Works under the administrative and technical supervision of the Chief, Audiology Clinic. Provides the full range of audiology diagnostic and rehabilitative services for adult and pediatric patients as described below. 1. Audiology Evaluations/Treatment: Responsible for providing independent quality Audiology services for all categories of patients eligible to receive authorized health care, including DA civilians in the Hearing Conservation Program. Patients may come from a variety of sources to include referrals from Hearing Conservation, SRP sites, family practice physicians, internal medicine, etc. Works with a wide variety of hearing disorders in neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adult and the geriatric patient. Assumes full professional responsibility for all cases including those that are complex in terms of the severity of the hearing impairment and the presence of multiple handicaps that may complicate the evaluation and treatment process. Uses auditory brainstem testing to assist in locating the site of lesion within the auditory system. Uses state-of-the art technology to evaluate patients with inconsistent or conflicting test results. Serves as a member of multi-disciplinary Early Intervention team that coordinates with other professionals to ensure that patients with multi-handicapping conditions receive appropriate coordinated care. Makes clinical disposition of patients to include referral to appropriate medical personnel and determination of physical profile status and fitness for initial/continued duty in various military occupations. Issues permanent profiles for hearing loss in active duty soldiers. Assumes full responsibility for the technical accuracy of all evaluations and recommendations made for further testing and evaluation. Is responsible to ensure that patients needing further evaluation by otolaryngology receive appropriate referral and guidance. Provides audiological services independently. Independently collects and integrates case history information from patient, family, and other healthcare professionals. Selects tests to be included in audiologic test battery. Selects, administers, and interprets behavioral audiologic diagnostic test results, acoustic emmittance tests, speech audiometry tests (threshold and recognition), interprets auditory evoked potential and otoacoustic emissions. Integrates and synthesizes test results, behavioral observations, and related information to develop diagnostic impression and make recommendations (including referrals to medical and/or rehabilitative follow-up, as well as making work relatedness determination is cases of noise induced hearing loss.) Determines if amplification and/or rehabilitation are required. Selects, orders, and validates hearing aid amplification systems for active duty or retired patients who can benefit from amplification as per ASHA/AAA Clinical Practice Guidelines. Makes appropriate referrals for children and dependents who would benefit from amplification. Provides access to the Retiree at Cost Hearing Aid Program (RACHAP), which allows retirees to purchase hearing aids at government cost. Selection, fitting and follow up is provided to retirees. Selects or counsels on the use of assistive listening devices, as needed. Counsels patients and provides instruction in hearing aid use, communication strategies, and post-fitting counseling. Selects earmolds and personal hearing protection. Takes impressions of the ear and makes modification to earmolds and hearing aids as needed. Prepares appropriate written report for patient record. 2. Universal newborn hearing screening program manager/professional interaction: The incumbent is responsible for managing the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program, to include: monitoring, collection of recorded data, reporting, notification of parents, counseling, education and follow up. Incumbent participates in performance improvement, peer review, and other ongoing administrative actions assigned by supervisor and/or director. Demonstrates communication skills, including listening, speaking, nonverbal communication, and writing in performance of duties as an audiologist. Considers communication, cultural, educational, and vocational needs of patients. Collaborates with other professionals in case management. Provides counseling and supportive guidance to patient, family, and significant others. 3. Counseling/rehabilitation: The incumbent selects, orders, fits and verifies hearing aid amplifying systems using Real Ear Measurement Techniques. Determines the appropriateness of the fitting based upon objective and measurable criteria. Provides instruction in the care and use of personal amplification devices to enable patient to obtain maximum use of residual hearing. Independently counsels patients and their families regarding the test results and the need for further evaluation or referral. Provides professional counsel to minimize the patient's fears and anxiety of the testing process and the disability in general and to explain what corrective measures may be implemented. Performs other duties as assigned.