Congenitally Deaf Adults

Details

Title

Congenitally Deaf Adults

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS239

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module HSST Clinical Scientists in HSST, with respect to adults who are congenitally deaf, will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge and perform a 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: 

• determine the severity and progression of the deafness.
• assess the impact of the deafness on the individual.
• elucidate the previous management, education and communication skills (including signing) of the patient.
• identify needs and initiate further rehabilitative management.

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 congenital deafness and aetiological investigations.
• the effects of congenital deafness on education, speech & language and communication.
• the impact of such deafness on individuals concerned and significant others, including psychosocial effects.
• associated symptoms such as tinnitus or balance difficulties.
• alternative communication systems.
• the local support facilities for those with acquired and/or congenital deafness and Deaf culture.
• appropriate rehabilitation, i.e. hearing aids and environmental aids to support the individual socially, within the family, at home and at work and the rapid advances in the research of deafness, including genetics, and its impact on patient management.
• the needs of the young deaf adult at the time of transfer from paediatric services.
• developments in later implantation in congenital losses.
• support at work for deaf individuals.appropriate rehabilitation, i.e. hearing aids and environmental aids to support the individual socially, within the family, at home and at work and the rapid advances in the research of deafness, including genetics, and its impact on patient management.
• the presentation of mental health issues in deaf adults.

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 adults who are congenitally deaf and their families, the public and other healthcare professionals and will:

• take a relevant history, including family history, and perform a relevant focused examination as appropriate in the role of Consultant Clinical Scientist using a sign language interpreter where necessary.
• identify when further investigation is needed into the cause of the hearing loss and instigate investigation and/or refer as needed.
• determine the communication abilities and needs of the individual and adapt communication methods appropriately.
• recommend appropriate environmental and other aids for the patient.
• provide appropriate hearing aids and associated devices as part of an agreed individual management plan.
• initiate further rehabilitative management, in conjunction with the therapeutic specialists, adult social care and disability employment advisor where relevant.
• work effectively within the multi-disciplinary team.
• liaise effectively with adult social care about ongoing support.
• identify the need for implantable hearing aids and refer or organise, as appropriate, 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:

• appreciate the attitudes of those within the Deaf Community and respond appropriately.
• recognise the needs of the deaf adolescent and respond appropriately.
• be committed to and support continuous improvement of therapeutic services, with particular reference to auditing practice, evidence based practice, innovative new and improved technologies.