Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:59 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:59 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Dispense and maintain hearing devices for adults and provide communication counselling
Dispense and maintain hearing devices for adults and provide communication counselling
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAU505C
HLTAU505C
State Code
WD073
WD073
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
061709 - Audiology
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to dispense and maintain hearing aids, assistive listening devices and other devices and provide the client, significant other and carer with communication strategies to help overcome the communication breakdown caused by hearing loss
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish a positive relationship with the client
- 1.1 Review client case history and case management plan and explain practice/hearing service administrative procedures to client
- 1.2 Give client the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns
- 1.3 Clarify and address client's questions and concerns
- 1.4 Gain informed consent from clients
- 1.5 Identify and meet special needs of client
- 1.6 Maintain confidentiality of client information
2. Identify appropriate hearing device/s to meet client's communicative needs
- 2.1 Identify client's communication needs using information from client history and assessment
- 2.2 Develop appropriate goals and plan of action with client aimed at meeting their communication and physical needs and establishing realistic expectations of hearing device/s
- 2.3 Inform client of range of intervention options, including current technology and features which would meet their identified needs and any cost implications
- 2.4 Actively involve client in decisions regarding their hearing and communication improvement and device selection
- 2.5 Document agreed plan of action and services provided
- 2.6 Encourage client to consider the process as an exercise in improving their overall communication ability which requires commitment from all participants
3. Prescribe hearing aids
- 3.1 Determine the style and performance requirements of the hearing aid in consultation with the client and with reference to the client's stated goals, physical capabilities and physiological constraints to achieve a satisfactory rehabilitation outcome
- 3.2 Prescribe hearing device/s, including type of ear mould, using one of a range of recognised prescription formulae
4. Take ear impressions
- 4.1 Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures
- 4.2 Identify contraindications to taking ear impressions with otoscopy
- 4.3 Make referral to other facilities for assessment and treatment if required
- 4.4 Select correct sized otoblocks for use
- 4.5 Prepare mould material in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
- 4.6 Examine ear impressions for defects and take new impression if defects found
- 4.7 Package ear impressions suitably and send to ear mould manufacturer
5. Prepare for dispensing of hearing aid
- 5.1 Ensure information, including required forms are accessible and ready for use
- 5.2 Prepare the environment for hearing aid fitting
- 5.3 Ensure equipment and instruments used in the fitting of hearing aids are checked and calibrated ready for use
- 5.4 Ensure personal protective equipment is available and used if required
6. Fit hearing aids
- 6.1 Fit hearing aids in accordance with manufacturer's recommended procedures and industry best practice
- 6.2 Assess occlusion effect and make appropriate modifications to minimise its effects
- 6.3 Determine acceptable power output and evaluate in consultation with the client
- 6.4 Assess hearing device for acoustic feedback and take action to minimise its effects if needed
- 6.5 Assess acoustic performance of hearing aids using appropriate validation technique, in accordance with relevant policies and procedures and client feedback/preference
- 6.6 Determine physical comfort of hearing aids and use modification techniques to ensure a comfortable fit if required
- 6.7 Instruct client/carer clearly on correct use and care of hearing aids, and maintenance and repair procedures/arrangements
- 6.8 Evaluate the success of fitting at follow-up appointment and modify the electroacoustic parameters of hearing aid where appropriate
- 6.9 Discuss strategies to achieve the client's goals and advise on hearing/communication tactics and ALDs
- 6.10 Follow up client in accordance with industry standards to identify any issues that need to be reviewed
- 6.11 Give client the opportunity to voice concerns in relation to hearing aid fitting and address client's concerns
- 6.12 Provide relevant materials to client about their device and services available
7. Clean and store equipment
- 7.1 Clean equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturers' requirements and infection control procedures
- 7.2 Store equipment and attachments accordance with organisation policy and procedures
8. Complete and manage documentation
- 8.1 Complete, present and store reports and documentation in accordance with relevant policies and procedures
- 8.2 Make recommendations for further assessment or treatment in accordance with industry standards
- 8.3 Note expected short and long term outcomes of hearing aid fitting noted in report
9. Maintain and repair hearing aids
- 9.1 Check hearing aid and its components manually
- 9.2 Conduct acoustic listening check of hearing aid
- 9.3 Complete test box measurements as required
- 9.4 Conduct minor hearing aid repairs in accordance with industry standards
- 9.5 Arrange major hearing aid repairs when required
- 9.6 Inform client of the cause of and solution to the device problem and possible ways to overcome this
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Information may include:
Client medical history
Referral letter
Correspondence
Consent forms
Current standards
Current Research
Information for clients
Environment may include:
Consulting room
Acoustically treated sound field room
Equipment and instruments may include:
Otoscope (hand held and video)
Recorded speech material
CD player
Stand alone audiometer with capability of doing tests sound-field
Computer with software capability for audiometric testing sound field
Real-ear measurement audiometer
Computer with appropriate platform for enabling hearing aid software
Programming capability to link hearing aids to computer
Hearing aid test box
Hearing aid cleaning and dehumidifying machine
Handheld motor tool (grinder)
Bench grinder fitted with polishing wheel
Equipment checking must include:
Acoustic calibration and integrity check of an audiometer and real ear measurement equipment
All parts are assembled correctly
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Masks
Eye protection
Gown
Clients may include:
Adults
Aged persons
Informed consent may include:
Written
Verbal
Implied
Confidentiality of client information may include:
Legal and ethical requirements
Secure location for written records
Telephone conversations
Offering a private location for discussions
Information disclosed to an appropriate person consistent with the responsibility of this position
Adherence to the Privacy Act
Appropriate recognised prescription technique may include:
NAL RP
Fig6
NAL NL-1
DSL I-O
POGO
Manufacturer's proprietary technique
Personal hygiene/infection control procedures may include:
Washing hands
Current National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for infection control in health care settings
Standard Precautions and Additional Precautions as defined by the NHMRC
Current Australian Standards
Local Government ordinances
Organisation standards
Other legislative requirements
Contraindications to taking ear impressions must include:
Excessive cerumen
Foreign body
Discharge from ear
Signs of infection
Atresia
Mastoid cavity
Recent surgery to ear canal
Referral agencies may include:
Audiologist
Medical practitioner
Medical facilities
Rehabilitation centres
Self help organisations
Other allied health professionals
Modification techniques must include:
Reshaping of ear mould
Reshaping of hearing aid shell
Insertion or enlarging of vents
Reduction of vents
Replacement and alteration of tubing
Selection of appropriate ear moulds and shells
Recoating of ear moulds and shells
Validation techniques may include:
Real-ear measurement
Sound field aided threshold assessment
Assessment of aided benefit using recorded and live voice speech material
Manufacturer's proprietary validation techniques
Relevant policies and procedures may include:
Organisation
Industry standards (state and national)
Office of Hearing Services
Privacy Act
Research organisations e.g. National Acoustic Laboratory (NAL)
Relevant state/territory WHS bodies
Industry professional bodies
Relevant Australian standards
Manual checking of hearing aid and components may include:
Identification of wax blockage
Inspection of tubing for defects including hardening, deforming and perforations
Filter blockage
Inspection of ear mould, hearing aid case or shell
Inspection and check of operation of electrical components for defects e.g. switches, volume controls and operation of remote control
Acoustic examination
Test box measurements may include:
Assessment of acoustic performance
Determination of battery consumption
Comparison of acoustic performance against manufacturer's specifications to determine if hearing aid is working to specification
Setting coupler gain targets
Minor hearing aid repairs may include:
Removal of wax
Replacement of earhook
Replacement of tubing
Dehumidifying hearing aid
General clean
Change of battery door
Replacement of wax filter
Replacement of acoustic filter
Additional information provided to client during follow up may include:
Telephone use and telecoil function in hearing aids
Assistive listening devices
Information on support groups
Communication tactics/strategies
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Information may include:
Client medical history
Referral letter
Correspondence
Consent forms
Current standards
Current Research
Information for clients
Environment may include:
Consulting room
Acoustically treated sound field room
Equipment and instruments may include:
Otoscope (hand held and video)
Recorded speech material
CD player
Stand alone audiometer with capability of doing tests sound-field
Computer with software capability for audiometric testing sound field
Real-ear measurement audiometer
Computer with appropriate platform for enabling hearing aid software
Programming capability to link hearing aids to computer
Hearing aid test box
Hearing aid cleaning and dehumidifying machine
Handheld motor tool (grinder)
Bench grinder fitted with polishing wheel
Equipment checking must include:
Acoustic calibration and integrity check of an audiometer and real ear measurement equipment
All parts are assembled correctly
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Masks
Eye protection
Gown
Clients may include:
Adults
Aged persons
Informed consent may include:
Written
Verbal
Implied
Confidentiality of client information may include:
Legal and ethical requirements
Secure location for written records
Telephone conversations
Offering a private location for discussions
Information disclosed to an appropriate person consistent with the responsibility of this position
Adherence to the Privacy Act
Appropriate recognised prescription technique may include:
NAL RP
Fig6
NAL NL-1
DSL I-O
POGO
Manufacturer's proprietary technique
Personal hygiene/infection control procedures may include:
Washing hands
Current National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for infection control in health care settings
Standard Precautions and Additional Precautions as defined by the NHMRC
Current Australian Standards
Local Government ordinances
Organisation standards
Other legislative requirements
Contraindications to taking ear impressions must include:
Excessive cerumen
Foreign body
Discharge from ear
Signs of infection
Atresia
Mastoid cavity
Recent surgery to ear canal
Referral agencies may include:
Audiologist
Medical practitioner
Medical facilities
Rehabilitation centres
Self help organisations
Other allied health professionals
Modification techniques must include:
Reshaping of ear mould
Reshaping of hearing aid shell
Insertion or enlarging of vents
Reduction of vents
Replacement and alteration of tubing
Selection of appropriate ear moulds and shells
Recoating of ear moulds and shells
Validation techniques may include:
Real-ear measurement
Sound field aided threshold assessment
Assessment of aided benefit using recorded and live voice speech material
Manufacturer's proprietary validation techniques
Relevant policies and procedures may include:
Organisation
Industry standards (state and national)
Office of Hearing Services
Privacy Act
Research organisations e.g. National Acoustic Laboratory (NAL)
Relevant state/territory WHS bodies
Industry professional bodies
Relevant Australian standards
Manual checking of hearing aid and components may include:
Identification of wax blockage
Inspection of tubing for defects including hardening, deforming and perforations
Filter blockage
Inspection of ear mould, hearing aid case or shell
Inspection and check of operation of electrical components for defects e.g. switches, volume controls and operation of remote control
Acoustic examination
Test box measurements may include:
Assessment of acoustic performance
Determination of battery consumption
Comparison of acoustic performance against manufacturer's specifications to determine if hearing aid is working to specification
Setting coupler gain targets
Minor hearing aid repairs may include:
Removal of wax
Replacement of earhook
Replacement of tubing
Dehumidifying hearing aid
General clean
Change of battery door
Replacement of wax filter
Replacement of acoustic filter
Additional information provided to client during follow up may include:
Telephone use and telecoil function in hearing aids
Assistive listening devices
Information on support groups
Communication tactics/strategies
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
It is recommended that assessment should be undertaken by more than one assessor
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant professional bodies policies and guidelines on the conduct of dispensing hearing aids
Relevant legislative and regulatory documents
Relevant publications of the National Acoustic Laboratories
Access to professional library for accurate and current relevant information
Manufacturers' specifications for the use and storage of equipment
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice and integration of skills
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Written examination
Related units:
This unit is to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAU506B Develop, implement and evaluate an individual hearing program
HLTAU507B Apply hearing device technology
HLTAU508B Identify needs for referral
Holistic assessment practice with other audiometry units of competency is necessary
To develop and evaluate an individual hearing rehabilitation program for adults, the individual must link the identification of the communication goals, with the development of realistic expectations, the prescription and fitting of a hearing device/s subsequent to the assessment of hearing and the client's hearing and communication history
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
It is recommended that assessment should be undertaken by more than one assessor
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant professional bodies policies and guidelines on the conduct of dispensing hearing aids
Relevant legislative and regulatory documents
Relevant publications of the National Acoustic Laboratories
Access to professional library for accurate and current relevant information
Manufacturers' specifications for the use and storage of equipment
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice and integration of skills
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Written examination
Related units:
This unit is to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAU506B Develop, implement and evaluate an individual hearing program
HLTAU507B Apply hearing device technology
HLTAU508B Identify needs for referral
Holistic assessment practice with other audiometry units of competency is necessary
To develop and evaluate an individual hearing rehabilitation program for adults, the individual must link the identification of the communication goals, with the development of realistic expectations, the prescription and fitting of a hearing device/s subsequent to the assessment of hearing and the client's hearing and communication history
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5793 | HLTAU505B | Dispense and maintain hearing devices for adults and provide communication counselling | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA63 | HLTAUD005 | Dispense hearing devices | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D093 | HLT51307 | Diploma of Hearing Device Prescription and Evaluation | Qualification |