Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify the need for medical or audiological referral arising from client interview
- Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and central auditory pathways
- Discuss the difference between a clinical sign and a symptom
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the factors that can cause a disruption of the auditory and/or vestibular system
- Demonstrate knowledge of the possible effect of a peripheral and central lesion on the auditory system and common signs and symptoms that would be evident to identify each
- Demonstrate knowledge of the possible effect of a peripheral and central lesion on the vestibular system and common signs and symptoms that would be evident to identify each
- Accurately identify an appropriate professional for referral in each case and explain the rationale for each referral
- Demonstrate knowledge of the rehabilitative criteria for audiological referral
- Identify the need for an audiometric referral
- Demonstrate knowledge of the audiometric criteria for medical referral
- Demonstrate knowledge of the typical pathologies that can cause these types of audiometric results and explain why medical referral is needed
- Demonstrate knowledge of how different types of audiological and electrophysiological tests can be used to provide further information to differentially diagnose a lesion
- Identify the need for urgent versus non-urgent referral based on audiometric criteria
- Make appropriate referrals to other health care professionals
- Identify the different professionals that may be involved in the rehabilitation of hearing loss and their role in the rehabilitative process
- Determine the need for referral to other health professionals or agencies
- Include relevant information in referral and/or brief appropriate health professional on reason for referral
- Include client in referral communications
- Document referral in accordance with organisation requirements
- Work in collaboration with other agencies
- Identify a range of health care professionals and services
- Consult other health care professionals and support services to determine the most appropriate source for referral
- Relate effectively and knowledgeably with other health care professionals
- Provide assistance to other health care professionals, services and/or carers as required