Description
The audiology extern is responsible for bringing value to Northeast Georgia ENT in terms of patient care and improving office protocol. The audiology extern will create monthly case studies and quarterly projects to gain knowledge on the challenges they will face once out of school. They will administer diagnostic audiological tests that allow differentiation between types of hearing disorders in all dispensing locations. The audiology extern will provide hearing aid testing, selection and fitting to all populations. Also, provides comprehensive diagnostic testing including VNG and other tests as needed. The audiology extern counsels' patients regarding test results and reviews options to best meet their hearing care needs. Also, reviews pricing and sale of hearing aids as a part of the patient education process.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Initial & On-going Job Training

• Audiology extern will shadow the current audiology team for 30 days to learn the flow of the business. Their schedule may adjust as they grow and become acclimated to the business.
• There will be a weekly Q&A session with the audiology extern and current audiology team. The audiology extern is encouraged to ask questions and bring up challenging scenarios they faced that week.
• After approximately 30 days the audiology extern will begin scheduling their own Audiograms with patients.
• After 60 days the audiology extern will continue scheduling audios and add hearing aid checks to their responsibilities.
• The audiology extern will be in charge of cleaning the office and re-stocking supplies on a daily basis.
• Perform daily listening checks on all office equipment.
• Responsible for creating a case study on a monthly basis to present to the audiology team.
  • The case study will require information on diagnosis, treatment and counseling for patients.
• The extern will be responsible for putting together a larger project on a quarterly basis to present to the team. You will receive direction from the Director of Audiology quarterly.

Administers Diagnostic Tests

• Performs comprehensive audiological evaluations, Videonystagmography (VNG), Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), Immittance Audiometry, ETD testing and acoustic reflex threshold and reflex decay testing.
• Provides amplification services including hearing aid assessment testing, real ear measurements, hearing aid analysis and live speech mapping.
• Coordinates and interprets test results.
• Consults with and makes recommendations on hearing disorders to physicians.
• Based on test results, diagnoses audio vestibular disorders.
• Coordinates care with physicians and other providers.
• Completes chart notes for each patient seen and asks receptionists that written reports to be sent to referring physician and primary care physician.

Manages Hearing Rehabilitation

• Counsels patients regarding test results.
• Makes recommendation regarding hearing care options.
• Reviews products available to improve hearing impairment.
• Sells appropriate hearing care products and warranties as deemed necessary to meet the needs of the patient.
• Provides hearing aid dispensing, including selection, fitting, ear mold acoustics, ongoing management with follow-up, and education.
• Demonstrates and sells Assisted Listening Devices (ALD's), batteries, and other special products.
• Performs hearing aid repairs.
• Performs hearing aid checks and cleaning.

Miscellaneous duties

• Accountable for marketing activities.
• Responsible for revenue and margin outcomes.
• Assists customers with exchanges or returns as needed.
• Involved in clinical quality outcomes, including efficiency and productivity.
• Provides excellent customer service and maintains good public relations.
• Shares administrative duties with colleagues as needed.

• Performs all other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Practices good safety habits.
• Exercises confidentiality to ensure compliance with all HIPAA and OSHA regulations.
• Maintains cleanliness of equipment and work area.

• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Attends all regular staff meetings.
• Performs all other tasks and projects assigned by the Business Manager.

JOB SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Audiology, current state licensure and national certification.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that allow effective working relationships with a diverse customer, colleague, and vendor population. This includes listening, sales, and problem-solving skills.
• 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 deal with numerous interruptions.
• Must deal with customers in a caring and respectful manner.
• Must be detail oriented.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
Exhibits a positive attitude, compassionate care, a professional appearance, is detailed, efficient and organized with an orientation toward accuracy. Maintains strict confidentiality and enjoys a team-oriented work environment to facilitate the smooth, efficient and professional care of the patient and performance of the office.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environment is fast paced but professional and friendly. Work requires movement throughout the office, sitting for periods of time, stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies. Employee will occasionally be asked to lift files and paper weighing up to 30 pounds. Position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate, keyboard, operate a computer, telephone, calculator, copier and fine-motor tools related to hearing aid cleaning, operation of grinding and buffing wheel, and such other office equipment as necessary. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 and hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts. It is necessary to view and type on computer screens for long periods and to work under stressful or emergency situations with high concentration and energy level. Employee will be exposed to bodily fluids on a regular basis. Employee may have exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparation and other conditions common to a clinic environment. Work is performed in an office environment. The employee must be comfortable asking patients for money. Work is performed in patient rooms, hearing aid labs and back office and involves frequent contact with patients. Work may be stressful at times and requires excellent communication skills. Interaction with others is constant and may be interruptive.
Contact involves dealing with sick individuals in addition to patients suffering from communication disorders.
Position requires willingness to work in clinic locations other than their primary clinic location.