Senior Audiologist

Communication and working relationships Responsibility for communication: Will communicate results of tests and findings and develop individual management plans (routine and complex) to a range of patients and carers with varying degrees of hearing loss and other communication difficulties/complex needs Will communicate with various professionals to discuss patient findings Will undertake training sessions with a range of professionals tailoring training needs to suit individuals Forms of communication may include: Discussions Formal oral presentations Written reports (clinical, technical or management) Ability to work with interpreters to include sign language interpreters Internal: To Consultant specialists and other members of the medical Staff Senior Managers All grades and professions across the trust External: Members of the public GP practices Other NHS healthcare trusts in and out of the region Other professionals associated with the service for hearing impaired people e.g. Social services, Advisory teachers for Hearing impaired Children, Learning Disability Network and Charities CCGs All grades and professions across the health community Planning and organisation Plan equipment requirements for own peripheral clinics and ensure that all equipment/ stock required for clinic list is transported to location in good time To actively contribute to meetings both within the service and as a representative of the service as required within own area of expertise, which may include the taking on of formal roles such as minute taking / arranging venues etc.

Analytical and judgement Will analyse and interpret test results for patients which will allow for decisions to be made as to what onward referrals may be required (e.g. MRI/ ENT) and or what treatment plan is to be offered to patient Responsibility for patients and client care Calibrates audiological equipment daily and report any faults to the supervisor or directly to medical electronics department or manufacturer Ensures that all patient details are confirmed prior to any treatment Perform otoscopy on patients attending the department and to recognize conditions that may affect patient care and refer on to appropriate professionals appropriately Undertake assessment of patients referred directly from the G.P which may require a hearing aid. This will include taking a detailed medical history, performing appropriate standard tests (PTA, Tympanometry), inform and counsel the patient regarding the findings and ensuring correct future management of the patient.

Offers advice and choices on how to live with their hearing loss. To make referrals to other professionals and signpost to other departments, to offer appropriate hearing aids and environmental aids, and devise a management plan tailored to the individual To clearly instruct patients on how to use their hearing aids using communication tactics which are tailored to suit the individuals needs Attends domiciliary visits when patients are housebound, being able to complete all audiological procedures possible in the home environment Performs, records and reports on non-standard diagnostic hearing tests on adults.

Uncomfortable Loudness Levels, stapedial reflexes, speech audiometry, oto-acoustic emissions and tinnitus matching Perform audiometry on paediatric patients who are under the care of ENT This may include play audiometry, performance testing and PTA Perform assessments for specialized non-routine hearing aids, such as Bone Anchored Hearing Devices Takes impressions of patients ears and decides on the best ear mould type for that patient To be available for junior members of staff seeking advice and guidance with regards to patients Policy and service responsibility All staff have a responsibility to ensure that the needs of the service are met in a timely and efficient manner Encourage and welcome feedback to ensure continual improvement To contribute and develop policies and protocols for Audiology service To undertake audits where necessary To ensure adherence to trust/ local policies and SOPs and ensure competency checks are completed To help the department maintain its accreditation status (UKAS IQIPS).

This may involve audits, writing SOPs (standard operating procedures), developing patient information Responsibility for finance, equipment and other resources All staff have a responsibility to ensure equipment is in good working order and ensure daily, weekly and monthly checks/calibration are undertaken, reporting where necessary reporting and acting upon findings where necessary All staff have a responsibility resources are used efficiently, effectively and safely All staff have a responsibility to ensure effective and conservative use of resources Ensures that the correct hearing aids are prescribed to each individual patient, including consideration for the likely costing of each aid All staff have a responsibility to ensure low stock items are identified and added to the ordering spreadsheet Responsibility for supervision, leadership and management To deliver training to other Audological staff and undertake training sessions with other specialties within the TSDFT (including ENT) Observes and supervises trainees within the department, ensuring appropriate feedback is given Develops own area of expertise within the Department Occasionally assumes management responsibilities in the absence of Head and Deputy Head of Department Information technology and administrative duties Books follow up appointments for patients attending the department Ensures patients records are comprehensive and kept up to date on the computerized patient management system following each consultation Receives and take queries either by telephone or letters from staff members or GPs such as requests for audiological testing and the booking of patients appointments etc.

Responsibility for research and development Occasionally undertake research and development activities and actively seek out opportunities for involvement in national research projects To undertake and assist in clinical audit, report on outcomes and make recommendations for change to the Audiology Service Manager Participation in departmental audit and development activities, with particular reference to implementation of IQIPS and national recommendations Participate in the introduction of new tests and procedures into clinical use, in collaboration with the appropriate Audiological staff where necessary Responsibility and accountability Act with integrity and professionalism, demonstrating responsible behaviours at all times, in accordance with Trust values Be accountable for your actions, be honest and share your experiences, encouraging learning in others Ensure the patient is at the centre of the service and treated with dignity and respect Helps the Department maintain its accreditation status (UKAS IQIPS) Undertake any activities as required at the request of the Head of Audiology/Deputy Head of Audiology Deputise in the absence of HOD and Deputy heads of Audiology All staff have a responsibility to ensure findings and actions are reported back to referrers in a timely manner To be responsible in ensuring own registration is kept up to date and CPD activity is undertaken and accurate records are kept Assist in the day to day running of the department