balance disorders
The causes that affect balance in humans, abnormalities and their symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness and disorientation.
Audiologists assess, diagnose and treat patients ( children or adults) with audiological and vestibular disorders caused by infectious, genetic, traumatic or degenerative conditions, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, hyperacusis and auditory processing difficulties. They can prescribe a hearing aid and have a role in assessing and managing patients who may benefit from cochlear implants.
Competences and skills
71 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 18 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesphysiology of balance
The characteristics and functions of the vestibular system, which is the responsible for body equilibrium.
Sector-specific
5 competencesaudiology
The science related to the hearing, balance and other related disorders and conditions specific to adults or children.
audiometry
The way hearing acuity is measured, specifically related to sound intensity and pitch and tonal purity in order to diagnose hearing impairment and related disorders.
hearing loss
The manifestation, causes and symptoms of hearing impairment, which is the partial or total inability to hear.
physiology of hearing
The means by which sounds are transmitted through the outer, middle, inner ear and brain.
psychoacoustics
The characteristics of sound perception from music or speech and their psychological effects on the individual`s hearing.
Cross-sector
11 competencesacoustics
The study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.
communication related to hearing impairment
The phonologic, morphologic and syntactic aspects and characteristics of human communication for individuals affected by hearing impairment.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
health care system
The structure and function of health care services.
hearing aids
The types, characteristics and suppliers of hearing devices which amplify sound for the individual who is wearing it, with the aim of making speech more intelligible, and to correct impaired hearing.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
human ear
The structure, functions and characteristics of the outer middle and inner ear, through which sounds are transferred from the environment to the brain.
human physiology
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
neurophysiology
The medical specialty which is concerned with the study of the nervous system functionalities.
pathology
The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.
- Scope note
- Excludes .
Essential skills and competences 42 competences
Occupation specific
6 competencesadjust cochlear implants
Fit and tune cochlear implants providing rehabilitation to listening with implant amplification systems.
clean patients' ear canals
Clean patients` ear canals, avoiding damage to normal eardrum function.
counsel patients on improving hearing
Counsel and instruct patients with hearing problems to help them improve their communication, guiding them to solutions like sign language or lip-reading.
diagnose hearing impairement
Measure hearing loss and balance disorders and determine their cause.
evaluate the psychological impact of hearing problems
Evaluate how hearing problems affect patients psychologically in their educational, professional or social environment.
instruct on the use of hearing aids
Instruct patients on how to use and maintain the prescribed hearing aids.
Sector-specific
17 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
adapt hearing tests
Adapt hearing tests to suit the age and ability of the patient.
adjust hearing aids
Program hearing aids using a computer, fitting and dispensing hearing aids, or administering cochlear implants, electronic devices used to improve a person`s hearing.
digital
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
interpret diagnostic tests in otorhinolaryngology
Interpret diagnostic tests such as imaging studies of the soft tissue of the neck and sinuses, using chemical and haematological studies, conventional audiometry, impedance audiometry, and pathology reports.
monitor patients' progress related to treatment
Observe and report on healthcare users' response to medical treatment, monitoring their progress or decay on a daily basis and modifying the treatment procedures whenever necessary.
produce impressions for ear moulds
Produce an impression of the ear for an ear mould, also adjusting the mould accordingly.
provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health
Identify possible treatment protocols for the challenges to human health within a given community in cases such as infectious diseases of high consequences at the global level.
refer healthcare users
Make referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.
undertake clinical audit
Undertake internal clinical audit through the collection of statistical, financial and other data related to service delivery.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
use of specialised instruments in otorhinolaryngology
Correctly and efficiently use the appropriate instruments for otorhinolaryngologic procedures, such as laryngeal mirrors, the flexible laryngoscope, the nasal speculum, the otoscope with pneumotoscopy, the tongue depressor, the head light and the microscope.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
19 competencesadhere to organisational guidelines
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
communicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
conduct health related research
Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.
- Scope note
- Research topics may include illness, acute, chronic and non-communicable conditions, public health, clinical research, health promotion and disease prevention topics.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
educate on the prevention of illness
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
use special hearing equipment for tests
Use audiometers and computers to determine the degree of a patient`s hearing disorder and find other factors relating to the problem.
digital
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Optional knowledge 7 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competencehuman psychological development
The human psychological development across the lifespan, theories of personality development, cultural and environmental influences, human behavior, including developmental crises, disability, exceptional behavior, and addictive behavior.
Cross-sector
6 competencescounselling methods
Counselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.
disability types
The nature and types of disabilities affecting the human beings such as physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional or developmental and the specific needs and access requirements of disabled people.
geriatrics
Geriatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
paediatrics
Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
pedagogy
The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.
speech techniques
The history and the characteristics of breathing, voice and speaking techniques.
Optional skills and competences 4 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesconduct research on hearing topics
Conduct and direct research on topics related to hearing, reporting findings to help in the development of new technology, procedures, or treatments.
supervise audiology team
Oversee the work of audiology students and health care personnel, supervising them as required.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
2 competencesuse foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.