Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Social and psychological implications of a communication impairment include:
Social and physical isolation
Reduced participation in activities requiring hearing ability
Tension between the hearing impaired person and their carer/friends/family
Depression and anxiety


Assessment tools may include:
Interview
and one of the following
Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI)
Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB)
Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP)
Hearing Aid User Questionnaire (HAUQ)
Hearing Inventory for the Elderly (HIE)


Knowledge of hearing devices and their technical features include:
Hearing aids
Assistive listening devices
Alerting devices
Hearing aid technology features and benefits


Factors contributing to complexity of needs may include:
Other disabilities
Other health issues
Severity of hearing loss
Non-English speaking background
Primary communication mode is signing
Residential environment (such as aged care facility)


Impact of client's hearing loss on carers/relatives may include:
Tension caused by difficult communication
Restricted social contact
Dependence on carer
Cost of hearing aids and other assistive devices
Attending appointments


Hearing programs may include
Assistive listening device dispensing
Hearing aid dispensing
Provision of basic communication strategies


Other health professionals or agencies may include:
Audiologist
Other allied health professionals
Medical practitioner
Medical facilities
Rehabilitation centres
Self help organisations

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


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:
Access to appropriate workplace, equipment and instruments where assessment can take place or the simulation of realistic workplace setting, including access to equipment for assessments
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant professional bodies policies and guidelines on the conduct of screening hearing tests
Relevant legislative and regulatory documents
Relevant publications from peer-reviewed sources
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 (if possible)
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.
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.
Practical case presentation
Case studies and scenarios
Interviews/questioning
Written exams
Role plays


Related units:
This unit is to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAU505B Dispense and maintain hearing devices for adults and provide communication counselling
HLTAU507B Apply hearing device technology
HLTAU508B Identify needs for referral