JOB SUMMARY

The Audiologist provides comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology services within the Pinehurst Surgical Clinic Audiology Department. This role delivers high-quality patient-centered care related to hearing and balance disorders, including adult and pediatric hearing evaluations, vestibular testing, tinnitus counseling/management, hearing aid evaluations and dispensing, and cochlear implant (CI) evaluation and maintenance. The Audiologist works collaboratively with ENT physicians and clinical staff to optimize access, outcomes, and the patient’s experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Diagnostic Audiology Services

• Perform comprehensive audiologic evaluations for adult and pediatric patients as indicated, including:
• Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and other clinically appropriate testing
• Conduct hearing assessments for medical and surgical ENT patients (pre/post-op hearing testing as needed)
• Identify and document hearing disorders, amplification candidacy, and treatment recommendations

2) Vestibular & Balance Services

• Provide vestibular evaluation and diagnostic testing, which may include:
• VNG testing
• Positional testing (e.g., Dix-Hallpike)
• BPPV assessment and treatment (e.g., Epley maneuver), within scope and clinic protocols
• Caloric testing and vestibular ocular motor assessments as applicable
• Provide patient education and care coordination for balance disorders, including referral to vestibular physical therapy when appropriate
• Collaborate closely with ENT physicians regarding vestibular diagnostic interpretation and treatment pathways

3) Tinnitus Evaluation & Management

• Conduct tinnitus evaluations including history, symptom scoring tools, and audiometric correlation
• Provide tinnitus counseling and education using evidence-based approaches (may include TRT-style counseling, CBT-informed counseling, or sound therapy protocols)
• Recommend and implement tinnitus management plans, including:
• Hearing aids with tinnitus features
• Sound therapy devices/strategies
• Patient education on triggers, sleep impact, and coping strategies
• Track tinnitus outcomes and improvement metrics as part of quality improvement initiatives

4) Hearing Aid Services (Dispensing & Ongoing Care)

• Provide hearing aid evaluations and selection using best-practice standards
• Perform device programming, fitting, verification (real-ear measures if available), and validation
• Provide follow-up and ongoing hearing aid care including:
• Adjustments, reprogramming, counseling, troubleshooting
• Maintenance education and long-term amplification support
• Support patient access to assistive listening devices and accessories as needed
• Maintain accurate documentation and billing/coding for device-related care per PSC policies

5) Cochlear Implant (CI) Evaluation & Support

• Support ENT physicians in CI-related services, including:
• CI candidacy screening support
• Counseling on CI process and expectations
• Coordination with implant centers/manufacturers (as applicable)
• Provide post-implant audiologic support services within PSC scope (depending on clinic model), which may include:
• CI follow-up hearing testing and patient education
• Coordination for mapping/advanced follow-up with implant centers
• Documentation and communication to referring CI team/providers

6) Coordination of Care / Patient Experience

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary ENT team to ensure timely testing, follow-up scheduling, and treatment continuity
• Provide exceptional service and a supportive environment for patients experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and communication barriers
• Participate in patient education and community outreach efforts (e.g., hearing health awareness)

7) Documentation, Compliance, and Quality

• Document all clinical findings accurately in the EMR, including clinical interpretation and recommendations
• Ensure compliance with:
• State licensure requirements
• HIPAA
• PSC policies and clinical standards
• Support clinic quality initiatives, including tracking clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and service-line growth

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate or Masters in Audiology (AuD) from an accredited program
• Current (or eligible) North Carolina Audiology license
• Strong competence in diagnostic audiology and amplification care
• CCC-A from ASHA (preferred) and/or ABA certification
• 1+ years of clinical audiology experience (ENT setting strongly preferred)
• Experience providing vestibular testing services
• Experience in tinnitus evaluation and management
• Experience supporting cochlear implant patients and/or CI program workflows
• Knowledge of hearing aid dispensing , and billing processes
• Excellent communication skills and patient counseling ability
• Ability to work collaboratively with ENT physicians and clinical support staff
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage schedule flow and documentation expectations

CHARACTERISTICS

• Compassionate and patient demeanor with patients and co-workers
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting: Frequently
• Standing: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Carrying/Lifting: Rarely (up to 35 pounds)
• Stooping/Kneeling: Frequently
• Other: N/A