Associate Audiologist

The Audiology Associate will support the delivery of Audiology and ENT services across Worcestershire County Audiology, working within agreed competency frameworks, departmental protocols and clinical guidelines to provide safe, effective and patient-centred care.

The postholder will undertake routine audiological activity including pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, hearing aid maintenance and repair, hearing aid troubleshooting, hearing aid performance checks and routine follow-up activity. Diagnostic testing will be undertaken primarily to support ENT clinics, ensuring accurate and timely results are available to support patient assessment, diagnosis and management. The postholder will recognise the limits of their competence and escalate unexpected findings, clinical concerns or requests for further management to a senior audiologist, ENT clinician or other appropriate member of staff.

The role includes taking routine case histories, performing otoscopy and aural impressions where trained and competency assessed, fitting and modifying earmoulds, advising patients on hearing aid use and maintenance, issuing batteries and consumables, and maintaining accurate clinical records in line with Trust, departmental and professional standards. The postholder will also undertake daily equipment checks, ensure clinic rooms are prepared and stocked appropriately, maintain hearing aid and consumable stock levels, and support the efficient day-to-day running of clinics.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues, adapting communication methods to meet individual needs, including those with significant hearing loss, communication difficulties or language barriers. They will work closely with Audiology, ENT, administrative and wider multidisciplinary teams to support safe and efficient patient pathways.

The postholder will organise their own workload within agreed protocols whilst accessing senior clinical advice and supervision as required. They will work flexibly across service locations and may contribute to delegated clinical activity within adult, paediatric and community pathways where appropriately trained, competency assessed and supervised.

The role includes contributing to clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and health and safety activities. Worcestershire County Audiology is currently working towards IQIPS accreditation and the successful candidate will have opportunities to participate in accreditation activities, service development projects and quality improvement initiatives that support the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred services.

The postholder will participate in mandatory training, appraisal, continuing professional development, departmental meetings and peer review activities. They may also assist with the training, induction and support of students, trainees and less experienced colleagues under the direction of senior staff. The postholder is expected to work in accordance with Trust values, professional standards, departmental procedures and relevant national guidance at all times.