Audiologist

Job Title

Audiologist

Duties

Help complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Functions as a staff audiologist under the supervision of a higher-grade audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

Provides comprehensive audiological services to patients at the primary VA hospital and regional sites.

Applies principles and techniques of audiology, including anatomy, physiology, acoustics, psychoacoustics, communication, and auditory/vestibular pathophysiology.

Assesses and treats auditory and balance disorders using a full range of behavioral and physiologic diagnostic tests, including ENG, auditory brainstem responses, otoacoustic emissions, acoustic immittance, SISI, Tone Decay, and Stenger tests.

Identifies and evaluates individuals with disorders affecting speech, language, and perception of acoustic signals.

Conducts differential diagnosis for varied conditions, such as otosclerosis, otitis media, cholesteatoma, tumors, Meniere's syndrome, cerebellopontine angle tumors, and other conductive, cochlear, and retrocochlear lesions.

Evaluates ear canal functional status, provides cerumen management, and assesses hearing for patients unable to respond to standard audiometric procedures.

Conducts social efficiency examinations for hearing impairment assessments used in adjudication and medico-legal purposes.

Counsels veterans, families, and caregivers regarding the nature and impact of hearing impairment.

Recommends and provides remedial and preventive services, including selection, fitting, and instruction on the use of hearing aids (including implantables and assistive listening devices), FM/Bluetooth systems, and other specialized equipment.

Performs routine inspection and repair of personal amplification systems and assistive listening devices, as needed.

Issues ear defenders for acoustic trauma prevention and recommends vocational adjustments in cases of progressive hearing loss due to noise exposure.

Designs and implements aural rehabilitation and training programs to maximize use of amplification, residual hearing, and development of alternative communication strategies such as speech-reading.

Adapts clinical procedures for unique, age-specific patient needs, exercising appropriate clinical judgment.

Develops individualized training plans for patients and caregivers.

Education

Assists in the orientation and training of new staff, medical personnel, students, trainees, and fellows, providing supervision and feedback.

Participates in continuing education through courses, journals, textbooks, and in-service programs to maintain current knowledge and competency.

Provides patient and family education, including informed consent, and ensures compliance with HIPAA and patient rights regulations.

Administrative

Participates in development and evaluation of clinical guidelines, protocols, and new or existing programs.

Maintains accurate patient records and required clinical data.

Maintains clinical areas, supplies, and equipment for safety and efficiency.

May serve on service-level, medical center, network, or national committees and task forces.

Technical and Research

Maintains and calibrates specialized electro-acoustic instrumentation used in auditory assessments.

Assists with clinical research activities, including data collection and support for research design.

Professional Conduct and Privacy

Interacts professionally with patients, families, and other healthcare practitioners; consults with physicians as appropriate.

Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborative care planning.

Documents evaluations, diagnoses, treatment plans, patient/family education, and outcomes in the medical record.

Accesses sensitive data appropriately, ensuring compliance with federal, VA, and Privacy Act regulations.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 635-53777A, 635-53778A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for a Highly Qualified Candidate.