Audiologist

Salary Range: $62,000-$75,000

Major Duties and Expectations 

  • Meets with clients (and caregivers) with suspected or known hearing loss: 
    • Administers diagnostic audiometric evaluations, assessments for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid or cochlear implant
      • Determines test battery that is appropriate for the individual client 
      • Obtains case history information and conducts otoscopic examination. 
      • Uses audiometer, immittance instrumentation, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and other testing devices to measure hearing sensitivity, word recognition abilities, middle ear status and functioning of the outer hair cells of the inner ear. 
      • Interprets results  
    • Integrates results with other known medical, educational, vocational, or other related/ pertinent information to create a plan of treatment  
    • Makes appropriate referrals to collaborating professionals  
    • Discusses diagnostic evaluation results with patient/family 
  • Counsels client and family about treatment options to enhance communication taking into account clients insurance/ funding source 
    • Explains amplification options (hearing aids and accessories)  
    • Explains assistive device options  
    • Implements aural rehabilitation as applicable  
    • Recommends the use of communication strategies  
  • Coordinates implementation of treatment: 
    • Examines client and determines style and type of hearing aid, cochlear implant, alerting or assistive listening device while taking into account the insurance/ funding source. 
    • Takes accurate ear impressions for molds or custom hearing aids. 
    • Fits, programs and fine tunes devices.  
    • Provides aural rehabilitation that assists client to adjust to listening with implant amplification systems.  
    • Trains client and family on daily use, care and maintenance of hearing aids/devices. 
    • Repairs hearing aids in house or assists with shipment to manufacturer. 
    • Provides patients with custom swim molds, noise plugs, and other accessories. 
    • Consults with other professionals including physicians, counselors, Speech-Language Pathologists, Social Workers, teachers, ENT etc. as necessary to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of client.
  • Communicates with client and family on all aspects of case as appropriate including: 
    • Evaluation, treatment, progress, etc. 
    • Recommends and presents communication-enhancing techniques. 
    • Recommends and presents behavior patterns to use at home. 
    • Refers patients and families to other social/health services as appropriate. 
  • Obtains Outcome Measurement data necessary to track client outcomes and ensure successful treatment. 
  • Completes administrative duties: 
    • Develops and maintains clinical records (electronic and/ or paper) on evaluation, treatment, and ongoing care for clients and documentation associated with hearing aids in a timely manner. 
    • Completes billing in an accurate and timely manner  
    • Assists in managing hearing aid and device stock, materials, hardware and software. 
    • Assists in drafting articles for newsletters, department forms, brochures, etc.. 
  • Expands clinical and academic skills: 
    • Reviews and researches professional literature, journals, magazines, videos, etc. 
    • Attends conferences and seminars within budget. 
    • Maintains up-to-date on technological advances in hearing aids, alerting, and assistive listening devices. 
  • For school-based services   
    • Participates in educational assessments and IEP/ 504 meetings for children with hearing loss and provides ongoing educational management  
    • Management of assistive technology including selection, maintenance, tracking, and education  
    • Other duties as requested by contractor  
  • Develops and participates in fund-raising, educational and/or public relations programs and presentations for patients, families and community professionals regarding the mission and efforts of CHSC, Audiology and hearing loss as appropriate to career path. 
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Authority Within CHSC’s Policy & Procedures 

  • Supervises (as appropriate to career path) according to guidelines developed by CHSC and American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA): 
  • Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) graduate and undergraduate communication major students.  
  • 4th year AUD students from Northeast Ohio Audiology Consortium or other universities as requested  
  • Audiology Aide as licensed by State of Ohio 
  • Oversees and recommends evaluation, treatment, progress, etc. of own and student’s clients  
  • Reviews processes, procedures, policy, literature, questionnaires and information used in the various stages of each case and recommends changes to enhance and quicken the process. 
  • Represents CHSC at speaking engagements as appropriate to career path. 

Education/Experience/Skills 

  • Doctorate of Audiology (AUD ) or Master’s degree in Audiology from an American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) program is required. 
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence  
  • Ohio license in Audiology (or be eligible and have applied) is required.  
  • Experience as appropriate to career path. 
  • Strong analytical, written, verbal and interpersonal skills are preferred.