Audiologist

Clinical Responsibilities Autonomously undertake, interpret, and report on basic and advanced Audiological diagnostic investigations on a range of client groups, to achieve diagnosis and care plan development ensuring optimum patient communication and so facilitating increased social integration.

• Working autonomously be responsible for the Audiological care and management of patients referred from a variety of professional groups including, ENT and other consultants, paediatricians, General Practitioners, and primary care professionals.
• Using a holistic approach, plan and discuss appropriate testing strategies based on the subjective and objective clinical assessment on patients from a variety of client groups, ranging from children to the elderly population.
• Modify diagnostic assessments to be age and ability appropriate without compromising the rigour of the assessment.
• Undertake and assist with a full range of scientific and technically advanced otoneurological and audiological assessments on patients with complex needs to achieve diagnosis and inform prognosis to include behavioural, cognitive, emotional, psychological, and physical assessment.
• Assist with vestibular function testing and evoked potentials including instructing patients and operating equipment under supervision.

• Demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise the clinical findings from a full range of assessments using theory and principles to justify recommendations of outcome.
• Report on diagnostic outcomes with recommended treatment options progressing to an individual rehabilitation care plan.

• Develop and implement individual aural rehabilitation strategies to optimise patient communication, enhancing the potential for social integration and improved wellbeing on both adults and paediatrics, including patients with additional needs.
• Using appropriate prescription formula select and fit, a full range of NHS hearing instruments and advise about assistive listening devices, to both adults and paediatrics.
• Perform real ear measurements on all patients ensuring accurate placement of the fine probe tube to BSA recommendations facilitating accurate measurement, patient comfort and reassurance.
• Take accurate aural impressions ensuring good meatal depth and patient comfort using medical, physical, social, and audiological assessments to select the appropriate ear mould configuration and material.
• Undertake hearing aid repair clinics/sessions.
• Refer and coordinate with other relevant professional agencies across the health, education, and social spectrum to ensure an integrated holistic approach, e.g.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of aural rehabilitation strategies, modifying as necessary and progressing to a care plan that ensures optimum maintenance of communication abilities.

• Keep full and accurate clinical records in a manner consistent with recognised professional and Trust standards in accordance with local, national, and legal requirements, for electronic and manual systems.
• Record evidence of clinical reasoning that justifies outcomes.
• Make full use of the departmental electronic Patient Management System and other Trust information systems.
• Share relevant information with other professional agencies to facilitate a coordinated multidisciplinary approach maintaining patient confidentiality.

• Teach and advise patients and carers to encourage and facilitate informed choice in a manner sensitive to their communication abilities, including client groups with severe communication difficulties, complex and additional needs, and cultural and ethnic minorities.
• Facilitate and encourage parents and carers to be full and active key members of the rehabilitation team allowing full participation in all decisions using persuasive and motivational skills to achieve optimum outcomes.

• Use critical analysis and keep abreast of new developments recommending changes to professional/clinical practice where appropriate.
• Evaluate clinical standards to ensure safe and effective practice.
• Implement departmental protocols and procedures within own area of work.
• Contribute to and undertake clinical audit and research and development to evaluate the effectiveness of care, incorporating the lessons learned through the audit cycle.