Hearing Instrument Specialist

Current Employees

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For information about equal opportunity, visit the university’s EEO policy.

The Department of Otolaryngology is seeking a full-time Hearing Instrument Specialist to work in Miami, FL. The Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) is responsible for identifying and rehabilitating hearing impairment, determining the appropriateness and benefit of amplification, and providing basic audiometric testing. The HIS counsels patients regarding test results and reviews options to meet hearing care needs. The HIS performs hearing aid testing, selection, and fitting for all populations, and reviews pricing and sales of hearing aids as part of patient education.

• Conducts air and bone conduction threshold measurements; utilizes pure tone masking procedures in tone decay testing and Speech Discrimination (SD) tests; and obtains Speech Reception Thresholds (SRT).

• Establishes Most Comfortable Listening Level (MCL) and determines Uncomfortable Listening Level (UCL/LDL).

• Uses speech masking and performs tympanometry; obtains acoustic reflexes ipsilaterally and contralaterally.

• Operates the audiometer and utilizes otoacoustic emission equipment (OAE). Coordinates and interprets test results.

• Completes patient chart notes and sends written report to referring and primary care physicians.

• Counsels patients regarding test results; provides education materials and scheduling information; makes recommendations regarding hearing care options; and sells appropriate hearing care products and warranties.

• Provides hearing aid dispensing, including selection, fitting, ear-mold acoustics, ongoing management with follow-up, education, and patient training on device use and care.

• Conducts real-ear measurements; performs functional gain testing; and performs programming, modifications, and acoustical adjustments.

• Demonstrates and sells Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), batteries, and other special products.

• Manages the hearing aid device inventory and queue for all patient populations. Performs hearing aid checks, cleaning, and repairs.

• Assesses clinical quality outcomes, including efficiency and productivity.

• Exercises confidentiality to ensure compliance with all HIPAA regulations.

• Participates in training sessions to remain up to date with and share knowledge of new hearing assistance devices.

• Provides excellent customer service and maintains good public relations.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Education:

High School diploma

Certification and Licensing:

License in relevant specialty or field

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes:

• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

• Commitment to the University’s core values.

• Performs independently as an HIS, providing care within the scope of practice defined by Florida statutes.

• Conducts a variety of clinical tests under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.

• Clinically supports audiologists to facilitate efficient patient flow.

• May be required to work in one or more clinical site locations, and must perform duties according to University guidelines, protocols and processes.

• Sub-specialties are diagnostics and vestibular testing; the Hearing Instrument Specialist is expected to meet competencies as an HIS for these subspecialties. Subspecialties subject to change at the discretion of the department chair and chief.

• Dispenses hearing aids independently to patients aged 18 years and older, and performs diagnostic hearing and/or balance testing, under the supervision of a licensed audiologist, depending on specialties assigned.

• Follows established clinical protocols and best practices to meet/exceed quality control, quality outcome, and efficiency metrics.

• Documents all administrative items and clinical results as directed, accurately and within the timespan expected by the institution/department, to ensure patient retention and enable comprehensive and timely monitoring of KPIs.

• May be expected to flex to provide coverage at other clinics in the absence of a colleague.

• Maintains both HIS and Audiology Assistant licensure, demonstrating sufficient competency to administer hearing and balance tests as assigned.

• Completes clinical and other duties as assigned, including routine audiometer biologic and other equipment checks.

• Creates patient chart note related to hearing aid dispensing services and those which review is required by the licensed supervising…