Unilateral Hearing Loss

Details

Title

Unilateral Hearing Loss

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS210

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module HSST Clinical Scientists in HSST, with respect to unilateral 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 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 causes of unilateral hearing loss.
• the indications for and limitations of relevant audiovestibular, imaging and other appropriate investigations.
• the procedures for relevant audiovestibular investigations.
• all the potential implications that unilateral hearing loss may have on the patient, including issues of safety.
• the effects of associated tinnitus and dizziness.
• current evidence based management of unilateral hearing loss, including pharmacological, surgical and rehabilitative management.
• the indications for referral to other specialists i.e. audiovestibular physician, ENT surgeon, neurosurgeon, neurologist, general physician or geneticist.
• hearing aid and rehabilitative instruments for unilateral hearing loss.
• therapeutic interventions for unilateral 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 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.
• define, in discussion with patients, an appropriate management plan.
• discuss the diagnosis and management options with the patient including Bone Anchored Hearing Systems and CROS/BICROS systems.
• provide appropriate hearing aid and other rehabilitation devices, including CROS/BICROS systems and Bone Anchored Hearing Systems as part of the 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 the impact of the hearing loss and its cause on the patient and the immediate family.
• recognise the importance of effective multidisciplinary team work.