Audiologist

Tufts Medicine•Boston, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Audio/Speech Therapy related duties: Evaluates patients and uses sound therapy to improve physical and mental conditions. Responsibilities also include improving physical and mental conditions through treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties. This position is an entry level Audiologist that evaluates auditory function of patients, counseling patients on hearing loss and communication disorders, in addition to discussing options for communication enhancement. The position offers and provides rehabilitation for patients within Audiology’s realm of practice along with referring patients to other clinical services as appropriate.

Requirements

Doctorate (AuD) degree in Audiology.
Audiologist License.
Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
Requires occasional standing, standing and walking & transferring of patients.
Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients.
Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.
Visually assess functional status of patients, see hearing aid appliances, and audibly assess patient subjective complaints.
Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of audiology, basic clinical audiology, audiometry, the psychology of learning and the principles of human growth and development as applied to speech, of audiology equipment, medical terminology, of counseling, of problems of the hearing impaired and the physically handicapped and of the sources for providing speech language therapy.
Ability to operate competently or with reasonable accommodations the following: console & portable audiometer, CD player, impedance bridge, Hearing Aid Test System, auditory evoked response system, otoscope.
Ability to perform hearing aid inspection and minor repair functions; listening check, cleaning battery door/earhook, waxguard/tubing replacement.
Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
Ability to review daily census and prioritize the schedule to ensure all patients are seen prior to discharge or according to schedule.
Ability to calibrate the equipment and recognize if there is a problem prior to completing the examination.
Must have excellent interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with patients, hospital staff and outside referral sources.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Proficient with standard Microsoft programs (i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web browsers.
Ability to make accurate independent decisions regarding tests to be administered and the interpretation of those tests while following established clinic protocols.
Excellent written skills necessary for detailed report writing.
Strong skill-sets in pediatric diagnostic testing necessary for busy ENT clinics and outpatient coverage including BOA, VRA and CPA.
Strong background in diagnostic ABRs preferred (i.e. unsedated, sedated and OR ABRs).

Responsibilities

Obtains a comprehensive case history for each patient through patient-family interview and/or review of medical records.
Selects and administers appropriate diagnostic tests to determine degree, type of hearing loss, site of lesion and effect hearing loss has upon communication.
Evaluates auditory function of patients utilizing standard pure tone and speech tests, immittance tests, site of lesion tests, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry.
Independently evaluates and provides direct clinical services to patients who have hearing, balance, and related ear problems.
Interprets results and coordinates them with medical and educational information to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.
Effectively communicates diagnostic test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments in a manner easily understood by otologists.
Refers appropriately to otolaryngologists.
Provides hearing aid evaluations, counseling, and referrals.
Prescribes, fits, and evaluates hearing aids and other devices. Provides follow-up consultations after hearing aids have been fitted to make sure clients receive the clearest amplification.
Maintains clinic material and equipment including periodic calibration checks and motor repairs and adjustment.
Assists with coordination of audiological services and activities in the neighborhood health centers, schools and appropriate agencies.
May conduct research on types of—and treatment for—hearing, balance, and related disorders. Others design and develop equipment or techniques for diagnosing and treating these disorders.
Interacts and works with related services, such as speech-language pathology, pediatrics, neonatology, etc. to ensure continuity of patient care.
Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.
Evaluates vestibular system with electronystamography (ENG) procedures.
Counsels patients and families regarding hearing disabilities; makes referrals for medical and/or educational evaluations and makes referrals for (re)habilitative therapy.
Prepares a written report of each audiologic patient visit to document and/or expedite patient care.
Provides audiologic testing in coordination with various adult and pediatric Otolaryngology clinics in addition to your own outpatient schedule.