Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages. Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. |
Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, conduct and interpret the results of hearing assessments in adults. It includes the ability to establish a positive client relationship, develop realistic goals with the client and to recognise situations where referral to other health professionals is required.
This unit applies to any person who assesses hearing. This may include audiometrists, allied health assistants who support audiologists in health care organisations, nurses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. Work is conducted according to AS/NZ 1269.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for hearing assessments |
1.1 Ensure information, including required forms, is accessible and ready for use 1.2 Achieve required ambient noise levels in preparation of testing environment 1.3 Prepare, calibrate and check equipment and instruments 1.4 Ensure personal protective equipment is available and used |
2. Establish a positive relationship with the client |
2.1 Take client case history and explain practice/hearing service administrative procedures 2.2 Determine client’s expectations through questioning and active listening 2.3 Gain consent from clients where applicable 2.4 Give client the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns 2.5 Identify and respond to special needs of client 2.6 Maintain confidentiality of client information |
3. Conduct otoscopy |
3.1 Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures 3.2 Conduct otoscopy in a non-threatening manner and produce valid, reliable and accurate results in accordance with relevant policy and procedures 3.3 Identify and respond to any abnormalities of the ear canal 3.4 Identify contra-indications for proceeding with further hearing assessments 3.5 Make referralto appropriate agency for further assessment and treatment if required |
4. Test hearing |
4.1 Explain procedure to client using language the client understands 4.2 Identify significant features of client history 4.3 Select and conduct appropriate hearing tests following procedures for correct use of equipment 4.4 Produce valid, reliable and accurate results in accordance with relevant policy and procedures 4.5 Identify unreliable results and complete re-test according to standard protocols 4.6 Use results to identify specific hearing loss and/or any abnormal functions 4.7 Record results in accordance with relevant policy and procedures 4.8 Clean and store equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ requirements and infection control procedures |
5. Interpret results |
5.1 Accurately interpret data from individual test results 5.2 Integrate and interpret interrelationships between test battery results to establish a comprehensive clinical picture 5.3 Validate results for consistency across the test battery |
6. Review assessment results with client |
6.1 Communicate results of assessments clearly and simply to the client 6.2 Determine and discuss options to support client 6.3 Negotiate and establish realistic goals for the client 6.4 Document and file results in accordance with relevant policies and procedures 6.5 Determine recommendations for further assessment or referral to an appropriate facility or hearing aid fitting |
7. Complete report |
7.1 Write report using language and format that suits target audience according to organisation standards 7.2 Include clear, concise and relevant information of tests performed 7.3 Include summary, recommendations and any further action required 7.4 Read and edit report for spelling and grammatical correctness |
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Unit Mapping Information
No equivalent unit.
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705