How to Be Hearing Instrument Repairman - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Hearing instrument repairmen are an essential part of the hearing care industry. When hearing instruments are not functioning correctly, the repairman is the one to identify and fix the problem. Without their knowledge and expertise, those with hearing loss would be unable to properly utilize their hearing aids, leading to a decrease in quality of life.

Common causes of hearing instrument failure include water damage, battery drain, or physical damage. The repairmans job is to diagnose and repair the device, as well as provide advice on hearing instrument maintenance to ensure the longevity of the product. Quality hearing instrument repairmen have a highly specialized skill set, including knowledge of electronics, acoustics, and mechanics.

Their services are essential for those who rely on hearing instruments.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Most hearing instrument repairman positions require a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain a college degree. Earning a college degree in the field of audiology, electronics technology, or biomedical engineering can be beneficial for those interested in becoming a hearing instrument repairman.
Become certified. Certification is required to be a hearing instrument repairman. The National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) offers the Certified Hearing Instrument Repair Technician (CHIRT) program. The program requires applicants to complete a three-part exam and meet certain requirements.
Gain experience. Many employers require at least two years of experience in hearing instrument repair before hiring a technician.
Obtain state licensing. Depending upon the state, technicians may need to obtain a license to work as a hearing instrument repairman.

As a hearing instrument repairman, staying ahead and capable requires continuously growing your knowledge base and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. By taking continuing education classes and attending seminars, repairmen can stay informed on the latest trends in hearing aid technology. Also, having a good understanding of the various components of hearing aids, such as microphones, receivers, and amplifiers, is essential.

Finally, developing good customer service skills and building relationships with suppliers and manufacturers will help ensure that repairmen remain capable and successful. All of these factors are necessary to ensure that hearing instrument repairmen remain ahead of the curve.

You may want to check Education Audiology Researcher, Community Health Worker, and Audiology Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Perform detailed inspections of hearing instruments and accessories, including the testing and analysis of audio processing components.
Troubleshoot and diagnose hearing instrument malfunctions and problems.
Repair, adjust, or replace defective components or parts of hearing instruments.
Test and calibrate hearing instruments to ensure proper functioning.
Provide instruction to customers on the proper use and care of hearing instruments.
Maintain records of hearing instrument repairs.
Order replacement parts for hearing instruments.
Stay current on developments in the field of hearing instrument technology and repair.
Travel to customer locations for on-site repairs or adjustments.
Prepare estimates for repair services and provide customers with cost information.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hearing instrument components and systems
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose hearing instrument problems
Understanding of hearing aid programming and adjustments
Ability to read and understand technical drawings, diagrams, and schematics
Ability to use special tools and equipment for hearing aid repairs
Good manual dexterity
Good communication skills
Thorough knowledge of applicable safety regulations
Good customer service skills
Working knowledge of relevant electronics and electrical systems

Having the right skills is essential for any hearing instrument repairman. Having the knowledge and experience to troubleshoot and repair hearing instruments is required to successfully diagnose and repair the device. Attention to detail is key to properly diagnose any problems and ensure that the device is in proper working order.

Excellent customer service is also an important skill, as hearing instrument repairmen must be able to explain the repair process in plain language and provide clear instructions for the user. having a high level of manual dexterity the ability to work with tiny components and tools is essential for any repairman. Last but not least, communication skills are essential so that the repairman can effectively discuss the service with customers and colleagues alike.

With these skills, a hearing instrument repairman can provide the highest quality service to those in need.

Deaf Education Specialist, Hearing Instrument Specialist, and Clinical Audiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the hearing instrument repair field?
How would you rate your knowledge of hearing instrument repair techniques?
What types of hearing instruments are you familiar with?
How do you troubleshoot and diagnose hearing instrument issues?
What techniques do you use to ensure a successful repair?
How do you keep up to date on new hearing instrument technology?
How comfortable are you working with both digital and analogue hearing instruments?
What challenges have you faced while repairing hearing instruments and how have you addressed them?
Describe a time when you had to work on a complex repair job and the steps you took to complete it.
Are you familiar with any industry-specific regulations or standards related to hearing instrument repair?

Common Tools in Industry

Hearing Aid Testing Equipment. Used to test hearing aids for defects or problems. (eg: Tympanometer)
Soldering Iron. Used to join metal components together with a heated metal alloy. (eg: Weller WES51 Digital Soldering Station)
Digital Multimeter. Used to measure electrical current, voltage and resistance. (eg: Fluke 87V)
Screwdrivers. Used to fasten and loosen screws of varying sizes. (eg: Craftsman 10-piece Screwdriver Set)
Pliers. Used to grip and hold small objects. (eg: Channellock 9-Inch Long Nose Pliers)
Reamers. Used to enlarge existing holes in metal components. (eg: Irwin 5/8-inch Reamer)
Wire Cutters. Used to cut through wires of varying sizes and materials. (eg: Klein Tools 8-inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers)
Cleaning Brushes. Used to clean hearing aid components such as microphones and receivers. (eg: G-U-M Soft-Picks Advanced Cleaning Brushes)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Hearing Society (IHS)
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
National Hearing Instrument Repair Association (NHIRA)
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
Academy of Dispensing Audiologists (ADA)
International Institute for Hearing Instrument Studies (IIHIS)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

We also have Hearing Conservationist, Hearing Instrument Research Scientist, and Vestibular Audiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Audiometry. The measurement of hearing loss and other related auditory (hearing) functions.
Hearing Aids. Electronic devices that amplify sound for those with hearing loss.
Acoustics. The science of sound and its propagation in air and other media.
Amplification. Increasing the volume of a signal or sound.
Otoacoustic Emission. Sounds generated by the inner ear in response to sound stimuli.
Speech Audiometry. Testing of a persons ability to hear and comprehend speech.
Vestibular Testing. Testing of the inner ears balance functions.
Ear Mold Impressions. Impressions of the ear taken to make custom hearing aid molds.
Hearing Aid Adjustment. Adjusting the settings of a hearing aid for optimal performance.
Troubleshooting. Identifying and diagnosing problems with hearing instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Hearing Instrument Repairman?

To become a Hearing Instrument Repairman, you must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a state-approved training program in hearing instrument repair.

What type of technical skills are required for a Hearing Instrument Repairman?

Technical skills required for a Hearing Instrument Repairman include knowledge of anatomy, electronics, audiology, and working with a variety of testing and measuring equipment.