Audiology Extern (Gonzales, LA)

About the Role

The Audiology Extern will complete the requisite university and ASHA requirements for the clinical practice component of the Au.D. Degree. The Extern will treat and fit patients following the All American Hearing (AAH) Patient Journey, gaining practical experience in all aspects of hearing aid fittings, service/repairs, and sales. This includes product knowledge, audiologic assessment, fittings and sales of hearing products and accessories, patient counseling, and aural rehabilitation. Responsibilities may also include assessment of tinnitus and balance disorders, as well as providing services to pediatric patients.

Externs will be trained to provide services remotely through AAH's TeleHear program and will work with an assigned Preceptor while assessing and treating patients independently, as allowed by state law and academic guidelines. Temporary license fees, necessary study materials, and travel arrangements will be covered by AAH.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Patient Journey Experience is the top priority, ensuring patient comfort and attentiveness to their requests and concerns.
• Conduct patient diagnostics, including:
  • Pure tone and speech audiometry
  • Immitance testing
  • Tinnitus evaluations
  • Otoacoustic emissions testing
  • Vestibular evaluations
• Explain the hearing testing process and administer tests in accordance with AAH clinical protocol and applicable laws.
• Analyze and interpret test results, review findings, and recommend solutions for hearing loss.
• Refer patients to physicians or other professionals as needed.
• Review and discuss diagnostic findings and recommendations with the Preceptor, ensuring audiograms and test forms are cosigned.
• Conduct fitting of hearing aids and accessories, consulting with Preceptor or other staff on difficult fittings.
• Perform trial fittings with premium technology hearing instruments during initial evaluations.
• Recommend appropriate styles and levels of technology for hearing instruments and accessories.
• Take ear impressions as needed.
• Quote prices from the established price list and explain payment, finance options, warranties, and loss & damage coverage.
• Obtain patient signatures on Purchase Agreements and collect a minimum 50% deposit at the time of sale.
• Review and discuss all hearing aid fitting recommendations with the Preceptor and ensure relevant forms are cosigned.
• At fitting, verify the fit and performance of aids, ensuring no feedback, and demonstrate use and care of hearing instruments.
• Explain follow-up and clean & check processes, have the patient sign for delivery of aids, and set up a follow-up appointment within one week.
• Write and enter SOAP notes in Hearing Fusion after every patient visit and have them reviewed and cosigned by the Preceptor.
• Follow up with patients within 48 hours to check on progress and comfort, scheduling appointments as needed.
• Assist with new and retention marketing efforts for the office in coordination with National Marketing staff.
• Maintain patient records according to AAH policy and applicable law.
• Maintain clinical equipment, tools, supplies, and office appearance.
• Assist with compliance for OSHA Infection Control, HIPAA, and state/local business licensing regulations.
• Maintain insurance credentialing and assist with office appearance.

Performance Measures

• Attendance at meetings (travel may be required).
• Creation of a calendar for each location.
• Assessment of clinical skills in accordance with university, ASHA, and AAH internal requirements.
• Providing timely data for insurance billing.
• Collaborating with local, regional, and national staff to ensure a successful patient journey experience.

Other Duties

• Maintain the highest ethical standards as outlined in the AAH employee handbook.
• Support corporate and department guidelines.
• Check and verify quality.
• Support corporate health and safety objectives.
• Adapt productively to change and handle other essential duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Licensure

• Current enrollment and good standing in an accredited Audiology graduate program.
• Eligible for Externship year per university requirements.
• Obtain Audiology and Dispensing Temporary Licensure in the state of employment, if required by applicable state law.

Experience

• Minimum one year of clinical practice experience.

Knowledge

• Ability to learn and use software systems including Hearing Fusion, NOAH, and Inspire OS.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Good problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions

• Normal office conditions.
• Some travel may be required.

Equipment Operation

• Hearing aid testing equipment.
• Hearing instruments and accessories.
• Computer.