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

Anatomy of the ear including peripheral auditory system

Appropriate physical environment for audiometric assessments of all types

Appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of power and other resources

Australian and international standards that apply to the conduct of a hearing assessment

Causes and types of hearing loss

Hearing aids and their functioning

Temporary Threshold Shift and Permanent Threshold Shift and their implications for assessment

The characteristics of speech tests eg carrier phrase versus no carrier phrase recorded versus live voice open versus closed set tests

The common physical abnormalities of the peripheral auditory system

The interrelationships with other professions

The materials that can be used for speech testing particularly in relation to what the test is designed to assess who the test is appropriate for and the reliabilityvalidity of particular tests

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Compare assessment results across and within assessments to ensure they are cohesive

Conduct the full range of hearing assessments accurately and reliably

Correctly select required hearing assessment

Establish effective working relationships with external agencies

Interpret and record results accurately and identify options available to clients

Interpret pure tone audiometry and impedance audiometry test results accurately

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

Operate audiometry equipment and instruments correctly and in accordance with manufacturers specifications

Perform hearing assessments including otoscopy accurately

Recognise and respond correctly when a client is not giving true thresholds

Select and use appropriate equipment and instruments

Use test results to determine type of hearing loss

Write comprehensive and accurate reports

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 skillslanguage 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 skillsliteracy 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 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 andor 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 of the National Acoustic Laboratories

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 assignmentsprojects 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

InterviewsQuestioning

Role plays

Related units

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other audiometry units of competency is encouraged

Information may include:

Environment may include:

Equipment and instruments may include:

Equipment checking must include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Clients may include:

Informed consent may include:

Confidentiality of client information may include:

Personal hygiene/infection control procedures may include:

Relevant policies and procedures may include:

Abnormalities of the ear canal may include:

Contraindications for proceeding with further tests include:

Referral agencies may include:

Hearing assessments must include:

Results of hearing assessments may include:

Options for client may include:

Indications for medical referral include:

Indications for audiological referral include: