Audiology Assistant

Overview
The Audiology Assistant will assist in providing patient care in the area of hearing aid rehabilitation and cochlear implantation. They will work directly with staff audiologists who provide patient care in an increasingly comprehensive and efficient manner. More specifically, this position includes setting up patient equipment, providing patient orientation, and connecting equipment to applications and Bluetooth accessories. Duties may also include performing newborn hearing screen evaluations. A portion of time will also be spent on patient care coordination. This involves responding to patient inquiries, phone calls, equipment orders, and scheduling. Staff who hold a Medical Assistant certification in this position may be involved with providing vestibular testing and evaluation.
Responsibilities
Cochlear Implants:
Cochlear Implant Initial Stimulation Encounter
Pre-appointment Prep

• Unpack and prep device equipment
• Charge CI batteries
• Register equipment as needed
• Set up appointment with respective manufacturer for accessory review

CI Encounter Tasks

• Review placing the processor on and off the patient's head
• Review the remote control pairing and explain use
• Review how and when to transition through progressive programming maps
• Review auditory verbal therapy options, including how and when to practice
• Download remote control apps, pair associated equipment, and review app use
• Set-up streaming with patient review for phone calls and music
• Review extra equipment parts
• Place safety clips on processor
• Discuss device warranty
• Review EVMS quick reference guide
• Complete corresponding chart note

Hearing Aids:
Hearing Aid Dispense Encounter
Pre-appointment Prep

• Unpack and prep hearing aid device(s): charge hearing aids, install receivers
• Enter audiogram in Noah
• Transfer audiogram to Real Ear Verification System
• Edit purchase contract

Hearing Dispense Encounter Tasks

• Complete hearing aid orientation (parts, landmarks, push button options)
• Review insertion techniques
• Complete Bluetooth pairing
• Confirm streaming function via a phone call/music
• Review the features of the app
• Review cleaning and maintenance (changing domes and waxtraps)
• Complete purchase contract
• Provide audiology number and drop-off information
• Schedule follow-up appointment
• Complete corresponding chart note

Patient Care Coordination, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Patients:

• Review tasks regarding patient/provider requests
• Schedule patient appointments as needed
• Review and triage hearing aid and CI phone messages
• Request records/maps for transfer patients
• Contact new candidates to enroll in FMH, provide video links, obtain hearing aid history information, and answer basic questions
• Perform minor hearing aid repair and assessment
• Process broken hearing aids for repair
• Document patient communication/updates in the EMR as required
• Review patient hearing aid inventory for aging equipment (monthly)
• Review drop-off bin for aging items
• Maintain hearing aid and CI supply inventory
• Maintain hearing aid and CI brochures
• Restock Audiology score forms (monthly)
• Manage and maintain CI surgery spreadsheet
• Confirm surgery equipment has been ordered and/or arrived
• Consult and communicate with CI manufacturers and reps as needed
• Facilitate Letters of Medical Necessity (LMNs) as required
• Manage hearing aid loaner spreadsheet

Newborn Hearing Screening:
Test Administration and Counseling

• Clean the head and ears of infant in preparation for test administration
• Apply electrodes and leads to the patient
• Enter patient demographics into the hearing screen software
• Apply associated headphones to the patient
• Administer the hearing screen test condition
• Print and record the results
• Provide test results to the patient's parent(s) in a pass/refer format
• If the results suggest a "refer", provide the family with the corresponding literature and schedule them for diagnostic testing
• Record the test results with the Virginia Department of Health (VISITS) database system

The following duties are only to be performed by staff who have completed a medical assistant program and currently hold an active Medical Assistant certification (i.e., CMA or RMA).
Vestibular Test Evaluation (RMA or CMA required):
Test Administration (RMA or CMA required)

• Provide detailed patient evaluation summary
• Apply and calibrate infrared goggles
• Implement vestibular test battery
• Assist with patient positional test evaluation
• Irrigate ears with calibrated air
• Affix electrodes and prep patient for rotational chair analysis

Test Evaluation (RMA or CMA required)

• Obtain basic medical and vestibular case history
• Perform automatic computerized test interpretation
• Entered additional notes and comments as needed

Patient Management (RMA or CMA required)

• Coordinate follow-up with patients & outside facilities. Schedule testing, physical therapy & rehab therapy appointments as needed.
• Provide patient education relative to balance testing and related therapies.
• Call patients w/ balance testing results and explain plan of care as needed.
• Triage balance related phone calls & follow-up as required.

Qualifications
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma. Completion of a medical assistant program and Medical Assistant certification preferred (RMA or CMA). Starting compensation for those with certification will be higher.
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to function comfortably with minimal oversight and have the ability to work with hearing impaired individuals. Extensive training will be required to gain mastery of new hearing technologies and provide patient orientation.
Location : Location
US-VA-Norfolk