AAO-HNSF Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel

OTO Tech – Scope of Practice

OTO Techs are trained to perform hearing tests and related functions under the supervision of an otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon. Skill sets assigned are at the discretion of the supervising otolaryngologist, who defines the role of the OTO Tech in his or her oƯice. The well-trained OTO Tech must possess a general understanding of the anatomy of the ear, the physics of sound, and the types and causes of hearing loss. OTO Tech training provides technicians with an understanding of how to review patient history, document the patient’s present illness and exam, summarize the patient visit, perform a basic examination of the ear, provide patient instructions regarding hearing testing, perform tuning fork tests, perform pure tone air and bone conduction testing with and without masking, perform speech reception threshold testing with and without masking, perform word recognition testing with and without masking, and perform tympanometry. The well-trained OTO Tech will ensure that all tests are performed accurately and that results are recorded in the patient file. It is not the role of the OTO Tech to provide interpretation of the test results or a diagnosis. The word diagnosis derives from the Greet meaning “through knowledge.” The otolaryngologist, by virtue of medical school and at least five subsequent years of medical/surgical residency, is uniquely qualified to evaluate all data collected and arrive at a diagnosis. A medical diagnosis is made only by a licensed physician after a complete medical history, physical evaluation, and review of appropriate audiologic, laboratory, and imaging studies. Correct treatment or rehabilitation of hearing loss is dependent upon an accurate diagnosis achieved by thorough knowledge of the auditory system disorder and clinical experience with the various treatments available for medical disease, which may range from amplification to medication to surgical intervention. Audiologists identify and assess disorders of the hearing and balance systems of children and adults. Audiologists select, fit, and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids and related devices, program cochlear implants, and provide instruction, rehabilitation, and counseling services to enhance human communication. A graduate (doctorate or master) degree is required for practice.

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