Cochlear Implant Audiologist

Under general supervision, administers a wide variety of specialized diagnostic tests in Audiology, Hearing Aid fittings, Cochlear Implant Candidacy evaluations and management, participation in community outreach, student supervision, and research.

Education:

Doctoral Degree in Audiology

Skills:

Extensive knowledge of the entire realm of auditory disorders, habilitative and rehabilitative measures. Extensive knowledge of the equipment, techniques and procedures used to measure auditory abilities and disabilities. Extensive knowledge regarding current cochlear implant candidacy and best practice for management of pediatric and adult candidates and recipients Extensive training in cochlear implant selection, mapping, and troubleshooting Extensive counseling and rehabilitative skills as they relate to auditory disorders, surgery, educational options, communication resources, and assistive technology Extensive knowledge of current hearing aid fitting standards, current technology, and bimodal cochlear implant/hearing aid management Ability to analyze BERA, OAE, and videonystagmography (VNG or Vestibular) results Licensures,

Certifications:

Certification as an Audiologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. License in Audiology from the Maryland State Board of Examiners for Audiologists. Patient & Workplace Safety:
Employee has knowledge and understanding of patient and workforce safety as it relates to job duties. Patient Population:
Demonstrates competency in the delivery of care and applies the knowledge to meet age‑specific needs if applicable. Conflict of Interest Paperwork Required

Participates in habilitative and rehabilitative programs including in part: cochlear implant evaluations, hearing aid evaluations, dispensing processors and aids, counseling patients and family regarding hearing aids/communication and assistive listening systems, protection from noise‑induced loss and direction to proper agencies when necessary. Assists with the operation of the Hearing Aid Dispensary, including but not limited to, evaluation and dispensing of aids, processing aids for repair, and submitting appropriate billing.

Determines the range, nature and degree of hearing function related to the patient’s auditory efficiency and site of lesion using electroacoustic instrumentation measured by such devices as diagnostic audiometers, Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry and Otoacoustic Emissions testing. Coordinates audiometric results with other diagnostic data and makes recommendations if indicated, for educational, medical referral, social and behavioral information. Conducts cochlear implant assessments, using standardized protocols, for both pediatric and adult patients to determine appropriate candidacy prior to surgical intervention.

Provides necessary information and reports pertaining to future treatment of patients and implementation of appropriate referrals. Provides comprehensive management of patients following cochlear implantation through counseling, diagnostic assessment, equipment troubleshooting, and setting of realistic expectations. Ongoing management of patient equipment for repairs and upgrades of cochlear implant processors. Completes return material authorizations and letters of medical necessity as needed. Orders and maintains an adequate supply of medical equipment.

Ensures equipment is calibrated and repaired when needed. Maintains medical and administrative files, logs and reports. This includes patient data tracking for program improvement. Implementation and review of cognition screening for determining candidacy appropriateness, need for referral, and adaptation to mapping, recommendations and rehabilitation. Participates in community outreach and education of speech pathologists and audiology doctoral students. Participates as an investigative member in department research and possible publication.

Respect I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment. Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities. Excellence I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others. Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations.

Actively pursues learning and self-development. Pays attention to detail; follows through. Accountability I will be…