The Audiology Extern will complete the requisite university and ASHA requirements for completion of the clinical practice requirements for the Au.D. Degree, and will treat and fit patients as described in the All American Hearing (AAH) Patient Journey. The Extern will receive practical experience in all aspects of hearing aid fittings, service/repairs, and sales, including product knowledge, audiologic assessment, fittings and sales of hearing products and accessories, patient counseling, and aural rehabilitation. Responsibilities also may include assessment of tinnitus and balance disorders, and providing services to pediatric patients. Responsibilities include assessment of hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorders, fitting and sales of hearing products and accessories, counseling and follow up services for adult and pediatric patients. Externs will be trained and prepared to meet and provide services to patients remotely through AAH's TeleHear program. The training program will include the Extern working with their assigned Preceptor, as well as assessing and treating patients as independently as applicable state law and academic guidelines allow. Temporary license fees, any necessary study materials, and travel arrangements will be paid by AAH.
Approach and Deployment (What to Do & How to Do It)
- Ensure Patient Journey Experience is top priority.
- Ensure patient is comfortable and be attentive to their requests and concerns.
- Conduct patient diagnostics.
- Conduct diagnostics which may include; pure tone and speech audiometry, immitance testing, tinnitus evaluations, otoacoustic emissions testing and vestibular evaluations.
- Explain the hearing testing process each step of the way.
- Administer hearing test procedures in accordance with All American clinical protocol and applicable state and federal laws.
- Analyze and interpret test results
- Review test results.
- Recommend best solutions for their loss
- Refer to Physicians or other professionals as needed.
- Review and discuss diagnostic findings and recommendations with Preceptor.
- Have audiograms and other test forms reviewed and cosigned by Preceptor.
- Conduct fitting of hearing aids and accessories.
- Consult with Preceptor, Education and Training Staff, TeleHear Staff or Manufacturers' Representatives on difficult fittings.
- Conduct sales of hearing aids and accessories according to All American Hearing sales protocol.
- During initial evaluation, perform trial fitting with premium technology hearing instruments.
- Recommend appropriate style and level of technology of hearing instruments and accessories.
- Take ear impressions as needed.
- Quote price from established price list, less any advertised discount.
- Counsel patients regarding payment and finance options.
- Explain warranty for repair and loss & damage.
- Obtain patient signature on Purchase Agreement at time of sale.
- Collect a minimum of 50% deposit at time of sale.
- Review and discuss all hearing aid fitting recommendations with Preceptor.
- Have Purchase Agreement and any other relevant hearing aid fitting forms cosigned by Preceptor.
- At fitting, verify fit and performance of aids.
- Ensure that aids fit with no feedback.
- Demonstrate and counsel use and care of hearing instruments.
- Explain follow up and clean & check process.
- Have patient sign for delivery of aids.
- Set up follow up appointment for 1 week.
- Write and enter SOAP notes in Hearing Fusion at the conclusion of every patient visit.
- Have Preceptor review and cosign SOAP notes.
- Follow up with PSC for other Hearing Fusion entries.
- Call patient within 48 hours to check on progress & comfort.
- Schedule appt. ASAP if experiencing any difficulties.
- Office Management
- Learn about, and assist with, new and retention marketing efforts for office, in coordination with National Marketing staff and local staff.
- Maintain patient records according to AAH policy and any applicable law, in cooperation with receptor and PSC.
- Maintain clinical equipment, tools and supplies.
- Maintain office appearance in conjunction with the Patient Services Coordinator.
- Regulatory Compliance
- Assist with compliance with OSHA Infection Control regulations.
- Assist with compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Assist with compliance with state and local business licensing regulations.
- Maintains insurance credentialing.
- Assists with maintaining office appearance in conjunction with the Patient Services Coordinator.
Results - Performance Measures (How to Measure Success)
- Attendance at meetings (Travel required).
- Putting together a calendar for each location.
- Assessment of clinical skills in accordance with university, ASHA, and AAH internal requirements.
- Providing timely data for insurance billing.
- Work collaboratively with local, regional and national staff to provide a successful patient journey experience.
Other Duties
- Highest ethical standards as outlined in AAH employee handbook.
- Support Northland Employee Corporate and/or Department Guidelines.
- Check and verify quality.
- Support corporate health and safety objectives.
- React to change productively and handle other essential duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
[Knowledge, skills and abilities for performance of essential duties]
Minimum education, certification and experience requirements:
Education:
- Current enrollment and good standing in accredited Audiology graduate program; eligible for Externship year per university requirements
- Obtain Audiology and Dispensing Temporary Licensure in state of employment, license in good standing, if required by applicable state law
Experience:
Minimum one year of clinical practice experience
Knowledge
- Ability to learn and use software systems including: Hearing Fusion, NOAH and Inspire OS.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Skills & Abilities
- Ability to organize and execute a plan
- Good problem solving, analytical abilities, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills required
Responsibilities
Exercise of authority or supervision over others:
NA
Confidential Information:
This position has access to a variety of confidential personnel data and customer data.
Working Conditions:
Normal office conditions
Some travel may be required
Equipment Operation:
Hearing Aid testing equipment
Hearing Instruments and Accessories
Computer
The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
