Audiology Extern

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Audiology Extern participates in a structured clinical training experience within the Pinehurst Surgical Clinic ENT Department. Under the direct supervision and guidance of licensed audiologists and ENT physicians, the Audiology Extern gains hands-on experience in comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology services.

The extern will develop clinical competencies in adult and pediatric hearing evaluations, electrophysiologic testing, vestibular assessment, tinnitus management, hearing aid services, and cochlear implant-related care, as appropriate to the extern's level of training and program requirements. The Audiology Extern works collaboratively with the audiology and ENT teams to provide patient-centered care while developing clinical judgment, technical skills, documentation practices, and professional communication.

The position is intended to support the extern's transition from academic training to independent clinical practice and will comply with applicable university, state licensure, and clinical training requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Training & Supervision

The Audiology Extern will practice only within the scope of training, demonstrated competency, applicable North Carolina requirements, and the policies of Pinehurst Surgical Clinic and the affiliated AuD program. Clinical services will be provided under the supervision of appropriately licensed audiology personnel. The level of direct versus indirect supervision will be determined by the extern's demonstrated competency, academic program requirements, applicable regulations, and clinic protocols.

Diagnostic Audiology Services

Under the supervision of a licensed audiologist:

• Assist with and perform comprehensive audiologic evaluations for adult and pediatric patients, as permitted by training level and supervision requirements, including:
  • Pure-tone audiometry
  • Speech audiometry
  • Tympanometry
  • Acoustic reflex testing
  • Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)
  • Other clinically appropriate diagnostic testing
• Participate in hearing assessments for medical and surgical ENT patients, including pre- and post-operative hearing testing      as appropriate.
• Develop skills in identifying and documenting hearing disorders, amplification candidacy, and treatment recommendations.
• Assist with and gain supervised experience in electrophysiologic testing, which may include:
  • Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
  • Electrocochleography
  • Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP)
  • Other electrophysiologic procedures performed within the clinic
• Observe and participate in clinical interpretation of test results and development of appropriate recommendations under      supervision.

Vestibular & Balance Services

Under appropriate supervision:

• Assist with vestibular evaluations and diagnostic testing, which may include:
  • VNG/ENG testing
  • Positional testing, including Dix-Hallpike
  • BPPV assessment and treatment, including Epley maneuver, as permitted by training and supervision requirements
  • Caloric testing
  • Vestibular ocular motor assessments
• Participate in patient education regarding dizziness and balance disorders.
• Learn appropriate care coordination and referral processes, including referral to vestibular physical therapy when indicated.
• Observe and participate in collaboration with ENT physicians regarding vestibular test interpretation and treatment planning.

Tinnitus Evaluation & Management

• Participate in tinnitus evaluations, including patient history, symptom questionnaires, and audiometric correlation.
• Provide tinnitus education and counseling under supervision using evidence-based approaches.
• Gain experience with tinnitus management strategies, which may include:
  • Hearing aids with tinnitus features
  • Sound therapy
  • Patient education regarding triggers, sleep, and coping strategies
• Assist with documenting tinnitus treatment plans and patient outcomes.

Hearing Aid Services

Under the supervision of a licensed audiologist:

• Participate in hearing aid evaluations and selection using evidence-based and patient-centered practices.
• Assist with hearing aid programming, fitting, verification, and validation.
• Gain experience with real-ear measures when available and appropriate.
• Provide supervised follow-up care, including:
  • Adjustments and reprogramming
  • Counseling
  • Troubleshooting
  • Maintenance and care education
• Assist patients with selection and use of assistive listening devices and accessories.
• Develop familiarity with hearing aid documentation, inventory processes, billing, and payer requirements in accordance with      Pinehurst Surgical Clinic policies.
• Observe the operational aspects of hearing aid dispensing and patient follow-up.

Cochlear Implant (CI) Evaluation & Support

• Participate in cochlear implant-related services under supervision, including:
  • CI candidacy screening
  • Review of audiologic results relevant to CI candidacy
  • Patient counseling regarding the CI process and expectations
  • Coordination with implant centers and manufacturers, as applicable
• Observe and participate in post-implant audiologic support within the clinic's scope of services.
• Assist with follow-up hearing testing and patient education.
• Gain familiarity with communication and coordination between the clinic, implant centers, manufacturers, and referring      providers.
• Observe CI mapping and advanced follow-up procedures when performed by external or affiliated providers.

Patient Care & Clinical Training

• Provide compassionate, respectful, and patient-centered care under appropriate clinical supervision.
• Develop effective patient counseling and communication skills for individuals experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and communication barriers.
• Explain audiologic procedures and results in language appropriate to the patient's age, needs, and level of understanding.
• Observe & participate in multidisciplinary patient care involving audiologists, ENT physicians, nurses, & clinical support staff.
• Participate in case discussions, clinical observations, and educational activities.
• Seek and incorporate feedback from supervising audiologists and clinical preceptors.
• Demonstrate progressive development of clinical independence consistent with academic program requirements and      demonstrated competency.

Documentation, Compliance, and Quality

• Document clinical findings and patient interactions accurately in the EMR under appropriate supervision.
• Develop proficiency in clinical interpretation, treatment recommendations, and documentation standards.
• Maintain compliance with:
  • North Carolina licensure and supervision requirements
  • University/externship program requirements
  • HIPAA and patient privacy regulations
  • Pinehurst Surgical Clinic policies and clinical standards
• Participate in quality improvement activities, clinical education, and patient experience initiatives as appropriate.
• Maintain professional conduct and confidentiality at all times.

Coordination of Care / Patient Experience

• Work collaboratively with the audiology and ENT teams to support timely patient testing and follow-up.
• Assist with coordination of patient care and appropriate referrals.
• Provide a welcoming and supportive experience for patients and families.
• Participate in hearing health education and community outreach activities when available.

Professional Development

• Participate in scheduled clinical supervision and feedback sessions.
• Establish and work toward individualized clinical learning objectives.
• Maintain a professional learning portfolio or documentation required by the academic program.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, in-services, and other educational opportunities as assigned.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, punctuality, accountability, and receptiveness to feedback.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervising audiologist or management.

Characteristics

• Compassionate and patient-centered approach with patients, families, and coworkers.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Eagerness to learn and develop clinical expertise.
• Receptive to supervision, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates initiative while appropriately recognizing the need for supervision.
• Commitment to ethical and evidence-based clinical practice. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program.
• Eligible to participate in a fourth-year clinical externship or equivalent advanced clinical training experience.
• Successful completion of required academic and clinical coursework prior to beginning the externship.
• Eligible for NC Audiology temporary licensure or other applicable authorization required for clinical training, as applicable.
• Completion of all university and externship program requirements necessary to begin clinical placement.
• Demonstrated foundational knowledge of:
  • Diagnostic audiology
  • Hearing science
  • Amplification
  • Vestibular assessment
  • Tinnitus
  • Cochlear implants
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and clinical staff.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and demonstrate progressive clinical growth.
• Commitment to patient-centered care and professional development. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior clinical experience in an ENT or medical audiology setting.
• Experience with adult and pediatric diagnostic audiology.
• Exposure to vestibular testing, including VNG/ENG.
• Experience with hearing aid fitting, programming, and verification.
• Exposure to tinnitus evaluation and management.
• Exposure to cochlear implant evaluations or CI patient care.
• Familiarity with electrophysiologic testing, including ABR and VEMP.
• Experience with electronic medical records and clinical documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: Frequently
• Standing: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Carrying/Lifting: Rarely (up to 35 pounds)
• Stooping/Kneeling: Frequently
• Other: Ability to perform routine clinical duties and safely operate audiologic and vestibular equipment.