Senior Paediatric Audiologist

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic hearing assessment on pre-school and school age children and analyse the results, including Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), performance testing, speech discrimination testing, tests of middle ear function using tympanometry, and Otoacoustic Emissions.
• Complete audiological testing of babies referred following their newborn hearing screen, using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) to detect cochlear function.
• Carry out otoscopy following BSA recommended procedures; identify contraindications or indications for further procedures e.g. tympanometry and aural impression taking.
• Identify atypical or abnormal ear conditions and make appropriate onward referrals.
• Take accurate and safe impressions of the ear following BSA recommended procedures for impression taking.
• Arrange referral to other professionals for treatment/management when required, following local and national guidance (e.g. referring to ENT for management of middle ear effusion).
• Manage hearing loss in infants and children.
• Dispense, fit and maintain digital hearing aids, using MCHAS guidelines and protocols; use probe microphone measurements to verify hearing aids to prescription targets; carry out reviews with hearing aid users; audiological habilitation/rehabilitation and use of outcome measures to support and guide habilitation/rehabilitation.
• Carry out hearing aid repairs and maintenance; perform routine maintenance and calibration checks on audiological equipment; report faults and arrange for repair when necessary; maintain accurate recording of results and update patient records; write reports to relevant health professionals.
• Update national S4H database with results of hearing tests following referral from neonatal hearing screening team; ensure adequate and smooth transition of children onto Adult Audiology Services via a Transition Clinic; maintain own workload, prioritise referrals, and plan work for junior staff; plan day‑to‑day duties and routine clinics.

• Demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of children with complex needs and adapt test procedures based on the needs of the child; demonstrate flexibility to deal with urgent referrals and queries.
• Organise testing and hearing aid management in outreach clinics and schools, ensuring all necessary portable equipment is available; collaborate with Audiology Lead to ensure an efficient and effective Audiology department.

• Communicate effectively and courteously with patients, colleagues, the public and members of the directorate and the trust; maintain hospital and departmental records, including provision of patient reports as necessary; work and communicate effectively within the multi-disciplinary team.
• Adapt communication to instruct infants and children, including those with complex needs, during behavioural hearing assessment using appropriate language; use tact and persuasion where barriers to understanding exist (e.g. very young children, children with learning difficulties, uncooperative children); communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing patients and families.
• Communicate complex technical information in a meaningful manner; demonstrate reassurance and persuasive skills to gain a child’s confidence for invasive procedures (e.g. impressions); demonstrate sensitivity when imparting bad news (e.g. sudden hearing loss or deterioration of existing hearing loss).

• Actively participate in Trust research projects involving children with hearing loss; maintain strict confidentiality; maintain professional standards and protocols without supervision; work in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and Trust policies and audiological protocols.
• Ensure continuing professional development; develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of paediatric test protocols; stay informed about changes to current practice and implement new procedures following appropriate training; maintain registration with the AHCS/HCPC; take part in professional and departmental meetings.

• Maintain thorough record-keeping; maintain systems to monitor documentation including recording and storing all relevant information securely and accessibly.
• Update and maintain information relevant to patient care and outcomes as part of standard departmental processes.

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