Elements and Performance Criteria
- Establish a positive relationship with the client
- Review client case history and case management plan and explain practice/hearing service administrative procedures to client
- Give client the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns
- Clarify and address client's questions and concerns
- Gain informed consent from clients
- Identify and meet special needs of client
- Maintain confidentiality of client information
- Identify appropriate hearing device/s to meet client's communicative needs
- Identify client's communication needs using information from client history and assessment
- 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
- Inform client of range of intervention options, including current technology and features which would meet their identified needs and any cost implications
- Actively involve client in decisions regarding their hearing and communication improvement and device selection
- Document agreed plan of action and services provided
- Encourage client to consider the process as an exercise in improving their overall communication ability which requires commitment from all participants
- Prescribe hearing aids
- 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
- Prescribe hearing device/s, including type of ear mould, using one of a range of recognised prescription formulae
- Take ear impressions
- Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures
- Identify contraindications to taking ear impressions with otoscopy
- Make referral to other facilities for assessment and treatment if required
- Select correct sized otoblocks for use
- Prepare mould material in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
- Examine ear impressions for defects and take new impression if defects found
- Package ear impressions suitably and send to ear mould manufacturer
- Prepare for dispensing of hearing aid
- Ensure information, including required forms are accessible and ready for use
- Prepare the environment for hearing aid fitting
- Ensure equipment and instruments used in the fitting of hearing aids are checked and calibrated ready for use
- Ensure personal protective equipment is available and used if required
- Fit hearing aids
- Fit hearing aids in accordance with manufacturer's recommended procedures and industry best practice
- 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
- Assess acoustic performance of hearing aids using appropriate validation technique, in accordance with relevant policies and procedures and client feedback/preference
- Determine physical comfort of hearing aids and use modification techniques to ensure a comfortable fit if required
- Instruct client/carer clearly on correct use and care of hearing aids, and maintenance and repair procedures/arrangements
- Evaluate the success of fitting at follow-up appointment and modify the electroacoustic parameters of hearing aid where appropriate
- Discuss strategies to achieve the client's goals and advise on hearing/communication tactics and ALDs
- Follow up client in accordance with industry standards to identify any issues that need to be reviewed
- 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
- Clean and store equipment
- Complete and manage documentation
- 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
- Conduct 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