Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess client communication needs and to develop, implement and evaluate rehabilitation programs. This work is carried out in conjunction with the dispensing of hearing devices.
This unit applies to audiometrists.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine scope of client needs | 1.1 Evaluate client communication and lifestyle needs 1.2 Select and use an appropriate communicative assessment tool for client 1.3 Recognise and evaluate factors contributing to the communicative breakdown 1.4 Take account of impact of client’s hearing impairment on carers, relatives and significant others 1.5 Evaluate client motivation and commitment to rehabilitation and integrate into planning 1.6 Accurately document effects of communication impairment and the communicative needs of the client 1.7 Identify and liaise with other health professionals and support services as required |
2. Formulate hearing program | 2.1 Actively involve client in the planning process, providing opportunities for questions and discussion of concerns 2.2 Determine intervention options to minimise effects of hearing loss from information gathered 2.3 Select best options through evaluation of available technologies and services 2.4 Develop and document appropriate goals, realistic expectations and a plan of action with client 2.5 Clearly explain details of options and cost implications 2.6 Select evaluation tools best suited to client and type of program 2.7 Document agreed plan of action and services provided |
3. Work collaboratively with client to implement program | 3.1 Establish realistic expectations 3.2 Work with client and their carers/relatives towards achieving the agreed communication goals 3.3 Provide support for the duration of the rehabilitation program 3.4 Adapt rehabilitation program to meet changing needs |
4. Evaluate hearing program | 4.1 Monitor client progress against goals using recognised evaluation tools 4.2 Identify remaining communication needs and establish whether these can be met with additional advice, communication strategies or devices |
Evidence of Performance
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:
independently developed and implemented hearing programs for at least 20 different individuals (linked to the dispensing of hearing devices)
engaged professionally with external agencies and health professionals
Evidence of Knowledge
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:
codes of conduct of registering bodies
policy frameworks, Australian Government Office of Hearing Services requirements
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
work role boundaries, those roles and responsibilities of different people working with clients experiencing hearing impairment:
medical practitioners
audiometrists
audiologists
agencies providing services to people with hearing health needs
interrelationships between audiometrists and other health professionals
referral options for complex hearing problems beyond the scope of own practice
types and features of different assessment tools
types of existing rehabilitation programs
types of hearing disorders that affect different groups in the community and factors that contribute to complexity of needs
social and psychological implications of communication impairment
evaluation mechanisms and tools for hearing programs
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources including rehabilitation and assessment tools
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
integration of problem solving activities
provision of services to general public
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |