Audiologist

Audiologist

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL BOARD

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                  Audiologist

SALARY SCALE:          Z10-6 (Q.B. 5-1) ($58,338.42-$65,261.50)/($67,225.15-$76,317.09) Barbados Dollars

DEPARTMENT:            Otolaryngology

REPORTS TO:             Consultant and Head of Department Otolaryngology

JOB SUMMARY

The Audiologist will work as an autonomous practitioner to deliver services in the prevention, diagnosis, and evidenced-based treatment of hearing and balance function and their associated disorders in children and adults.   The post holder will have a firm knowledge of routine audiology assessments and treatment plans. The duties include completing hearing exams, fitting, adjusting and maintaining patients’ hearing aids and providing treatment for balance disorders. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.

1. Have a broad knowledge of paediatric and adult audiology and be able to perform a range of routine and complex procedures that are underpinned by broad theoretical knowledge;
2. Administers and interprets a wide range of audiometric tests to determine hearing efficiency and locate sites of hearing problems.
3. Designs, implements and supervises hearing programs, such as newborn hearing screening programs.
4. Provides newborn screening hearing tests which are essential for the cochlear transplant services.
5. Prescribes, fits, and programs hearing devices, including hearing aids and cochlear implants, and assistive listening technology systems.
6. Evaluates problems regarding delayed speech, articulation and language development, congenital deafness, and voice disorders.
7. Interprets diagnostic tests and explains the results of these tests to patients, relatives, and carers in an appropriate and empathetic manner, being sensitive to the communication difficulties of patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
8. Provides oncological services for patients undergoing certain chemotherapy and who require hearing evaluation pre and post treatment.
9. Evaluates referrals from the Paediatric Outpatients’ Clinic which include mentally challenged patients, children with cerebral palsy and autistic and emotionally disturbed children.
10. Collaborates with speech pathologists and other specialists to help   solve communication problems relating to defective hearing, injury and/or disorders.
11. Evaluates referrals from the Medical and Surgical Outpatients’ Departments.
12. Performs audiometric testing of patients from children to adults who are referred through the Otolaryngeal Outpatients’ Department.
13. Evaluates total response pattern and acoustic tests to distinguish between organic and non-organic hearing loss;
14. Evaluates requirements for hearing aids inclusive of all school age children.
15. Examines patients with ear, hearing or balance and other related  problems.
16. Develops, implements and evaluates routine and complex individual treatment plans.
17. Plans and supervises rehabilitation programs post-surgery or treatment, as well as for those who are losing their hearing and trying to cope with the effects.
18. Provides personalized rehabilitation plans which may include communication training and auditory skill development, counselling, advice and training to new and existing hearing aid patients.
19. Counsel clients and their families and/or carers through a new   diagnosis of hearing loss, rehabilitation options and the psychosocial aspects of hearing loss.
20. Provides counselling for the patient and close family members on how to best listen and communicate using methods such as lip reading or technology.
21. Evaluates and follow up on the patient’s condition and record any developments.
22. Educates patients on ways to prevent hearing loss.
23. Research causes and potential treatments for hearing and balance disorders.
24. Participates in Continuing Professional Development and training to maintain competency and current knowledge of treatment, procedures and policies in the growing field of audiology.
25. Responsible for safe use of complex equipment including hearing aids and diagnostic equipment and their safe storage.
26. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
27. Observes health and safety precautions in the execution of duties.
28. Uses customer service skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff and members of the public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills to communicate with patients about sensitive topics and to explain complex medical and scientific concepts in a manner that’s easy to understand.
2. Capacity to work with other medical professionals as needed to diagnose and treat patients.
3. Ability to function autonomously while executing task appropriately.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
5. Ability to work with individuals of all ages.
6. Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment.
7. Ability to manage time effectively.
8. Excellent critical thinking skills to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
9. Demonstration of active learning skills.
10. Ability to solve complex problem, identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options.
11. Capacity to be compassionate and supportive of patients and their family members.
12. Ability to apply medical knowledge to patient cases to treat and diagnose each case.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. A master’s degree in Audiology with not less than five (5) years’ experience in an acute healthcare institution; or
2. A bachelor’s degree in Audiology with not less than seven (7) years’ experience in an acute healthcare institution.

           Current Professional Registration is a requirement.