International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

A cookie bite audiogram is characterized by:

1. Better thresholds for mid-range frequencies

2. Better thresholds for high and low frequencies than for mid-range frequencies

3. A flat performance across frequencies

4. A steep decline in thresholds across all frequencies

The correct answer is: Better thresholds for high and low frequencies than for mid-range frequencies

A cookie bite audiogram is a specific type of hearing loss characterized by better thresholds at both high and low frequencies, with a noticeable dip or poorer thresholds in the mid-range frequencies, typically around 1 kHz to 4 kHz. This dip resembles the shape of a "cookie bite," hence the name. The correct answer aligns with this description, emphasizing that individuals with this type of audiogram perform better in the extreme ends of the frequency spectrum compared to the mid-range frequencies. This pattern of hearing loss is commonly associated with certain types of sensorineural hearing loss, which can be due to various factors, including genetic predispositions or noise exposure. The other choices do not accurately reflect the distinct features of a cookie bite audiogram. A would imply that only mid-range frequencies have better threshold sensitivity, which contradicts the typical presentation of poorer mid-range thresholds. C suggests a flat performance across frequencies, which is not indicative of the cookie bite pattern, as that would suggest uniform hearing sensitivity. D describes a steep decline across all frequencies, which does not capture the unique mid-range dip associated with a cookie bite audiogram.