Rehabilitation specialists are advanced practitioners within audiology (previously known as hearing therapists). They work with adults who have acquired hearing loss, tinnitus or a balance disorder. Their duties include:

• using counselling skills with clients and their families to help them adjust to hearing loss and balance disorders
• assessing the rehabilitation needs of patients in order to provide programmes of care
• discussing the ways in which everyday life may be affected, setting goals and using problem solving skills
• maximising auditory ability by creating individual programmes which can include lip-reading or other communication skills
• assessing patients who are suitable for cochlear implants or bone anchored hearing aids
• managing patients with complex needs such as dual sensory loss or learning disabilities
• working in hospitals and the community as part of a multi-disciplinary team, liaising with audiological, medical and social work staff.

Rehabilitation specialists may also be involved in giving presentations to groups of professionals, patients, and the general public to help improve their understanding of hearing loss and related disorders. They keep detailed records of treatment and progress, attend case conferences and team meetings.

Hours and Environment

Rehabilitation specialists work 37.5 hours a week full time; part-time or flexible hours may be available.

As a rehabilitation specialist you will usually work in ear, nose and throat clinics or audiology departments. You may also provide domiciliary services, visiting patients in their homes or in health centres, residential homes, special schools, housing associations and voluntary organisations. A driving licence would be useful for travelling between sites.

Skills and Interests

To be a rehabilitation specialist, you should:

• have patience and understanding
• have a caring attitude, able to support clients and their families through treatment
• have clear and distinguishable speech patterns which can be easily lip-read
• be able to teach and explain instructions to clients of all ages and abilities
• be interested in the theoretical and scientific background of treatment
• have strong analytical and problem solving skills
• have imagination, able to create and adapt courses of therapy
• have good manual dexterity, and a practical outlook to tackle the everyday problems faced by clients
• enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Entry

To practise as a rehabilitation specialist within the NHS, you must satisfy two requirements: the first is academic, the second is vocational. To fulfil the academic stage, you need:

• a BSc (Hons) degree in Audiology from an institution approved by the BAA (British Academy of Audiology). Courses take four years full-time and include one year on salaried, clinical placement in the NHS
• to complete the National Audiology Logbook, without which you will not be eligible for professional registration
• to register with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) – this is a mandatory condition to practise as an Audiologist in the NHS.

Entry requirements for the degree are likely to include at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and three A levels/H grades in science subjects, maths or psychology. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If you are a graduate with a degree in a relevant science subject, you may be able to qualify by completing a conversion course.

For details of course providers offering approved Audiology degree programmes, check the BAA website listed in the Further Information.

A degree in Audiology provides the foundation to several careers within this field including audiological scientist, as well as other types of advanced practitioner. 

The final, vocational stage which must be achieved in order to practise as a rehabilitation specialist is outlined in the Training section.

Training

When you have completed the academic stage, you need to begin the final vocational stage of training. This involves completing the Higher Certificate to Practise Portfolio, which includes:

• an MSc in Rehabilitation Studies
• developing advanced skills within a clinical setting
• expanding your leadership potential
• building on your research skills.

The British Association of Audiology (BAA) have details of a CPD (continuing professional development) scheme for qualified practitioners. Check the BAA website for details.

Opportunities

As a rehabilitation specialist you will find most  work opportunities with the NHS, in the community and in hospitals. There are also some limited opportunities with voluntary organisations.

With experience you may go on to lead a team, manage a unit, or move into a general management position within mainstream health care.

Once you are qualified in this field, you can specialise in a range of areas such as balance rehabilitation, cochlear implants, or in assisting people with learning disabilities or dual sensory loss. You can take further training in your main area of interest whilst continuing to work, and combine this with a training role in higher education. There are increasing opportunities for further study and research.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Rehabilitation specialists (and other advanced audiology practitioners) working in the NHS are likely to earn between £20,000 and £35,000 a year.
Consultants in this field can earn up to around £60,000.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655

PO Box 346 Peterborough 7E6 7EGTel: 01733 253 976