Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Apprentice Audiologist

The closing date is 24 July 2025

Job summary

This job is a training post to enable to post holder to work towards become a qualified Audiologist and thus provide Audiology services to the population of Nottinghamshire

The apprentice will be expected to complete the elements of the Audiology apprenticeship level 6 (equivalent to a BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology)) via a 3-year university programme.

Successful completion will result in qualification as an Audiologist

Main duties of the job

The apprentice will be expected to complete the elements of the Audiology apprenticeship level 6 (equivalent to a BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology)) via a 3-year university programme. This includes:

Year 1:

a. To perform otoscopy

b. To perform ear mould adjustment

c. To take ear impression

d. To elicit information regarding hearing aid faults

e. To rectify hearing aid repairs (detailed below)

f. To manage stock levels

g. To use the Audiology patient management system in line with departmental processes

h. To observe Direct Referral pathways

i. To perform unmasked audiometry according to BSA and local guidelines

j. To develop counselling and decision making techniques

k. To observe hearing aid fittings

l. To instruct patients on how to use hearing aids

m. To perform face to face and telephone reviews

2. Year 2

a. As above, building portfolio of evidence

b. As above, working under supervision

3. Year 3

a. As above, building portfolio of evidence

b. Working as an independent practitioner

c. To observe and assist Paediatric clinics

d. To observe and assist Balance clinics

e. To observe and assist Advanced Rehab clinics

About us

With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.

Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career!

We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.

Details

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year per annum

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

164-7275476

Job locations

Ropewalk House

113 The Ropewalk

Nottingham

NG1 5DU


Job description

Job responsibilities

In year one:

1) Hearing Aid Repairs

The post holder will determine the patients presenting and associated problems. This requires communicating sympathetically and effectively with people with a severe hearing loss and may include overcoming barriers to understanding when the patient has additional communication problems. They must deal sensitively with patients concerns and anxieties. They will understand that hearing loss can cause frustration and be prepared to cope with verbally aggressive people. They may be exposed to distressing situations such as terminally ill or newly bereaved patients. They will assess each patients need for further assessment by audiologists, social services for assistive devices and visit by volunteer staff.

In particular they will:

Determine whether the presenting and associated problems lie within their scope of practice or whether a Registered Audiologist needs to be involved.

Perform accurate and safe otoscopy having obtained permission from the patient. This requires the ability to identify and accurately describe abnormalities in the ear canal or on the eardrum for possible onwards referral to surgical specialists (ENT).

Where appropriate clean and check patients ear moulds and hearing aids in such a way as not to damage the delicate microphone and receiver. They may occasionally be exposed to unpleasant ear infections, dirty ear moulds and other unpleasant odours.

Replace faulty hearing aids, to include re-programming replacement digital aids and if necessary resetting parameters under the supervision of a Registered Audiologist. The post holder will be required to maintain knowledge of digital hearing aids and their programming requirements.

Under the supervision of a Registered Audiologist take silicone impressions of patients ear canals for the preparation of new ear moulds. This requires the ability to identify contra-indications for impression taking.

Fit new ear moulds and check current ear moulds, check to determine if ear mould fits correctly. Modify ear mould to correct fit as required. This requires a high level of dexterity to modify and polish ear mould(s) as needed.

Retube ear moulds with correct tubing and demonstrate knowledge of tubing types and effect of tubing on electro acoustic performance of hearing aid systems.

Hearing aid handling and care. Assess and teach patients, who can be very elderly or confused including on how to insert hearing aid and ear mould correctly, how to use controls on hearing aid, how to clean hearing aid and ear mould & how to insert new batteries

Postal repair service. Ascertain problems with hearing aid system, perform repairs and replacements as needed, log and dispatch safely back to patient or leave for collection.

Ensure accurate, concise and timely entry of data/information into patient management system following each patient contact, direct, postal or via telephone, for example in telephone follow ups.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In year one:

1) Hearing Aid Repairs

The post holder will determine the patients presenting and associated problems. This requires communicating sympathetically and effectively with people with a severe hearing loss and may include overcoming barriers to understanding when the patient has additional communication problems. They must deal sensitively with patients concerns and anxieties. They will understand that hearing loss can cause frustration and be prepared to cope with verbally aggressive people. They may be exposed to distressing situations such as terminally ill or newly bereaved patients. They will assess each patients need for further assessment by audiologists, social services for assistive devices and visit by volunteer staff.

In particular they will:

Determine whether the presenting and associated problems lie within their scope of practice or whether a Registered Audiologist needs to be involved.

Perform accurate and safe otoscopy having obtained permission from the patient. This requires the ability to identify and accurately describe abnormalities in the ear canal or on the eardrum for possible onwards referral to surgical specialists (ENT).

Where appropriate clean and check patients ear moulds and hearing aids in such a way as not to damage the delicate microphone and receiver. They may occasionally be exposed to unpleasant ear infections, dirty ear moulds and other unpleasant odours.

Replace faulty hearing aids, to include re-programming replacement digital aids and if necessary resetting parameters under the supervision of a Registered Audiologist. The post holder will be required to maintain knowledge of digital hearing aids and their programming requirements.

Under the supervision of a Registered Audiologist take silicone impressions of patients ear canals for the preparation of new ear moulds. This requires the ability to identify contra-indications for impression taking.

Fit new ear moulds and check current ear moulds, check to determine if ear mould fits correctly. Modify ear mould to correct fit as required. This requires a high level of dexterity to modify and polish ear mould(s) as needed.

Retube ear moulds with correct tubing and demonstrate knowledge of tubing types and effect of tubing on electro acoustic performance of hearing aid systems.

Hearing aid handling and care. Assess and teach patients, who can be very elderly or confused including on how to insert hearing aid and ear mould correctly, how to use controls on hearing aid, how to clean hearing aid and ear mould & how to insert new batteries

Postal repair service. Ascertain problems with hearing aid system, perform repairs and replacements as needed, log and dispatch safely back to patient or leave for collection.

Ensure accurate, concise and timely entry of data/information into patient management system following each patient contact, direct, postal or via telephone, for example in telephone follow ups.

Person Specification

Training and Qualification

Essential

  • Level 3 qualifications or equivalent to meet HEI entry requirements
  • Working as a team member
  • Demonstrates behaviours which are caring and compassionate

Experience

Essential

  • Commitment to completing self-directed study in own time as well as study time

Desirable

  • Experience working within an Audiology department.
  • Previous NHS Hospital experience or previous work in a care environment
Person Specification

Training and Qualification

Essential

  • Level 3 qualifications or equivalent to meet HEI entry requirements
  • Working as a team member
  • Demonstrates behaviours which are caring and compassionate

Experience

Essential

  • Commitment to completing self-directed study in own time as well as study time

Desirable

  • Experience working within an Audiology department.
  • Previous NHS Hospital experience or previous work in a care environment

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Address

Ropewalk House

113 The Ropewalk

Nottingham

NG1 5DU


Employer's website

https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Address

Ropewalk House

113 The Ropewalk

Nottingham

NG1 5DU


Employer's website

https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Audiology

Jason Smalley

jason.smalley@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year per annum

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

164-7275476

Job locations

Ropewalk House

113 The Ropewalk

Nottingham

NG1 5DU


Supporting documents

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