Audiologist

SUMMARY

The Audiologist reports directly to the Clinical Manager and/or Assistant Clinical Manager (ACM) and may work under the guidance of more senior program-specific clinicians. They provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluation services for auditory, vestibular, and related disorders; evaluate, select, fit, and dispense hearing instruments and cochlear implants; and offer aural rehabilitation to help patients regain or utilize their hearing abilities at the highest level possible.

Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide everyday actions with patients, customers, and colleagues. Employees also demonstrate the core Success Factors:
Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

• Communication:
  Demonstrates the highest level of communication and professionalism with patients, caregivers, rehabilitation staff, providers, and other health care professionals, both within the academic medical center and in the community.
• Exhibits effective and professional verbal and non‑verbal communication.
• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and honestly with patients, caregivers, and colleagues.
• Communicates proactively with other caregivers involved in patients’ care.
• Adjusts communication and response to the level of understanding of the listener.

• Examines and evaluates patients to determine degree and type of hearing loss.
• Establishes diagnosis and prognosis for hearing improvement through the use of artificial aids based on patient symptoms.
• Performs specialized testing (site of lesion, auditory brainstem response, otoacoustic emissions, vestibular evoked potentials, acoustic reflex, videonystagmography).
• Evaluates and manages children and adults with central auditory processing disorders.
• Measures and interprets auditory evoked potentials for neurophysiologic intra‑operative monitoring and cranial nerve assessment.
• Performs cochlear implant evaluations and mapping.
• Performs otoscopic examination for evaluation of hearing or balance disorders.
• Creates ear impressions, fits hearing protection or prosthetic devices.
• Performs assessment and non‑medical management of tinnitus.
• Provides screening of speech‑language for audio logic evaluation and/or identification of communication disorders.
• Provides education and counseling to patients and caregivers regarding rehabilitation, test results, aids, and expectations of hearing impairment.
• Evaluates and counsels patients concerning appropriate hearing aids.
• Fits, programs, dispenses, and monitors use of hearing aids.
• May provide audiological rehabilitation including speech reading, communication management, language development, auditory skill development, and counseling for psychosocial adjustment to hearing loss.
• May provide specialized aural rehabilitation training for patients whose hearing cannot be helped by amplification.
• Completes documentation and charges timely and accurately in compliance with department policy.
• Completes clinical documentation reflecting eligibility/medical necessity of services in compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
• Consistently applies evidence‑based practice to all aspects of clinical care.
• Seeks additional guidance when necessary to assure safe and effective patient care.
• Recommends and refers for additional diagnostic testing and/or services.

• Complies with hospital and departmental policies and guidelines.
• Participates in strategic departmental quality improvement initiatives.
• Provides education to other hospital departments, personnel, students, and outside agencies/schools.
• Demonstrates ability to flex schedule based on department, patient, and/or caregiver need.
• Determines priorities according to departmental and patient care need.
• Participates in community‑based professional events.
• Participates in ongoing educational activities.
• Supports and promotes departmental teamwork.
• Completes mandatory departmental and hospital training.
• Ensures maintenance and operational condition of equipment utilized for evaluation.