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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Confirm hearing device requirements
   • Interpret outcomes of hearing assessment documentation
   • Select style and performance requirements of hearing device(s) based on hearing assessment, client communication and physical needs
   • Select appropriate additional device requirements for optimal acoustic performance and client management needs
3. Take ear impressions
   • Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures
   • Recognise and respond to contraindications to taking ear impressions with otoscopy
   • Make referral to other facilities for assessment and treatment
   • Select correct sized otoblocks
   • Prepare mould material in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
   • Follow correct and safe impression taking procedure
   • Examine ear impressions for defects and take new impression if defects found
   • Determine any modifications that may be required to ensure a comfortable insertion and fit
   • Examine ear condition post impression
   • Package ear impressions suitably and send to ear mould manufacturer
4. Prepare for fitting
   • Prepare information and required documentation
   • Prepare the environment for hearing aid fitting
   • Check and calibrate equipment ready for use
   • Check availability of required personal protective equipment as required
5. Fit hearing aids
   • Follow manufacturer’s recommended fitting procedures and industry best practice including recognised fitting formulae
   • Assess occlusion effect and make appropriate modifications to minimise its effects
   • Determine acceptable power output and evaluate in consultation with the client
   • Assess hearing device for acoustic feedback and take action to minimise its effects if needed
   • Evaluate objective and subjective performance and comfort factors and make modifications as required
   • Clean and store equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturers’ requirements and infection control procedures
6. Provide advice and resources to the client
   • Instruct client/carer clearly on correct use and maintenance arrangements
   • Give client the opportunity to voice concerns in relation to hearing aid fitting and address client’s concerns
   • Provide relevant materials to client about their device and services available
   • Make informed judgment from client responses about client ability to manage use of device
   • Make recommendations for further assessment or treatment in accordance with industry standards
7. Complete and manage documentation
   • Complete, present and store accurate documentation in accordance with relevant policies and procedures
   • Document expected short and long term outcomes
8. Follow up client
   • Organise client follow up in accordance with industry standards
   • Verify and validate success of fitting and modify electroacoustic parameters where appropriate
9. Maintain and repair hearing aids
   • Check hearing aid and its components manually
   • Conduct acoustic listening check of hearing aid
   • Complete test box measurements as required or interpret 2cc coupler data
   • Complete minor hearing aid repairs in accordance with industry standards
   • Arrange major hearing aid repairs when required
   • Inform client of the cause of and solution to the device problem and possible ways to overcome this
   • Make minor modifications to improve comfort or acoustic performance

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established procedures and protocols to independently dispense a diverse range of hearing devices to at least 20 people:

performed real ear measurements including real ear insertion gain (REIG) and speech mapping to accurately analyse acoustic performance against prescriptive targets,

analysed noise reduction, directionality, feedback mechanism and feature performance

modified acoustic features of ear moulds and tubing to achieve real ear prescription targets and or improve listening comfort

varied characteristics of devices to achieve real ear prescription targets or improve listening comfort

assessed subjective comfort, sound clarity and quality, occlusion, feedback, loudness comfort, and take into consideration acclimatisation requirements

used both linear and non-linear prescription techniques

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for hearing aid dispensing:

duty of care

informed consent

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

codes of conduct of registering bodies

policy frameworks, Australian Government Office of Hearing Services requirements

work role boundaries, criteria for referral

current range of available hearing devices, their performance features and suitability for different client needs

linear and non-linear amplification systems and the principles of at least one of the recognised prescription techniques for both linear and non-linear hearing devices

electronic features of digitally programmable and digital hearing devices and their effect on the amplification provided, including:

compression ratio

compression threshold/knee point

multi-channel compression

directional and omni-directional microphones

feedback management and cancellation systems

noise suppression systems

wireless/Bluetooth features and devices

other emerging technologies

ear mould acoustics, including venting and tubing, mould materials and its effect on hearing device prescription

how electro-acoustic properties and features interact with each other and the human ear

strategies to resolve problems encountered in hearing device fitting according to industry best practice

broader context knowledge in reference to other devices, including:

cochlear implants

bone anchored devices

other emerging devices

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