Sudden Hearing Loss

Details

Title

Sudden Hearing Loss

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS207

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to sudden hearing loss, will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge and perform specialist assessment and treatment of patients demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient focused service and in particular will be able to advise on and provide treatment and, where necessary, refer for medical intervention, surgery or auditory rehabilitation.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge required with respect to: 

• the need for timely, and possibly urgent, medical or surgical referral or intervention.
• the various causes of sudden hearing loss.
• hearing aid and rehabilitative instruments for sudden hearing loss.
• the indications for, and limitations of the relevant audiovestibular, imaging and other investigations.
• the procedures for relevant audiovestibular investigations.
• the psychological impact of sudden hearing loss particularly if permanent and bilateral.
• current evidence based management for both the acute presentation and subsequent care.
• the indications for surgery in both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, including perilymph fistula and implantable devices.
• communication strategies and hearing tactics
• the concurrence of tinnitus and vertigo with sudden hearing loss.
• voluntary sector and other specialist support for sudden hearing loss.
• therapeutic interventions for sudden hearing loss.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance and mastery of a range of technical skills whilst critically reflecting and applying in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with patients, their families, carers and other healthcare professionals and will:

•  take a relevant history and perform a focused and relevant clinical examination as appropriate in the role of Consultant Clinical Scientist.
• select, carry out and interpret results of appropriate audiovestibular investigations.
• interpret results of other investigations and take appropriate action.
• liaise effectively in a timely manner with Physicians, Otologists, Neurosurgeons, Rehabilitative Audiologists and other professionals about the appropriate management of the patient.
• work effectively within the multi-disciplinary team.
• provide appropriate hearing aid and rehabilitative devices.
• provide appropriate counselling.
• provide appropriate implantable devices as part of multi-disciplinary team.
• reflect on the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to these areas of practice and suggest improvements, building on a critique of available evidence.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations demonstrating the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• recognise that urgent medical treatment may be required and refer appropriately
• appreciate the value of listening sympathetically and positively to the problems and fears of the patient, families and carers and respond accordingly.
• recognise the impact of sudden hearing loss on the patient and his/her ability to work, socialise and communicate and respond accordingly.
• recognise the impact of sudden hearing loss on patients with additional medical needs, particularly those with visual impairment and respond accordingly.
• recognise the impact of sudden hearing loss on families and others of importance to the individual and respond accordingly.
• be committed to and support continuous improvement of therapeutic services, with particular reference to auditing practice, evidence based practice, innovation, new and improved technologies.