SCHOOL AUDIOLOGIST 23080

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for providing screening and diagnostic assessment of students' hearing for a school district and interprets the educational implications of hearing loss to school personnel. Under general supervision of an administrative superior, an employee in this class provides professional screening of students' hearing utilizing specialized instrumentation as mandated by the New York State Department of Education. Work involves the diagnostic assessment of students found to have a hearing loss to evaluate the degree, type and nature of the hearing disorder. An employee in this class is also responsible for interpreting test results and the nature of student's hearing loss to school personnel and how this hearing disorder affects the student's functioning in school and in everyday activities. Work includes acting as a consultant for classroom teachers and special education teachers in recommending techniques and auditory training equipment to better aid the education of hearing-impaired children. Work is performed with little direction and wide latitude given for independent action and judgement. Work is reviewed through conference and reports. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Organizes and implements a hearing screening program in elementary, junior high and high schools for an entire school district according to guidelines for pure-tone and tympanometric screening established by the New York State Department of Education.

Administers hearing screening tests annually and as requested on students, all district school bus drivers and other school personnel.

Administers further diagnostic testing on students who fail hearing screening tests by utilizing specialized methods and instrumentation to determine the degree, type and nature of the hearing disorder. (These tests may include: pure-tone threshold, air-conduction, bone-conduction threshold, conditioned play audiometry, otoscopic examination, tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing).

Refers students with hearing disorders for treatment by informing parents of test results and recommending that they seek medical assistance from their doctor, clinics and/or audiologists in the community.

Interprets test results for school personnel by describing what the specific hearing disability means for the individual student in terms of how he or she functions in the classroom and in everyday activities.

Provides assistance and advice to school personnel for the improved education of hearing-impaired students of different levels by recommending techniques to help the student and by training both student and teacher in the use of auditory training equipment and personal amplification (i.e. hearing aids).

Assists special education personnel in setting up programs for students needing special attention by interpreting test results and the meaning of the specific hearing disorder and acting as a consultant as needed.

Recommends improvements in the education of hearing-impaired children through participation on committees by encouraging needed in-service training and identifying areas of concern.

Supervises the use of auditory training equipment by training students and teachers in its use, maintaining inventory of the equipment, and performing maintenance and minor repairs as needed.

Maintains and calibrates audiometric equipment as able and sends equipment to factory for major repairs and yearly calibration. (Equipment includes: GSI 38 Auto Tymp, Maico 40 audiometer, Maico 39 audiometer and Otoscope).

Prepares health records of hearing tests results for each student and compiles monthly statistical reports of the hearing screening program.

-2- 23080

 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of audiology.

Good knowledge of the pathological and social-economic factors affecting hearing disabilities.

Good knowledge of the educational and learning problems associated with hearing disabilities.

Working knowledge of community resources available with rehabilitative audiology programs.

Ability to interpret the results of hearing tests in terms of educational needs.

Ability to secure the cooperation of students being tested.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with others.

Ability to prepare accurate reports.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as an Audiologist.

 

 

3/98 Revised