The Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Cerumen Removal Management Certification Policy
1.0 Scope of Practice & Terms of Reference
The removal of cerumen from the external ear canal is within the scope of practice of Hearing Instrument Specialists (H.I.S.) and Hearing Instrument Dispensers (H.I.D.) pursuant to AHIP’s Article III, Sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2. The By-Laws provide that the H.I.S. and the H.I.D. whose practice includes the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal must have successfully completed the educational requirements as determined by AHIP for the removal of cerumen from time to time.
The terms of reference for the Education Committee are set out in the By-Laws, Article IX, Section 9.1.2 Subsection (ii) which includes the following purpose: “To establish and maintain policies, procedures and guidelines for continuing education requirements.”
2.0 Standards
Members must complete a Cerumen Removal Management Certification Program accredited by the AHIP Board of Directors which meets the required educational principles as outlined in Appendix A to this policy.
The certification process outlined in this policy are the minimum acceptable level of standards with respect to cerumen removal training.
Members must practice within the limits of their competence as determined by their education, training, and professional experience.
3.0 Eligibility
Full H.I.D. or H.I.S. AHIP members in good standing are eligible to complete the Cerumen Removal Management Certification Program as outlined in this policy.
The practice of cerumen removal is optional for both H.I.D. and H.I.S. members.
4.0 Qualifications of Monitor and Restrictions
The clinical experience portion of the certification must be monitored by a qualified monitor who meets the following requirements:
- The monitor is a Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) or a Hearing Instrument Dispenser (H.I.D.) who is an AHIP member in good standing; and/or an Audiologist, who is a CASLPO member in good standing and must have a minimum of two (2) consecutive years of experience.
- A monitor can monitor no more than two (2) cerumen applicants at any given time.
- In the case of a H.I.S. or H.I.D. monitor, has been certified in cerumen management for at least two (2) years and has provided proof of AHIP approved certification.
- In the case of an Audiologist monitor, must have practiced cerumen management for at least two (2) years and follow the CASLPO Standards for Cerumen Management, October 2018.1.
5.0 Process
The AHIP Cerumen Removal Management Certification Program is a two-step process.
Step One
The member completes and provides, to the AHIP office, proof of successful completion of the Cerumen Management Training in the form of an online course provided by Pacific Audiology Group (https://pacificaudiologygroup.com/earwax-removal-training/) .
Step Two
The member successfully completes a set of criteria and a specific amount of cerumen extractions under the supervision of an eligible monitor.
Important Deadline – step two must be completed within one (1) year of the completion date of the online course, or the applicant will need to complete step one again.
6.0 Procedures
- Once the AHIP office receives proof from a member of successful completion of the Pacific Audiology Group on-line course, the member will be sent the AHIP Cerumen Removal Certificate Program Application.
The application must be fully completed by both the applicant and the monitor, and sent to the AHIP office via mail, fax, or e-mail. - Upon verification by the AHIP office that the applicant is a Full H.I.D. or H.I.S. member of AHIP and that the qualifications of the monitor comply with section 4.0 of this policy, the applicant and the monitor will be sent a letter outlining acceptance. Attached to the applicant’s acceptance letter will be the Criteria and Extractions Log Form.
- Upon the members’ successful completion of the listed criteria and required extractions, the monitor and applicant will sign and date the Criteria and Extractions Log Form and send the original to the AHIP office via mail or courier.
- The Chair of Education will contact the monitor and interview them in relation to the criteria, extractions performed and the competency of the applicant. The Chair may utilize a series of questions to the monitor and/or member to assist in the assessment.
- When successful verification is determined, the Chair of Education will sign and date the Criteria and Extractions Log Form as complete and send to the AHIP office.
- Upon receipt of this verification from the Chair, the AHIP office will produce the AHIP Cerumen Removal Management Certificate of completion. The certificate(s) will be signed and dated by the President and Chair of Education, then sent to the applicant/member for display and insurance purposes.
7.0 Insurance
AHIP members who perform cerumen removal must obtain Professional Liability Insurance covering cerumen removal. To obtain this additional coverage, members must provide a copy of their AHIP certificate as proof of successful completion of this AHIP approved program.
1. College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario, “Practice Standards for Cerumen Management,” October 2018
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Continuing Education Units Policy
OVERVIEW
In order to maintain membership in the Association, a minimum of 12 hours of approved continuing education units (CEUs) must be obtained per calendar year. The member is required to submit to the Association evidence of obtaining approved CEUs. The Board of Directors may approve exceptions in cases of illness or other incapacity.
1.0 No more than six (6) of the twelve (12) CEUs may be obtained from any one manufacturer of hearing aids.
2.0 It is the responsibility of the individual member to notify and present proof to the Association that the minimum CEUs has been obtained for that year.
3.0 To obtain approval, all providers of continuing education hours must submit a completed CEU Application Form, 30 days in advance of the training session to the Chair of Continuing Education (via the AHIP Office). Closed Sessions as defined in 4.0 will be considered for up to two (2) hours of the twelve (12) CEUs. The Board of Directors may approve a specified number of hours upon recommendation of the Chair of Continuing Education. The Board holds the unconditional right to approve or deny any submissions.
4.0 Closed Sessions are defined as sales representatives’ visits or in-office training as well as company only sessions.
5.0 Members attending training seminars need not request prior approval if the provider has already requested and obtained that approval.
6.0 If a member wishes to attend a training course that has not had prior approval by the Association, the member must submit his/her request to the Chair of Continuing Education (via the AHIP office) 30 days in advance of the training session. This submission must be done in writing and include the name, address, telephone number and website (if available) of the provider, course syllabus, identify the number of hours requested and the dates. If the member does not submit for approval before the event occurs the hours will not be considered for CEU approval.
7.0 Members attending Association approved seminars within the 30 days moratorium period before the AHIP Symposium will be credited with the approved CEU hours only if they attend the Symposium. Otherwise, there will be no accreditation during the moratorium period.
8.0 Members in attendance of a “full membership” meeting such as the AHIP Annual General Meeting, Semi-Annual or Special Meeting will be allowed to obtain a maximum 2 hours of CEUs regarding each such meeting.
9.0 A member attending the same seminar twice will be awarded CEU hours for only one seminar.
10.0 A maximum of 2 CEU hours regarding H.I.S. student mentoring per calendar year (regardless of number of students) may be obtained by any AHIP member who takes one or more clinical placement student. A completed CEU Mentoring Student Application must be submitted by the Member.
11.0 Faculty members of any of the recognized Colleges are allowed to obtain a maximum of 2 CEU hours per calendar year for teaching. A completed CEUs Teaching Application must be submitted by the Member.
12.0 Audiology OnLine, AHIP approved seminars, will be accepted upon successful completion & submission of certificate to AHIP.
13.0 Any member who has not completed the educational requirements as determined by the Education Committee and approved by the Board of Directors will have his or her membership automatically suspended on February 1st.
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) Internship Program
1.0 OVERVIEW
The requirement of Internship for Hearing Instrument Specialists is outlined in the Association’s By-Laws, Article III, Section 3.1.1, Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.): “Those who have met the educational requirements leading to a provincial certificate or diploma in the field of audiometric evaluation and hearing instrument provision and have successfully completed the International Licensing Examination (ILE) effective July 1, 2007 and who abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. The applicant must furnish a copy of their certificate or diploma. The applicant shall have successfully completed one thousand hours (1,000) of Internship as established in policy and governed by the Association. The Hearing Instrument Specialist H.I.S. shall be certified in the practice of testing hearing, selection, fitting, counseling and dispensing of hearing instruments and associated devices, and the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal where a member’s practice includes it. Hearing Instrument Specialists whose practice includes the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal shall have successfully completed the educational requirements of AHIP for the removal of cerumen from time to time. Those who have met the previous educational requirements established by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Assistive Devices Program will also be eligible for certification.”
2.0 POLICY
Upon successful completion of a Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) Program, the member must obtain and successfully complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised, clinical experience. These hours must be obtained within 36 months of successful completion of an AHIP recognized educational certificate or diploma from: George Brown College, Conestoga College, Grant MacEwan University, Douglas College, Rosemont College or Cegep de La Pocatiere.
3.0 CRITERIA
This clinical experience must be monitored by a Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) who is an AHIP member in good standing; and/or an Audiologist, Reg. CASLPO member in good standing. The above noted Monitors must also have a minimum of two years experience as a Hearing Instrument Specialist or an Audiologist.
The monitored hours must involve:
- Testing Protocol as outlined in section 1.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy. The results of each hearing evaluation will be recorded upon and audiogram form which must be signed and dated by the Monitor.
- Clinical experience with the Hard of Hearing representing a wide range of problems, case management and follow-up care.
- Selection and Fitting of Hearing Aids as outlined in Section 2.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy.
- Understanding the H.I.S. Scope of Practice and restrictive activities as outlined in sections 3.0 and 4.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy.
- Following Clinical Placement and Continuing Competency requirements as outlined in sections 5.0 and 6.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy.
- Compliance with the AHIP Infection Control Policy.
4.0 OUT OF PROVINCE REQUIREMENTS
Enrolment in the H.I.S. Internship program is accepted pending full membership with AHIP and proof that Monitor(s) are either qualified Hearing Instrument Specialists or Audiologists under the requirements of the prospective province and comply with Section 3.0 (Criteria) of this policy. All Internship criteria and processes as outlined in this policy will apply.
5.0 PROCESS
5.1 Full AHIP Members can obtain an Application for Internship Enrollment (Appendix A) from the office of the Association or via the Association website.
5.2 The Application must be fully competed by both the Intern and the Monitor and the original application mailed to the office of the Association.
5.3 Upon verification that the Intern is a full member of AHIP and that the qualifications of the Monitor(s) comply with section 3.0 of this policy the Association will send the Intern a letter outlining acceptance and the date at which the Internship can commence.
5.4 The Intern, in addition to the letter of acceptance will be sent an Internship Kit. Each kit will contain a number of predated monthly log forms. Each form is to be completed and signed by the Monitor(s) and Intern. The Intern is required to send the original, completed monthly log forms to the Association office via courier or regular mail post marked no later than the 15th of the following month. The Intern should retain copies of the completed forms prior to submission.
Forms will not be accepted if:
- They are received or postmarked after the 15th of the following month.
- They are not properly completed with dates, signatures and initials.
- Any additional Monitor(s) have not been properly applied for (Appendix A).
- They are faxed.
- They are photocopied.
5.5 These hours are individually reviewed, filed and accumulated accordingly.
5.6 Once the Intern has accumulated 1,000 hours, the AHIP office will send to the Chair of Internship details pertaining to the Internship including: copies of the original application, random logs and advice to the Chair of anything that may appear unusual.
5.7 The Chair of Internship will contact the Monitor(s) and interview them in relation to establishing if the criteria as outlined in section 3.0 of this policy has been successfully completed. The Chair may also utilize a survey to be given to the Monitor and/or Intern to assist in his/her assessment.
5.8 Based on the assessment of the Chair of Internship:
- If successful, the Intern and Monitor will be sent a letter advising that the Intern has successfully completed the AHIP Internship Program or
- If not successful, the Intern and Monitor will be sent a letter advising that the Intern has not successfully completed the HIS Internship Program and advice on what would be required to continue and be assessed again at a later date.