When did the patient last undergo a hearing exam?

The correct answer highlights that the patient last underwent a hearing exam during childhood. This information is essential in the context of evaluating a patient's current hearing health. The significance of noting that the last exam was in childhood indicates a prolonged period without professional evaluation of hearing capabilities, which may be critical in understanding any current hearing issues or symptoms the patient may present.

Hearing abilities can change significantly over time, and conditions affecting hearing may develop later in life, making childhood exams insufficient for assessing current status. Knowing that the last thorough assessment was in childhood suggests that the patient may not have received updates on their hearing health, increasing the importance of a comprehensive evaluation during the current appointment.

In contrast, the other options suggest either more recent examinations or no previous examinations at all, which would imply a different level of concern or need for follow-up in this patient's case.