Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

In the absence of an audiologist, which professional is likely to formally evaluate a patient's hearing?

1. Occupational therapist

2. Speech therapist

3. Rehabilitation nurse

4. Physical therapist

The correct answer is: Speech therapist

The most appropriate professional to formally evaluate a patient's hearing in the absence of an audiologist is a speech therapist. Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists, have training in the assessment of communication disorders, which includes understanding the relationship between hearing and speech development. They are skilled in evaluating how hearing loss can impact speech and language skills, making them suitable for assessing some aspects of hearing capability. While occupational therapists and physical therapists have valuable skills in rehabilitation and functional mobility, their primary focus is on enabling patients to engage in daily activities and physical interventions, rather than directly assessing auditory functions. Rehabilitation nurses support overall patient recovery and manage complex care needs but typically do not conduct formal hearing evaluations. Thus, the expertise of a speech therapist makes them the best fit for this specific role in the healthcare team when audiologists are unavailable.