Hearing Problems in Younger Adults

Details

Title

Hearing Problems in Younger Adults

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS243

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST, with respect to hearing problems in younger adults, 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 cause and type of hearing problems.
• specify appropriate investigations.
• determine the consequences of the hearing impairment for the individual.
• define and provide appropriate management and rehabilitation.
• discuss the cause, effect and prognosis with the patient.

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 conditions which can result in hearing problems in younger adults.
• audiovestibular and other investigations which can be used to specify the type of impairment and its possible cause.
• current evidence-based management of hearing loss including technical, pharmacological and surgical.
• the possible impact of the hearing problems on the individual’s life and the effect on immediate family members, including psychosocial and speech and language issues.
• the importance of education of the young adult and of significant others to aid rehabilitation.
• the manifestations of auditory processing disorder and auditory neuropathy.
• external support agencies and policies e.g. social workers, Action on Hearing Loss, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Access to Work etc

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 younger adults and their families or carers and other healthcare professionals and will:

• take an appropriate history and perform a focused and relevant clinical examination as appropriate in the role of Consultant Clinical Scientist.
• select, carry out and interpret appropriate audiometric tests including more sophisticated measures such as tests of central auditory function.
• select other appropriate investigations and take appropriate action on the findings.
• liaise with specialist physicians and surgeons about additional investigations and medical or surgical treatment when appropriate.
• explain the results of investigations, and discuss management options with the patient and family or carers.
• suggest and provide appropriate rehabilitation which may include a hearing aid or other instrumental fitting including implantable devices, if appropriate.
• determine and interpret relevant outcome measures 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.
• 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 patient’s concerns about the effects of their hearing problems including cosmetic effects.
• recognise the impact of hearing loss on the individual’s ability to work and socialise.
• appreciate the impact of hearing loss on immediate family members.
• recognise own scope of practice, and when another professional would be best placed to provide an opinion or an intervention.
• appreciate the prevalence and impact of mental health problems in this population.
• be committed to and support continuous improvement of therapeutic services, with particular reference to auditing practice, evidence based practice, innovative new and improved technologies.