Sensory Audiology & Optical Recruitment’s Post

Are you making the right impression in your Audiology interview? To secure your dream role, it’s not just about demonstrating your technical skills—it’s about communicating those skills effectively. As a hiring manager in Audiology, I’ve seen firsthand what sets candidates apart, and how the right responses can make all the difference. Here are some example questions I’ve asked in interviews and how you can structure your responses to shine: 🔷 "Can you describe a challenging patient case you managed?" Response Start: "I once worked with a patient suffering from severe tinnitus and anxiety. To address their concerns, I..." 🔷 "How would you handle a situation where a patient is unhappy with their hearing aids?" Response Start: "I would start by reassessing their hearing needs and the fit of the aids. I would carefully explain each step of the process, ensuring they felt heard and understood. My approach involves..." 🔷 "How do you approach a thorough hearing assessment?" Response Start: "I begin by greeting the patient and explaining my experience. I take time to understand their specific concerns, gather detailed medical history, and then perform a series of audiometric tests, including..." 🔷 "How do you approach counselling patients about their hearing loss?" Response Start: "I prioritise clear and empathetic communication, ensuring patients fully understand their condition and treatment options. For instance, I..." 🔷 "What skills do you believe are most important for an audiologist?" Response Start: "In my view, the key skills include strong diagnostic abilities, patient-centered care, and clear communication. At [Previous Clinic], these were crucial because..." 🔷 I "Tell me about a time when you improved a clinical process." Response Start: "At [Clinic Name], we struggled with follow-up appointments for hearing aid adjustments (Situation). I was tasked with improving the process (Task), so I introduced a more structured follow-up system (Action), which resulted in a 20% increase in patient satisfaction (Result)..." 🔷 What steps do you take to ensure a positive patient experience?" Response Start: "I focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, explaining each part of the process in detail, and ensuring the patient feels supported at every stage. For example, I..." These are just a few examples of how you can structure your responses to show your expertise and approach as an audiologist. If you're looking for personalised help to find your next role, I'd love to help you along the way! Feel free to like, share, or comment below—I'm always here to support professionals in this wonderful field. 🔷 Connecting professionals in the world of sound and vision 🔷 #Audiology #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #HealthcareJobs #Audiologist #JobSearch

The PTM Level 2 Audiology Evaluation is the critical step to determine if services are needed to address any hearing loss, tinnitus problems, and/or sound tolerance concerns. The basic assessment consists of obtaining a case (medical) history, completing the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey, and conducting routine audiometry. The Tinnitus and Hearing Survey is recommended at this stage rather than a tinnitus intake questionnaire, such as the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), because of the need to clearly differentiate between tinnitus-specific and hearing-specific complaints. The Tinnitus and Hearing Survey has been validated for this purpose through many years of its use in both research and clinical environments. The audiometric evaluation is what is routinely done by audiologists, with some caveats to address possible sound tolerance problems. The case history, Tinnitus and Hearing Survey, and audiometric testing are all that are normally required to determine a patient’s potential need for further services. Optional assessment tools include the TFI, which is available for a more in-depth evaluation of the patient’s specific complaints, and the Tinnitus Screener, which is available if there is any question about what the patient means by “I have tinnitus.” The Tinnitus Screener is a one-page algorithm that determines if the patient experiences ear noises or actual tinnitus. Patients attending Level 2 are referred to otolaryngology if secondary tinnitus is suspected. Secondary tinnitus (aka “objective” tinnitus) is actual sound waves generated in the head or neck that are detected in the cochlea via bone conduction. Secondary tinnitus can indicate a serious underlying medical problem that can be addressed by an otolaryngologist. The great majority of patients with tinnitus have primary tinnitus, which is 100% nerve activity in the brain (no sound waves in the head). Patients at Level 2 may need hearing aids. Even if they are marginal hearing aid candidates, hearing aids might be all they need to address their tinnitus problem. Whether or not patients receive hearing aids, it needs to be determined if they need tinnitus-specific services. If so, Level 3 Skills Education is recommended, which should be preceded by fully informing patients about tinnitus and options for its treatment. The audiologist’s role in Level 3 is to teach different objectives for using sound as therapy and the different options that are available. A “sound plan” is developed for the patient who follows through with the sound plan to determine if the selected form of sound therapy is beneficial to address specific tinnitus-problem situations. A second session is needed to evaluate how well the sound plan worked and to continue using the sound plan to develop other sound therapy strategies. 

I’ve been speaking with many postgraduate students just starting their careers in audiology and exploring the private sector. I 💙 sharing in their excitement It’s natural to feel uncertain about the commercial aspects of this transition. Here’s some advice to guide you 🔷 Embrace the Learning Curve Entering the private sector is a learning journey. View each challenge as a valuable opportunity to learn, be patient with yourself as you develop your commercial skills. 🔷 Focus on Patient-Centred Benefits Your foundational knowledge in audiology is a major asset. Highlight to patients how hearing aids can improve their quality of life, focus on the practical and personal benefits they offer. 🔷 Learn from Real-Life Experiences Learn from the success stories of seasoned professionals and past patients. These insights can inspire and guide you, helping you see the profound impact hearing aids can have. 🔷 Utilize Trial Periods Encourage patients to try hearing aids through trial periods. This is a powerful way to demonstrate the benefits helping patients make informed decisions. 🔷 Celebrate Small Wins Celebrate each step forward, no matter how minor. Whether it’s a patient showing interest or grasping a new concept, small victories can boost your confidence and motivation. 🔷 Be Patient and Persistent It takes time. Stay supportive and persistent, understanding that building trust and familiarity with patients often requires multiple interactions. 🔷 Provide Clear and Simple Information Focus on delivering straightforward information about hearing aids. Simplify complex details to help patients feel informed and comfortable. 🔷 Highlight Long-Term Advantages Emphasize the long-term benefits of hearing aids, such as preventing further hearing loss and enhancing overall well-being. Helping patients see these benefits can encourage them to take action 🔷 Personalize Your Approach Tailor your interactions to each patient’s specific needs and concerns. Personalised care builds rapport and addresses individual worries about hearing aids 🔷 Stay Positive and Curious Maintain a positive attitude and stay eager to learn about the commercial aspects of audiology. Your enthusiasm and willingness to adapt will resonate with patients and support your growth in the private sector. 🔷 Remember Your Clinical Strengths Clinically, you’re strong having completed your degree. Continue to develop those skills, and always strive for excellence. Don’t cut corners—your commitment to high standards will set you apart and ensure you provide the best care. ________________________________________ Remember, this transition is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills in new ways. With patience, a focus on patient care, and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional excellence, you’ll make a significant impact in your new role. 🔷Connecting professionals in the world of sound and vision🔷 #audiology#postgraduate#careeradvice#recruitmentspecialist

Are you making a great impression during your Audiology Interview? To be offered your dream role in audiology, it’s essential to not only showcase your expertise but also communicate it effectively. Here are a few of the questions I asked as a hiring manager in Audiology and some suggested response starters to help you excel in your next interview: 🔷Example Question: "Can you describe a challenging patient case you managed?" Response Start: " I once worked with a patient experiencing severe tinnitus and high anxiety. To address their concerns, I..." 🔷Situational Questions Example Question: "How would you address a situation where a patient is dissatisfied with their hearing aids?" Response Start: "I would first conduct a comprehensive reassessment of their hearing needs and the hearing aid fit. My process involves..." 🔷Technical Questions Example Question: "What is your method for conducting a thorough hearing assessment?" Response Start: "My approach begins with a welcome and telling the patient a little about my experience, followed by asking what brings the patient to see me, then gathering a detailed patient history and Cosi, followed by a series of audiometric tests, including..." 🔷Competency-Based Questions Example Question: "How do you approach counselling patients about their hearing loss?" Response Start: "I prioritise clear, empathetic communication to ensure patients understand their condition and treatment options. For example, I..." 🔷Opinion or Thought Questions Example Question: "What skills do you consider most important for an audiologist?" Response Start: "I believe the key skills are strong diagnostic capabilities, patient-centred care, and effective communication. From my experience at [Previous Clinic], these skills are critical because..." 🔷STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Example Question: "Share an example of when you improved a clinical process." Response Start: "At [Clinic Name], we struggled with patient follow-up for hearing aid adjustments (Situation). I was tasked with streamlining this process (Task). I implemented a new protocol and regular follow-ups (Action), resulting in a 20% increase in patient satisfaction (Result)..." 🔷Patient Management Questions Example Question: "What steps do you take to ensure a positive patient experience?" Response Start: "To ensure a positive experience, I focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere and clearly explaining each part of the process. For example, I..." There are just some examples of tailored response starters to help you effectively demonstrate your expertise and approach as an audiologist. If you need personalised help in finding your next role, I would 💙to help! Feel free to like, share, or comment below! 🔷 Connecting professionals in the world of sound and vision 🔷 #Audiology #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #HealthcareJobs #Audiologist #JobSearch

I’ve been speaking with many postgraduate students just starting their careers in audiology and exploring the private sector. I 💙 sharing in their excitement It’s natural to feel uncertain about the commercial aspects of this transition. Here’s some advice to guide you 🔷 Embrace the Learning Curve Entering the private sector is a learning journey. View each challenge as a valuable opportunity to learn, be patient with yourself as you develop your commercial skills. 🔷 Focus on Patient-Centred Benefits Your foundational knowledge in audiology is a major asset. Highlight to patients how hearing aids can improve their quality of life, focus on the practical and personal benefits they offer. 🔷 Learn from Real-Life Experiences Learn from the success stories of seasoned professionals and past patients. These insights can inspire and guide you, helping you see the profound impact hearing aids can have. 🔷 Utilize Trial Periods Encourage patients to try hearing aids through trial periods. This is a powerful way to demonstrate the benefits helping patients make informed decisions. 🔷 Celebrate Small Wins Celebrate each step forward, no matter how minor. Whether it’s a patient showing interest or grasping a new concept, small victories can boost your confidence and motivation. 🔷 Be Patient and Persistent It takes time. Stay supportive and persistent, understanding that building trust and familiarity with patients often requires multiple interactions. 🔷 Provide Clear and Simple Information Focus on delivering straightforward information about hearing aids. Simplify complex details to help patients feel informed and comfortable. 🔷 Highlight Long-Term Advantages Emphasize the long-term benefits of hearing aids, such as preventing further hearing loss and enhancing overall well-being. Helping patients see these benefits can encourage them to take action 🔷 Personalize Your Approach Tailor your interactions to each patient’s specific needs and concerns. Personalised care builds rapport and addresses individual worries about hearing aids 🔷 Stay Positive and Curious Maintain a positive attitude and stay eager to learn about the commercial aspects of audiology. Your enthusiasm and willingness to adapt will resonate with patients and support your growth in the private sector. 🔷 Remember Your Clinical Strengths Clinically, you’re strong having completed your degree. Continue to develop those skills, and always strive for excellence. Don’t cut corners—your commitment to high standards will set you apart and ensure you provide the best care. ________________________________________ Remember, this transition is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills in new ways. With patience, a focus on patient care, and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional excellence, you’ll make a significant impact in your new role. 🔷Connecting professionals in the world of sound and vision🔷 #audiology#postgraduate#careeradvice#recruitmentspecialist

Are you making a great impression during your Audiology Interview? To be offered your dream role in audiology, it’s essential to not only showcase your expertise but also communicate it effectively. Here are a few of the questions I asked as a hiring manager in Audiology and some suggested response starters to help you excel in your next interview: 🔷Example Question: "Can you describe a challenging patient case you managed?" Response Start: " I once worked with a patient experiencing severe tinnitus and high anxiety. To address their concerns, I..." 🔷Situational Questions Example Question: "How would you address a situation where a patient is dissatisfied with their hearing aids?" Response Start: "I would first conduct a comprehensive reassessment of their hearing needs and the hearing aid fit. My process involves..." 🔷Technical Questions Example Question: "What is your method for conducting a thorough hearing assessment?" Response Start: "My approach begins with a welcome and telling the patient a little about my experience, followed by asking what brings the patient to see me, then gathering a detailed patient history and Cosi, followed by a series of audiometric tests, including..." 🔷Competency-Based Questions Example Question: "How do you approach counselling patients about their hearing loss?" Response Start: "I prioritise clear, empathetic communication to ensure patients understand their condition and treatment options. For example, I..." 🔷Opinion or Thought Questions Example Question: "What skills do you consider most important for an audiologist?" Response Start: "I believe the key skills are strong diagnostic capabilities, patient-centred care, and effective communication. From my experience at [Previous Clinic], these skills are critical because..." 🔷STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Example Question: "Share an example of when you improved a clinical process." Response Start: "At [Clinic Name], we struggled with patient follow-up for hearing aid adjustments (Situation). I was tasked with streamlining this process (Task). I implemented a new protocol and regular follow-ups (Action), resulting in a 20% increase in patient satisfaction (Result)..." 🔷Patient Management Questions Example Question: "What steps do you take to ensure a positive patient experience?" Response Start: "To ensure a positive experience, I focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere and clearly explaining each part of the process. For example, I..." There are just some examples of tailored response starters to help you effectively demonstrate your expertise and approach as an audiologist. If you need personalised help in finding your next role, I would 💙to help! Feel free to like, share, or comment below! 🔷 Connecting professionals in the world of sound and vision 🔷 #Audiology #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #HealthcareJobs #Audiologist #JobSearch

Hearing Loss and #parkinsonsdisease PD Risk Mitigated by Early Hearing Aid Use. #hearingloss #neurodegeneration #alzheimers TOPLINE: Hearing loss is associated with a 26% higher risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD), although hearing aids helped mitigate the risk, a new study shows. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed electronic health record data on about 3.6 million veterans (96% male) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Hearing loss was confirmed through audiograms conducted between 1999 and 2022. Participants were categorized on the basis of hearing loss severity: mild (20 to < 35 dB), moderate (35 to < 50 dB), moderate to severe (50 to < 65 dB), and severe to profound (65-120 dB). The primary outcome was the incidence of PD, and the mean follow-up period was 7.6 years. TAKEAWAY: #hearingloss was associated with a 26% higher risk for PD at 10 years (hazard ratio, 1.26; P < .001) compared with having normal hearing. The cumulative incidence of PD was higher in veterans with hearing loss in a dose-dependent manner, with the greatest increase observed in the first 10 years of follow-up. Receipt of a hearing aid was associated with a significant decrease in incident PD as early as 1 year after the audiogram in those who received a hearing aid, both among all individuals and the subgroup with impaired hearing. The presence of hearing loss and prodromal PD resulted in a higher risk for PD than either condition alone. IN PRACTICE: “Given that hearing loss, even that of mild severity, synergizes with known prodromal disorders and leads to a greater than additive risk of incident PD, hearing screening should be enforced at the primary care level even in the absence of a patient expressing hearing concerns. Hearing screening and hearing intervention are low-cost, low-risk interventions that may influence later development of synucleinopathy,” the authors wrote. SOURCE: Lee E. Neilson, MD, Oregon Health & Science University JAMA Neurology. LIMITATIONS: The study focused on US veterans, mostly White men, thereby limiting its generalizability. National Institute on Aging (NIA) The National Institutes of Health 

Hearing loss can result from a variety of causes, which can be broadly categorized into several groups. Here are the key causes of hearing loss as depicted in the image: 1. Ototoxic:   - Certain medications and chemicals can be toxic to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. Examples include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and industrial chemicals. 2. Congenital:   - Hearing loss present at birth can result from genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or complications during birth. Congenital hearing loss can be hereditary or caused by conditions like congenital rubella or cytomegalovirus. 3.Traumatic:   - Physical trauma to the head or ear can damage the structures of the ear, leading to hearing loss. This includes injuries from accidents, exposure to loud noises, or sudden pressure changes. 4. Infective:   - Infections of the ear, such as otitis media (middle ear infection), otitis externa (outer ear infection), or meningitis, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. 5. Vascular:   - Conditions affecting blood flow to the ear, such as cardiovascular disease, can lead to hearing loss. Reduced blood flow can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear. 6. Neoplastic:   - Tumors, whether benign or malignant, can affect the ear and surrounding areas, leading to hearing loss. Examples include acoustic neuromas or other growths that exert pressure on auditory nerves. 7. Degenerative:   - Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common degenerative condition where the hearing ability deteriorates due to the natural aging process. This type of hearing loss typically affects both ears gradually over time. 8. Metabolic:   - Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, or issues with the endocrine system can impact hearing. These conditions can affect the blood supply and nerve function in the ear. Addressing hearing loss often involves identifying the underlying cause and seeking appropriate medical or audiological treatment. Regular check-ups and preventive measures can help manage and mitigate the risk of hearing loss.

Wonderful article by Barbara Weinstein et al: Promoting hearing and cognitive health in audiologic rehabilitation for the well-being of older adults. Sarant J, Lemke U, Giroud N, Scherpiet S, Weinstein B. Int J Audiol. 2024 Oct;63(10):761-771. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2260099. Epub 2023 Oct 18. PMID: 37850919 Review. Free article. Abstract Objective: With our aging population, an increasing number of older adults with hearing loss have cognitive decline. Hearing care practitioners have an important role in supporting healthy aging and should be knowledgeable about cognitive decline and associated management strategies to maximize successful hearing intervention. Methods: A review of current research and expert opinion. Results:  This article outlines the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline/dementia, hypothesized mechanisms underlying this, and considers current research into the effects of hearing intervention on cognitive decline. Cognition into old age, cognitive impairment, dementia, and how to recognize cognitive decline that is not part of normal aging are described. Screening of older asymptomatic adults for cognitive decline and practical suggestions for the delivery of person-centered hearing care are discussed. Holistic management goals, personhood, and person-centered care in hearing care management are considered for older adults with normal cognitive aging through to dementia. A case study illustrates important skills and potential management methods. Prevention strategies for managing hearing and cognitive health and function through to older age, and strategies to maximize successful hearing aid use are provided. Conclusion: This article provides evidence-based recommendations for hearing care professionals supporting older clients to maximize well-being through the cognitive trajectory. Audiology must understand how we are being blocked from services in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and other communal living situations. Hearing services are mandated in these locations by OBRA and the Olmstead Act.  

If you notice any changes in your hearing, develop conditions like #tinnitus, or suspect possible #HearingLoss, it is vital to arrange a visit with an Audiologist. ~ Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hearing Care Appointment: 1. Prepare in Advance While this hearing appointment is in no way a test of your hearing knowledge, it can always be helpful to jot down some questions or concerns in advance. This way, you can seek further clarification on topics that interest you, like hearing aid styles, how common tinnitus might be if this condition is usual for people of your age, or whatever else comes to mind. Remember – there is no such thing as a stupid question. Your Audiologist may ask you a few questions about your medical history or about your experience with hearing loss thus far. It is fine not to have all the answers, but writing down this beforehand can help you remember. 2. Be Honest About Your Symptoms When communicating with your Audiologist, honesty regarding your symptoms and previous medical conditions is incredibly important. Providing accurate information allows the specialist to form a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation, enabling them to make informed recommendations tailored to your needs. Disclosing any past medical history, such as #EarInfections, noise exposure, or relevant surgeries, helps in pinpointing potential underlying causes of your hearing concerns. Transparently sharing the specifics of your symptoms, such as changes in hearing sensitivity or instances of tinnitus, equips the specialist to design an effective diagnostic and treatment plan. 3. Discuss Any Needs You Have Before the Appointment Audiologists are trained for a range of accessibility measures, and they are more than happy to comply with any you have. It might be that you have specific communication challenges, such as finding it hard to make out a speech. Your Audiologist can curate their appointment ahead of time to ensure you are included and able to access the healthcare you need. 4. Advocate For Yourself The initial appointment is a conversation and so, if you feel that something has not been adequately addressed, or you would rather learn more before moving forward with a treatment plan, then this is absolutely your right to communicate. Your Audiologist will aim to work with you, not just for you, in order to develop the best healthcare solution. While they do remain the hearing experts capable of putting their hard-won training into practice, they are also human and understand the concerns that any patient may have. Even if you just require a little further clarification about your treatment plan, your Audiologist will always aim to keep you informed, happy, and willing to move forward. They are here to improve your well-being after all. For consultation with an #Audiologist, please call #AumniHearingServices on ph +91 9820047823 or click on the website link https://buff.ly/4cRyEpk