ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish a positive relationship with the client

1.1 Review client case history and case management plan and explain practice/hearing service administrative procedures to client

1.2 Give client the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns

1.3 Clarify and address client's questions and concerns

1.4 Gain informed consent from clients

1.5 Identify and meet special needs of client

1.6 Maintain confidentiality of client information

2. Identify appropriate hearing device/s to meet client's communicative needs

2.1 Identify client's communication needs using information from client history and assessment

2.2 Develop appropriate goals and plan of action with client aimed at meeting their communication and physical needs and establishing realistic expectations of hearing device/s

2.3 Inform client of range of intervention options, including current technology and features which would meet their identified needs and any cost implications

2.4 Actively involve client in decisions regarding their hearing and communication improvement and device selection

2.5 Document agreed plan of action and services provided

2.6 Encourage client to consider the process as an exercise in improving their overall communication ability which requires commitment from all participants

3. Prescribe hearing aids

3.1 Determine the style and performance requirements of the hearing aid in consultation with the client and with reference to the client's stated goals, physical capabilities and physiological constraints to achieve a satisfactory rehabilitation outcome

3.2 Prescribe hearing device/s, including type of ear mould, using one of a range of recognised prescription formulae

4. Take ear impressions

4.1 Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures

4.2 Identify contraindications to taking ear impressions with otoscopy

4.3 Make referral to other facilities for assessment and treatment if required

4.4 Select correct sized otoblocks for use

4.5 Prepare mould material in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

4.6 Examine ear impressions for defects and take new impression if defects found

4.7 Package ear impressions suitably and send to ear mould manufacturer

5. Prepare for dispensing of hearing aid

5.1 Ensure information, including required forms are accessible and ready for use

5.2 Prepare the environment for hearing aid fitting

5.3 Ensure equipment and instruments used in the fitting of hearing aids are checked and calibrated ready for use

5.4 Ensure personal protective equipment is available and used if required

6. Fit hearing aids

6.1 Fit hearing aids in accordance with manufacturer's recommended procedures and industry best practice

6.2 Assess occlusion effect and make appropriate modifications to minimise its effects

6.3 Determine acceptable power output and evaluate in consultation with the client

6.4 Assess hearing device for acoustic feedback and take action to minimise its effects if needed

6.5 Assess acoustic performance of hearing aids using appropriate validation technique, in accordance with relevant policies and procedures and client feedback/preference

6.6 Determine physical comfort of hearing aids and use modification techniques to ensure a comfortable fit if required

6.7 Instruct client/carer clearly on correct use and care of hearing aids, and maintenance and repair procedures/arrangements

6.8 Evaluate the success of fitting at follow-up appointment and modify the electroacoustic parameters of hearing aid where appropriate

6.9 Discuss strategies to achieve the client's goals and advise on hearing/communication tactics and ALDs

6.10 Follow up client in accordance with industry standards to identify any issues that need to be reviewed

6.11 Give client the opportunity to voice concerns in relation to hearing aid fitting and address client's concerns

6.12 Provide relevant materials to client about their device and services available

7. Clean and store equipment

7.1 Clean equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturers' requirements and infection control procedures

7.2 Store equipment and attachments accordance with organisation policy and procedures

8. Complete and manage documentation

8.1 Complete, present and store reports and documentation in accordance with relevant policies and procedures

8.2 Make recommendations for further assessment or treatment in accordance with industry standards

8.3 Note expected short and long term outcomes of hearing aid fitting noted in report

9. Maintain and repair hearing aids

9.1 Check hearing aid and its components manually

9.2 Conduct acoustic listening check of hearing aid

9.3 Complete test box measurements as required

9.4 Conduct minor hearing aid repairs in accordance with industry standards

9.5 Arrange major hearing aid repairs when required

9.6 Inform client of the cause of and solution to the device problem and possible ways to overcome this