Audiometric Officer Course (5-day program)

Description

 Course Dates: Public courses are conducted every 4-6 weeks in Perth. We also travel to conduct in-house courses for companies with several personnel to be trained.

Through an engaging combination of lectures, exercises and hands-on practice our course teachers and Skills Coaches develop audiometric testers who can independently and confidently conduct hearing assessments on adults.

After successfully completing this course graduates are eligible to register with WorkCover WA to become an Approved Audiometric Officer (AAO); the industry standard qualification in occupational audiometry in WA.

WorkCover WA requires government-approved testers to be competent and on the final day of the course students undertake a written and practical assessment. Our staff prepare students with thorough one-on-one coaching and encouragement throughout the week and most students pass the course (97% pass rate over the last 10 years).

The course has a strong focus on the practical/clinical and decision-making skills required to conduct accurate audiometry, including in challenging and non-routine testing situations. Students will gain solid skills and knowledge in numerous areas, including:

• Conducting hearing tests on adults following the Australian Standard technique
• Managing the effects of background noise on test accuracy
• Conducting otoscopy (ear inspections) safely and effectively
• Analysing audiograms and applying referral criteria
• Accurately describing audiograms and presenting test results to workers
• Ear anatomy, physiology and common ear conditions in adults
• Effects of noise and other hazards on the human ear
• Conducting an effective case history
• WorkCover WA audiometric testing and administrative protocols
• Strategies for managing exposure to loud noise
• Checking equipment for faults
• Managing challenging testing situations

The Audiometric Officer Course is taught to medium-sized groups with a high student-teacher ratio. This ensures students receive one-on-on, individually-tailored assistance to develop the key audiometry skills required to become a competent tester and pass the course.

For training in states outside WA please see our 4-day Occupational Audiometry Course or 2-day Intermediate Audiometry Workshop.

Who would benefit from attending this course?

The course is ideally suited to anyone interested in conducting best practice audiometry on adults in the occupational sector, including:

• Individuals employed in occupational health and safety seeking the “industry ticket” to perform legislative hearing tests within Western Australia.
• Anyone seeking an audiometry qualification to assist with a career transition into occupational health & safety.
• Medical centre personnel interested in adding audiometry to their range of services for corporate/industrial customers.
• People currently practising audiometry in Western Australia who want to enhance their skills by undertaking training or to obtain a formal qualification.

Where can I apply the skills learned during this course?

The skills and knowledge taught in the Audiometric Officer Course are focussed specifically on the requirements of the WorkCover WA noise-induced hearing loss legislation. Skills may also be applied in other areas including:

• Employee audiometric monitoring/surveillance programs.
• Pre-employment assessments.
• Assessments of hearing ability for driving, diving or other requirements.

Important: Steps to becoming a WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officer in Western Australia.

To achieve status as an Approved Audiometric Officer (AAO) individuals must:

1. Pass the 5-day Audiometric Officer Course,
2. Register with WorkCover WA Online via the WorkCover WA website, and
3. Successfully complete a WorkCover WA online assessment.

For more information on obtaining WorkCover WA approval please visit the WorkCover WA website or phone the Noise Induced Hearing Loss section on (08) 9388 5538.