to hearing and balance. An audiologist is obviously, a senior medical professional, which like all the other medical workers, garners huge respect and recognition from society in general.

Audiologist Interview Questions

Best 21 Interview Questions To Study

1) Explain The Functioning Of A Human Ear?

This question tests your core concepts and theoretical knowledge in relation to the working of human ear.

Sample Answer

Yes, sir, the Human ear is divided into three different parts, which are, Outer ear, Middle ear, and Inner ear. Whenever we encounter any sound, the sound waves enter through the outer ear, causing the eardrum to stimulate and vibrate. This vibration further causes the three small bones located in our inner ear to make movements and further stimulates thousands of tiny hair cells present in the inner ear. Such stimulation of hair cells transforms these vibrations into electrical impulses and are perceived by the brain as sound, which further interprets it and draws a meaningful conclusion.

2) What Do You Mean By Cochlea?

This question tests your core concepts and theoretical knowledge in relation to the working of human ear.

Sample Answer

The cochlea is a small and hollow bone that is located in the inner ear segment of the human ear. This bone is of vital importance and plays a key role in the transmission of the vibrations generated by the tiny hair cells. The spiral shape of the cochlea bone allows for the formation of a tonotopic map, that enables people to interpret, perceive and receive the various frequencies of sound. The cochlea is undoubtedly the most important and major part of the human ear and as per estimates, the most primary reason for deafness is the absence of a healthy cochlea bone.

3) What Motivates You To Work As An Audiologist?

Through this question, an interviewer wants to know, what motivates you to work as an audiologist. This question would enable an interviewer to judge your perception and commitment towards your own profession.

Sample Answer

In order to effectively answer this question, I am forced to become a bit personal. I have a cousin of mine, who is deaf and dumb by birth. Being junior to me, and incapable of hearing sounds, this always made me emotional and sad. I thus decided, that I would become a doctor in the field of audiology and would contribute my entire life in the field so that I am able to treat and diagnose patients with a similar disability. This along with my intention to earn recognition, motivated me to become an audiologist.

4) How Are Vibrations Converted Into Electrical Impulses and What Is Its Relevance?

This question tests your core concepts and theoretical knowledge in relation to the working of human ear.

Sample Answer

Our brain interprets the sound waves in the form of electrical impulses. Hence, it is necessary to convert the sound waves, which is the primary mode of existence of sound energy, into electrical impulses. The hollow spiral bone known as the cochlea is responsible for converting the vibrations generated by the tiny hair cells into electrical impulses. For this purpose, it has a cochlear duct that helps in mechanical stimulation of the hair cells within the organ of the Corti. This helps in the generation of electrical impulses, which are further carried to the brain, from a special vestibulocochlear nerve, that originates from the cochlea.

5) Where Is A Tympanic Cavity Located In A Human Ear and Its Function?

This question enables an interviewer to understand your grip and knowledge of the different parts of the inner ear.

Sample Answer

A tympanic cavity is an empty space, filled with air. It is located in the temporal bone of the human ear which lies after the drums of the human ear. This cavity consists of the three bones of the ear, which are Malleus, Incus, and stapes. All these bones and the tympanic cavity accounts for a region known as the ossicular chain. The primary function of a tympanic cavity is to ensure efficient and superior transmission of sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear.

6) Explain In Brief The Part Of Brain That Interprets Sound?

This question tests your knowledge and understanding of the complete process of human hearing involving human brain as well as human ear.

Sample Answer

Our human brain is a wonderful organ and is divided into 4 parts. One of the parts is the cerebrum which consists of Wernicke’s area that helps in the interpretation of sensory reception of speech. The cerebrum is itself divided into further 4 parts or lobes. This area is located in the left hemisphere of the brain close to the temporal lobe. In addition to this, the auditory cortex is also responsible for interpreting and perceiving sound.

7) How Do You Measure Sound?

This is a basic question enabling an interviewer to understand your fundamental strength.

Sample Answer

All over the world, the sound is measured in decibels, commonly symbolized as Db. A decibel scale is used to measure the frequency of sound, which is a logarithmic scale. In order to get a fair idea, a very soft whisper or murmur accounts for a 30 Db on the logarithmic decibel scale, and at the same time, 180 Db is the reading when a rocket takes off from the earth towards outer space.

8) How Will You Handle A Disgruntled Patient?

This question tests your knowledge and understanding of the practical working procedures.

Sample Answer

It is common for patients to get irritated, frustrated, and discontent. However, being a doctor we are always taught to remain ethical and friendly with the patients. I understand, that there would be some instances, wherein a patient would not be satisfied with our services. If I ever encounter such a situation, I would make sure that initially I completely understand the problem of the patient by using my active listening skills, and then after careful analysis, I devise and give an appropriate resolution.

9) When To Use A Electrocochleography Test?

This question tests your knowledge and understanding of the various types of diagnosis available in the field of audiology.

Sample Answer

The primary use of an electrocochleography test is to check and evaluate the level of electrical impulses, the cochlear region of a human ear is forming. It is most commonly used to treat an ailment known as Meniere disease. In some extreme cases, t is also used to check the functioning of the cochlea and the eighth nerve.

10) Is A Human Ear Filled With Fluid?

This question tests your knowledge and grip on the various parts and structure of a human ear.

Sample Answer

Yes sir, our ears are filled with fluids, technically known as serum otitis media. It is accumulated behind the eardrum of a human ear, This fluid can get drained due to some infection or a rupture in the back of the eardrum. This gets drained usually, through our throats.

11) When Can You Start?

This is a common interview question through which an interviewer wants to know about your availability. It is a common perception of the candidates to become happy and excited after hearing this question. But beware, this question in no way guaranteed your selection and you are advised to maintain and control your emotions at all the phases of an interview session.

Sample Answer

  • For Employed Individuals: Sir, I express my inability to start immediately, as I am currently working with an employer. However, I do believe, that I will send a notice to my employer within the next 3 days and will obtain a relieving letter within the next 10 days. This enables me to share with you that, I would be able to join the organization, on or after (___mention the date of your joining_____)
  • For Unemployed/Fresher Individuals: Being a fresher/unemployed, I have no prior commitments or obligations to fulfill. Hence, I would like to express my ability to join the organization immediately.

12) How Do You Handle Criticism?

This question evaluates your personality and your viewpoints on criticisms and negative feedbacks.

Sample Answer

In my humble opinion, the best way to improve your work performance and to improvise your skills is to take each and every criticism or feedback in a positive way. Such feedbacks have the ability to hone your primary skills, provided you take them seriously and genuinely try to work upon your shortcomings. I always take such criticisms seriously and always try to improve my individual performance.

13) What Is A Otoacoustic Emission?

This question tests your knowledge and understanding of the various types of hearing ailments.

Sample Answer

An Otoacoustic emission is a feeble sound generated from your inner ear. This is a test used to check the efficiency of hearing in a human being. A person who is having normal hearing would most probably produce such otoacoustic emissions. But people, with a hearing loss ranging from 25 to 30 Db, would not be able to produce such feeble sounds.

14) Why You Chose Us?

This is a tricky question, which enables an interviewer to understand your level of commitment and loyalty towards the organization.

Sample Answer

Being a prominent healthcare center with operations spread in almost the entire nation through different branches, I am absolutely looking no further. I really want to join this organization, as I believe this hospital has the ability to advance my career and hone my skills in an efficient manner. Further, having such an esteemed institution on my resume would enhance its value manifolds. In addition to all this, the lucrative salary and benefits, you are offering, further entices me to join and be a part of the workforce.

15) What Is The Function Of A Eustachian Tube?

This question evaluates and judges your understanding of the core concepts of human hearing.

Sample Answer

The middle ear of the human ear consists of empty air-filled space. This space is essential for efficient hearing as it assists in the smooth and hassle-free vibration of the eardrum. Such vibration is essential which enables a person to convert the sound waves into electrical impulses, eventually interpreted by the temporal lobe of the human brain. A Eustachian tube is a vital tube, that maintains this air-filled space and opens intermittently, to stabilize the tympanic pressure inside the middle ear.

16) Explain Some Of The Common Symptoms Of A Ruptured Eardrum?

This question tests your knowledge and understanding of the eardrum and its ailments.

Sample Answer

A ruptured or perforated eardrum is commonly referred to as a situation, wherein holes are developed in the eardrum. As we all know, eardrums vibrate upon contracting with sound waves, a higher decibel sound can cause them to vibrate too quickly and expediently, that they might get ruptured. The most common symptoms are:

  • Pain inside the ear
  • Drainage of pus (yellow fluid) or blood from the inside of your ear
  • Constant ringing sound
  • Vomiting, etc.

17) If You Were An Animal What Would You Be?

This is a personality evaluating question that tests your attitude, visions and behavioral aspects.

Sample Answer

I simply love animals, and without any disrespect to the other animals, I would choose to become an Elephant. Being in the medical profession, doctors have to be calm, composed, and always maintain a friendly attitude with the patients. An elephant, has the unique quality to remain stress-free at almost all the junctures of its life and it always maintains a friendly attitude. In addition to this, elephants have a really sharp memory, which is another vital element in the life of a doctor, as he or she has to remember the details and history of his or her regular patients.

18) What Are The Names Of The Bones Of The Human Ear?

This question tests your understanding of the most basic concepts of audiology.

Sample Answer

Sir, the human ear consists of three bones, the names of which are:

  • Malleus
  • Incus and
  • Stapes, which is the smallest bone in our human body.

19) Which Book Have You Read Recently?

This is a common interview question that aims to evaluate and judge your personality. Try avoiding books, that are related to romance, love, or any sort of adult comedy. You are appearing here as a professional, so be like that, and always mention the names of the books, which can cause a positive impact on your life.

Sample Answer

Being a vivid reader, I love to read books on various niches and genres. However, medicine is my first love and I always like to read books related to the human ear. Recently, I have read (____mention the name of your book____), which has further stretched my imagination and has improved my grip on my prime subject and core areas.

20) What Does Your Friends Say About You?

This is a personality evaluating question, through which an interviewer wants to know your special abilities and strengths. However, in order to be more genuine and honest, we advise you to incorporate one weakness also. This question requires a thorough self-understanding and awareness, after which an appropriate answer could be delivered.

Sample Answer

I do have a loyal and large group of friends. There most common opinion for me is that I am a very responsible and honest person who likes to complete a task with perseverance and grit. However, no one is perfect in this world, including god. I have a major shortcoming too, reiterated several times by my friends. I tend to become too pessimistic even after facing a trivial problem. I have a negative attitude and I am constantly trying to plug this weakness of mine, by joining online grooming classes and positive prep talk.

21) Do You Have Any Questions For Us?

Every interview session across the world is concluded with this question. Whenever you encounter this question during your interview session be assured that this in most probability is going to be the last question. This question gives you an opportunity to ask a few questions from your interviewer related to the organization, job profile, or the working culture of the organization. If you are planning to skip this question, you are making a grave mistake, as skipping this, can prove detrimental to your chances of selection.

Sample Questions

  • What are the work timings of the organization?
  • How do you calculate an overtime allowance?
  • What are the various health benefits extended by the organization to its employees?
  • Do you provide maternity/paternity benefits to your employees?
  • What are the various incentives offered by the organization to its employees?
  • Please enumerate primary anti-harassment policies implemented by the organization at the workplace.

Download the list of questions in .PDF format, to practice with them later, or to use them on your interview template (for Audiologist interviews):

Audiologist Interview Questions

References

  1. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2021_AJA-20-00190
  2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2774086
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