Senior Paediatric Audiologist

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Widnes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Audiologist to conduct paediatric diagnostic assessments and hearing aid support. You will perform PTA, VRA, tympanometry, OAEs and comprehensive testing for babies and children, while maintaining accurate records and achieving smooth patient transitions within the Trust.

The role requires HCPC registration, a paediatric focus and ability to adapt testing for children with special needs, working within a

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is required with registration up to date.
• Experience in paediatric audiology and diagnostic testing.
• Ability to work with children including those with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic hearing assessments for pre-school and school-aged children.
• Analyze results from PTA, VRA, speech discrimination and imaging tests.
• Carry out tympanometry and otoscopy following best practice.
• Impression taking and referrals to ENT or other services as needed.
• Maintain patient records and update national databases.
• Provide hearing aid fitting, verification and rehabilitation.
• Collaborate with the Audiology Lead and multi-disciplinary team.
• Plan clinics and manage workloads including junior staff.

Skills

Communication with patients

Teamwork

Child testing

Documentation

Education

HCPC registration

Tools

Tympanometer

Hearing aid fitting

Otoscopy

Job description

Duties and 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 Otoacoustic Emissions Complete audiological testing of babies that are referred following their newborn hearing screen, using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) to detect cochlear function. Carry out otoscopy following BSA recommended procedures identify any 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 use of outcome measures to support and guide habilitation/rehabilitation. Carry out hearing aid repairs and maintenance. Carry out routine maintenance and calibration checks on audiological equipment, reporting faults and arranging 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. Ensures adequate and smooth transition of children onto Adult Audiology Services, via a Transition Clinic. Responsible for maintaining own workload, prioritising referrals, and planning work for junior staff. Plans 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. Organises testing and hearing aid management in outreach clinics and schools, ensuring all necessary portable equipment is available. Collaborates with Audiology Lead to ensure an efficient and effective Audiology department. Monitor hearing aid stock and advise senior staff/management on re-ordering requirements. Communication Work and communicate effectively and courteously with patients, colleagues, public and members of the directorate and the trust. Maintain hospital and departmental records, including provision of patient reports as necessary. To work and communicate effectively within the multi-disciplinary team. Ability to adapt communication in order to instruct infants and children, including those with complex needs, during behavioural hearing assessment using appropriate language. Able to use tact and persuasion where barriers to understanding exist, e.g. Very young children, children with learning difficulties and the un-cooperative child. Communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing patients and families. Able to 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 and awareness when imparting bad news e.g. sudden hearing loss or deterioration of existing hearing loss. Professional Active participant in Trust research projects involving children with hearing loss. Maintain strict confidentiality at all times. Maintain professional standards and protocols without supervision. Work in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and complies with Trust policies and audiological protocols. Ensure continuing professional development. Develops and maintains in depth knowledge of paediatric test protocols, is well informed about changes to current practice and able to implement new recommended procedures following appropriate training. Maintain registration with the AHCS/HCPC Take part in both professional and departmental meetings. Information and Data Responsibilities Maintain thorough record-keeping Maintain systems to monitor documentation including recording and storing all relevant information ensuring it is securely held and can be accessed easily

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust