Audiology Technician Robins AFB, GAPosition Duties and Responsibilities: Performs daily equipment calibration, audiometric testing and saves data via software. Performs medical record reviews to search for previous audiometric tests, results and referrals related to hearing. Prior to testing, reviews medical records to identify previous hearing tests. Obtains previous records from the AF data repository and loads them into the MTF database. Interprets audiometric results to explain results to patient and/or related healthcare providers. Interprets test results as normal or indicative of hearing loss. Performs tests of middle ear functions (via tympanometry) and tests of outer hair cells in the inner ear (otoacoustic emissions) to assist in localization of site of pathology. Identifies possible cases of exaggerated hearing loss and schedules additional testing to confirm or rule out hearing loss. Provides detailed medical records review and analysis. Determines current and accurate baseline, updates history: accurately inputs data into the MTF Hearing Conservation Center database. Consistently performs and saves daily audiometric calibration data, provides computer software and hardware troubleshooting to correct errors reported by calibration process, or to correct errors during run test mode and ensures troubleshooting occurs to maximize patient visits to clinic. Routinely uses DoD developed software called DOEHRS-HC to store, compare, retrieve and compile test data for the Hearing Conservation Center. Maintains proficiency in use of automated audiometric test equipment. Educates employees regarding hazardous noise and use of ear protection, as well as perform fittings to determine proper size of earplug and attenuation factor (noise reduction rating) needed during job related exposure. Provides counseling to employees about the results of his/her tests and its implications on communication function. Compares current results to previous tests for determination of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Air Force Occupational Safety and Health (AFOSH) and Air Force Instruction (AFI) Standard Threshold Shift (STS).Explains hazardous levels of exposure in the workplace and reasons that ear protection is effective against hearing damage. Must follow guidance from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), NIOSH (National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health), AFI (Air Force Instruction) and AFOSH (Air Force Occupational Safety and Health) regulations concerning noise exposure limits in decibels, time limits and understanding of the attenuation properties provided by standard hearing protection devices. Routinely conducts thorough and articulate briefings for members who arrive for their pre-employment, annual or termination audiometric evaluation. Provides thorough examination of the external ear and ear canal to determine size of ear protection needed, as well as to determine adequacy of current protection used. Uses knowledge of ear canal and middle ear anatomy to refer patient to physician when disease or physical anomaly is detected. Counsel workers during their pre-employment, annual or termination hearing conservation briefing regarding their test results, implications on job performance, social life and communication skills. Regularly provides information to workers regarding ear anatomy, ear diseases, and hearing loss. Generates reports to analyze data trends and results on a shop-by-shop basis. In absence of an audiologist, technician may be tasked to brief results at various meetings throughout base or the MTF.Performs analysis of shop data to provide early identification of trends showing hearing loss. Early identification and management of unfavorable trends will result in reduction of hearing loss. Routinely makes shop visits to determine proper ear protection for workers, provide education and on-going training Provides information and data to Public Health, Bioenvironmental Engineering, Base Safety as well as internal customers in Occupational Medicine and the MTF.Maintains files for calibration of all required audiometers and sound booths. Fabricates custom earmolds, performs external auditory ear canal cleaning. After inspecting the ear canal and tympanic membrane via otoscopy, and taking a thorough history, the employee will determine the candidacy and appropriateness for use of custom earmolds. The ear impressions will be made using standard methods to ensure patient safety and cleanliness. The ear impressions made can be used to order laboratory-made devices, or to provide on-the-spot hearing protection devices to the patient. Identifies the presences of excessive cerumen and utilize the proper equipment to clean the ear canal. Standard universal precautions will be used to protect patient and staff; proper ear cleaning techniques will be followed to reduce potential complications of ruptured tympanic membrane, external auditory canal hematoma, or canal abrasions. Demonstrate safety in placing physical dam in external ear canal; avoid possibility of damage to tympanic membrane with insertion of silicone or irrigation solution. Demonstrate necessary skills to remove excess cerumen while causing no damage to the physical structures of the external or middle ears. Demonstrate ability to use ear irrigation/lavage equipment to safely irrigate and remove excess cerumen from auditory canal. Demonstrates ability to make consistently accurate ear impressions (remakes necessary
