Hearing Instrument Specialist

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The Department of Otolaryngology is currently seeking a full time Hearing Instrument Specialist to work in Miami, FL. The Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) is responsible for the identification and rehabilitation of hearing impairment including determining the appropriateness and benefit of amplification, as well as providing basic audiometric testing.  The HIS counsels’ patients regarding test results and reviews options which best meet their hearing care needs.  In addition, the HIS performs hearing aid testing, selection, and fitting to all populations.  The HIS reviews pricing and sale of hearing aids as a part of the patient education process.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                     

• Conducts air and bone conduction threshold measurements; utilizes pure tone masking procedures in conducting 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.

• Counsel’s patients regarding test results; provides hearing aid candidates with 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 correct 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.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                    

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.

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

• 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 hearing aids; 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 key performance indicators (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 doctor of audiology, within 24 hours of encounter.

Hearing Aids:

• Demonstrates independence in hearing aid clinic, according to the scope of practice defined by Florida statutes.

• Ensures timely access to care through the management of add-on/walk in appointments while coordinating with the supervising audiologist.

• Performs regular follow-ups to support patient adoption and acceptance of hearing devices for all patients seen in the Division of Audiology.

• Communicates with hearing aid patients to cultivate patient retention, by contacting patients nearing the end of their device warrantee periods, among other administrative patient retention tasks.

• Counsels patients regarding audiometry results as they relate to hearing aid selection, fitting and expectations for benefit.

• Takes adequate earmold impressions using proper techniques, for custom couplers and/or hearing devices.

Other specialties (supervised by a licensed audiologist):

• Conducts diagnostic hearing and balance testing procedures in accordance with established protocols and under the direction of the supervising audiologist

• Prepares and positions patients for testing procedures, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Communicates technical observations and or potential issues to supervisor for further evaluation

• Works closely with clinical assistant teams, practice manager, and supervising audiologist to support efficient clinic workflows for patients of all ages.

• Does not interpret, diagnose, or provide recommendations on patient care; refers clinical questions and findings to the supervising audiologist for interpretation and decision-making.

Department Specific Qualifications                                                                                

Education:

• High School diploma

Certification and Licensing

• Florida Audiology Assistant License

• Florida Hearing Aid Specialist License

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of clinical audiology experience.

• Bilingual preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes:

• Excellent interpersonal skills that allow effective working relationships with a diverse patient, colleague, and vendor population. 

• Collaboration with colleagues, including audiologists, administrative staff, and physicians

• Strong keyboard/computer/Audiology diagnostic and hearing aid software and equipment experience.

• Must be able to organize time and prioritize numerous duties within strict deadlines.

• Requires the ability to work in a high-paced environment with numerous interruptions.

• Must engage with patients and colleagues in a caring, compassionate and respectful manner.

• Detail oriented.

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The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

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