How to Be Hearing Aid Fitter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 2, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Hearing aid fitting is a process of selecting, adjusting, and programming hearing aids to best meet the hearing needs of a patient. It is a crucial step in the process of getting a hearing aid, as properly fitted aids are more successful in helping a person to hear better. By having a hearing aid fitted by a professional, a patient can expect better results in terms of sound quality, comfort, and overall satisfaction.

a hearing aid fitter can help to adjust and fine-tune the device to the individual persons needs, taking into account the type and degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, personal preferences, and budget. Furthermore, the fitter can provide advice on how to care for and maintain the device, as well as provide support and guidance for any additional hearing aid-related questions.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. Most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Consider taking courses in electronics, mathematics, and anatomy if they are offered.
Receive Hands-On Training. Hearing aid fitters must receive hands-on training from an experienced practitioner in order to qualify for the job. Some employers may require completion of an apprenticeship program.
Get Certified. After receiving hands-on training, hearing aid fitters must be certified by the National Hearing Instrument Specialists Association (NHISA). Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and pass a written and practical certification exam.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state, hearing aid fitters may need to obtain a license from the state board of hearing aid dispensers. This typically requires the completion of an approved education program and passing a licensing exam.
Keep Up With Continuing Education. Hearing aid fitters must keep up with continuing education requirements in order to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. This can include attending conferences, completing webinars, and taking classes.

The process of becoming a skilled and capable Hearing Aid Fitter requires a lot of hard work and dedication. In order to become qualified, one must first complete an educational program accredited by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. This program includes coursework covering topics such as anatomy and physiology of the ear, hearing aid technology, practical application of hearing aids, patient counseling, and record keeping.

Once the educational program is completed, one must pass a series of examinations administered by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. After passing the exams, one must also obtain a professional license from their states department of health. With this license, one will be able to fit and dispense hearing aids to patients.

In order to maintain the license, continuing education must be completed every two years. By following this process, one can become a skilled and capable Hearing Aid Fitter.

You may want to check Audiometric Counselor, Neurotologist, and Audiometric Equipment Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Consult with patients to determine hearing loss and lifestyle needs.
Fit, adjust, and program hearing aids according to patient needs.
Educate patients on the proper use and care of hearing aids.
Monitor the patients progress and adjust the hearing aids as needed.
Perform diagnostic testing to evaluate hearing loss and to determine the best type of hearing aid for each patient.
Perform repairs and maintenance on hearing aids.
Provide counseling on lifestyle modifications that may help with hearing loss.
Maintain records of patient visits and fittings.
Stay up-to-date with advancements in hearing aid technology and product lines.
Provide customer service to patients and their families.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to hearing
Knowledge of audiology and hearing aid technology
Ability to fit and program hearing aids
Knowledge of hearing aid fitting protocols and procedures
Ability to conduct hearing tests and to diagnose hearing loss
Ability to evaluate patient satisfaction with hearing aid fittings
Ability to troubleshoot hearing aid malfunctions
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to provide emotional support and counseling to patients
Knowledge of the latest hearing aid technologies and innovations
Knowledge of audiological assessment and diagnosis techniques
Ability to provide patient education regarding hearing aid use and care
Ability to work with a variety of hearing aid styles and sizes
Ability to identify and evaluate environmental influences on hearing
Ability to select appropriate hearing aid accessories
Knowledge of hearing aid maintenance and repair

Good hearing aid fitting skills are essential for those working in the hearing healthcare field. Without the proper knowledge of how to fit a hearing aid, those with hearing loss will not be able to get the full benefit of the devices. Poorly fitted hearing aids can cause discomfort, feedback issues, and sound distortion, which can all lead to a decrease in the users overall quality of life.

To combat these issues, hearing aid fitters must be knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology of the ear, hearing aid technology, and communication strategies. They must also be able to assess the hearing aid users lifestyle and preferences to ensure they get the most out of their device. With these skills, hearing aid fitters can ensure that their patients get fitted with the right device and can reap the full benefits of their device.

Hearing Conservationist, Hearing Instrument Research and Development Engineer, and Otologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have fitting hearing aids?
How do you stay up-to-date on new hearing aid technologies?
What do you find most rewarding about fitting and servicing hearing aids?
How do you handle a customer who is difficult to fit with a hearing aid?
What would you do if there was a dispute between a customer and yourself over the efficacy of a hearing aid?
Describe how you would troubleshoot a hearing aid problem.
How do you ensure the privacy of patient information?
How do you manage customer expectations when it comes to hearing aid technology?
Describe a time when you successfully fitted a customer with a hearing aid.
What strategies do you use to provide excellent customer service?

Common Tools in Industry

Hearing Aid Fitting Software. Software designed to provide a hearing aid fitting solution for audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals. (eg: Phonak Target)
Audiometer. An instrument used to measure hearing sensitivity at different frequencies. (eg: Interacoustics Titan)
Otoacoustic Emissions Analyzer. An instrument used to measure the ability of the ear to produce sound in response to a stimulus. (eg: Madsen Otoflex)
Real Ear Measurement System. An instrument used to measure the sound output of a hearing aid in the ear canal. (eg: Otometrics Real Ear)
Speech Mapping System. A system used to measure the speech response of a hearing aid in the ear canal. (eg: GN Otometrics Speech Mapping)
Visual Feedback System. A system used to provide visual feedback on the sound output of a hearing aid in the ear canal. (eg: Oticon VF-100)
Hearing Aid Programming System. A system used to program and control the settings of a hearing aid. (eg: ReSound Smart Fit)
Hearing Aid Verification System. A system used to verify the accuracy of the settings of a hearing aid. (eg: Audioscan Verifit)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Hearing Society
International Association of Trusted Hearing Care Professionals
World Hearing Aid Fitting and Dispensing Association
American Academy of Audiology
International Congress of Hearing Aid Acousticians
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Hearing Aid Association
Academy of Dispensing Audiologists
American Otological Society

We also have Hearing Instrument Specialist, Audiologist, and Audiometric Technician Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Audiometry. A diagnostic test used to measure a person's hearing sensitivity.
Amplification. The process of increasing the volume of a sound.
Hearing Aid. An electronic device that amplifies sound to aid in hearing.
Ear Mold. A custom-fitted soft or hard plastic device that fits inside the ear and is used to improve the fit of a hearing aid.
Audiologist. A health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss and balance disorders.
Otolaryngologist. A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
Speech-Language Pathologist. A health care professional trained to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Real Ear Measurement. A method of testing a hearing aid's performance in the ear canal to ensure the best possible fit and listening experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hearing Aid Fitter?

A Hearing Aid Fitter is a healthcare professional who is trained to assess the hearing needs of individuals, select, fit and dispense hearing aids, and provide follow-up care to ensure optimal hearing performance.

What qualifications are required to be a Hearing Aid Fitter?

In order to become a Hearing Aid Fitter, one must complete an accredited educational program, obtain a license from their state, and obtain certification from either the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Science or the American Board of Hearing Instrument Sciences.

What type of services do Hearing Aid Fitters provide?

Hearing Aid Fitters provide a range of services including hearing assessments, hearing aid selection and fitting, earmold impressions, and auditory rehabilitation counseling.

How much does a Hearing Aid Fitter charge for their services?

The cost of services provided by a Hearing Aid Fitter can vary depending on the type of services provided and the location of the practice. Generally, hearing assessments range from $50-$400 and hearing aid fittings range from $300-$1200.

How long does it take to become a Hearing Aid Fitter?

It generally takes between two to four years to complete the educational requirements necessary to become a Hearing Aid Fitter. In addition, most states require a license and certification from either the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Science or the American Board of Hearing Instrument Sciences.