The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to appropriate workplace, equipment and instruments where assessment can take place or the simulation of realistic workplace setting, including access to equipment for assessments

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Relevant professional bodies policies and guidelines on the conduct of screening hearing tests

Relevant legislative and regulatory documents

Relevant publications from peer-reviewed sources

Access to professional library for accurate and current relevant information

Manufacturers' specifications for the use and storage of equipment

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision.

Practical case presentation

Case studies and scenarios

Interviews/questioning

Written exams

Role plays

Related units:

This unit is to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:

HLTAU505B Dispense and maintain hearing devices for adults and provide communication counselling

HLTAU507B Apply hearing device technology

HLTAU508B Identify needs for referral

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Communication impairments and possible social consequences

The interrelationships with other professions

Other agencies providing services to people with complex hearing health needs

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Establish effective working relationships with external agencies

Interpret and record results accurately and identify options available to clients

Meet client needs and establish realistic goals through effective communication with client

Write comprehensive and accurate referrals

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

Use numeracy skills, including the ability to interpret data and record client results

Use oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking systematic questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding client areas of concern, and demonstrating ethical practice and procedures in dealing with clients. Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons are essential together with competence in English or a community language, depending on the client group

Use problem solving skills including an ability to use available resources and determine accuracy of test results

Use reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil job roles safely and effectively. The level of skill required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding procedure manuals

Work with others

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Social and psychological implications of a communication impairment include:

Social and physical isolation

Reduced participation in activities requiring hearing ability

Tension between the hearing impaired person and their carer/friends/family

Depression and anxiety

Assessment tools may include:

Interview

and one of the following

Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI)

Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB)

Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP)

Hearing Aid User Questionnaire (HAUQ)

Hearing Inventory for the Elderly (HIE)

Knowledge of hearing devices and their technical features include:

Hearing aids

Assistive listening devices

Alerting devices

Hearing aid technology features and benefits

Factors contributing to complexity of needs may include:

Other disabilities

Other health issues

Severity of hearing loss

Non-English speaking background

Primary communication mode is signing

Residential environment (such as aged care facility)

Impact of client's hearing loss on carers/relatives may include:

Tension caused by difficult communication

Restricted social contact

Dependence on carer

Cost of hearing aids and other assistive devices

Attending appointments

Hearing programs may include

Assistive listening device dispensing

Hearing aid dispensing

Provision of basic communication strategies

Other health professionals or agencies may include:

Audiologist

Other allied health professionals

Medical practitioner

Medical facilities

Rehabilitation centres

Self help organisations