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

Feb 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Hearing instrument specialists are trained professionals who specialize in helping people with hearing loss by providing hearing aid services. They assess and diagnose hearing issues, fit and dispense hearing devices, and provide advice on how to use and maintain them. In addition, they also educate patients and their families about the effects of hearing loss and how to cope with it.

As a result of their work, people with hearing loss can improve their quality of life by being able to communicate more effectively with others. This ultimately leads to an improved sense of well-being and increased self-confidence.

Steps How to Become

Get a high school diploma or GED. Most hearing instrument specialist positions require at least a high school diploma or GED. Applicants should take classes in math, science, and business to improve their job prospects.
Attend an accredited program. Hearing instrument specialist training programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools. Programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Earn certification. There are several organizations that offer certification for hearing instrument specialists, including the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) and the American Board of Audiology (ABA). To earn certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by one of these organizations.
Obtain a state license. All states require hearing instrument specialists to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally include completing an approved training program and passing a state-administered exam.
Get experience. Many employers prefer to hire hearing instrument specialists with experience. Applicants can gain experience through internships or volunteer opportunities at audiology clinics and hearing aid companies.

A reliable and qualified Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) is essential in providing excellent hearing assistance. To ensure that you receive the best quality care and advice, it is important to select an HIS that is licensed and qualified. The best way to determine the qualifications of a HIS is to check their credentials, including any certifications or professional affiliations.

It is also important to ask for references from other patients who have used the HIS, as well as conducting research on the businesss reputation. By taking the time to do this research and due diligence, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands and will receive quality care.

You may want to check Hearing Conservation Program Administrator, Neurotologist, and Research Audiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Assess and evaluate hearing loss and recommend appropriate hearing instruments.
Fit, adjust, and program hearing instruments to meet patients individual needs.
Provide patient counseling on the use and care of hearing instruments.
Perform hearing tests and provide audiometric evaluations.
Design custom earmolds and other impression materials.
Educate patients on the features, benefits, and cost of different hearing instruments.
Perform follow-up visits to ensure proper functioning of hearing instruments.
Troubleshoot and repair hearing instruments.
Monitor patient progress and adjust settings as needed.
Keep detailed records of patient history and progress.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the auditory system.
Knowledge of hearing instrument technology and features.
Ability to use various types of hearing aids, amplifiers, and other auditory assistive devices.
Ability to evaluate hearing loss and determine proper hearing aid fitting and prescription.
Ability to accurately diagnose hearing problems and identify appropriate solutions.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and families regarding hearing loss, hearing aids and hearing aid accessories.
Knowledge of basic record-keeping requirements for patient records.
Knowledge of safety protocols and infection control procedures.
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations regarding hearing instrument specialists.
Ability to provide counseling and emotional support to patients and their families on hearing loss, hearing aids, and hearing aid accessories.

Good hearing instrument specialists must have a strong technical background in order to effectively diagnose and treat hearing loss. This requires a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, the ability to accurately identify and analyze auditory symptoms, and the ability to use specialized equipment and testing procedures. A successful hearing instrument specialist must also possess excellent customer service skills in order to effectively communicate with clients and provide them with the best possible care.

good interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and organizational skills are essential for any hearing instrument specialist in order to coordinate appointments, manage administrative tasks, and develop long-term relationships with clients. All of these skills are necessary for a hearing instrument specialist to provide quality services, which in turn leads to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Audiometric Technician Instructor, Hearing Aid Dispenser, and Education Audiology Internship Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with hearing instruments?
What challenges have you faced in fitting hearing aids?
How do you handle customer complaints about hearing aids?
What techniques do you use to determine the best hearing aid for each patient?
How do you explain the features of different hearing aids to customers?
What strategies do you use to ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you stay up-to-date with advances in hearing technology?
What methods do you use to assess a patient's hearing loss?
How do you educate customers on proper care and maintenance of hearing instruments?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients or their families about hearing loss?

Common Tools in Industry

Audiology Software. Software used to record and analyze a patient's hearing health data in order to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. (eg: Audiclean Pro)
Hearing Aid Fitting System. A system used to create custom hearing aids for a patient's specific needs. (eg: Oticon Opn Fitting System)
Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Tools. Tools used to diagnose and repair hearing aids, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and acoustic analyzers. (eg: Audiometer Pro)
Real Ear Measurement System. A system used to measure and adjust the response of a patient's hearing aids in order to ensure the best possible performance. (eg: Oticon REM System)
Hearing Aid Programming Software. Software used to program hearing aids with specific settings tailored to a patient's needs. (eg: Audifon EasyFit Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
International Hearing Society (IHS)
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
International Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies (IIHIS)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
American Society of Hearing Instrument Sciences (ASHIS)
Academy of Dispensing Audiologists (ADA)
International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH)
American Tinnitus Association (ATA)
International Society of Audiology (ISA)

We also have Audiologist, Hearing Aid Fitter, and Clinical Audiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Audiometry. The process of measuring an individual's hearing ability by exposing them to a range of hearing tones.
Hearing Aid. A device worn to amplify sound, typically for those with hearing loss.
Hearing Loss. A partial or complete inability to detect certain sounds or frequencies, caused by damage to the auditory system.
Amplification. The process of increasing the volume or intensity of sound, usually with electronic or acoustic equipment.
Frequency Response. The range of frequencies, or pitches, that a particular hearing aid is able to amplify.
Tinnitus. A condition characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or other sound in the ears.
Otology. The study of the ear and its disorders.
Otolaryngology. The medical specialty dealing with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
Tympanometry. A test used to assess the health of the middle ear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

A Hearing Instrument Specialist is a professional who evaluates hearing tests and fits, dispenses, and services hearing instruments or devices.

How long does it take to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

Generally, it takes around one year to complete the educational requirements and obtain licensure to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist.

What qualifications are needed to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

To become a Hearing Instrument Specialist, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an approved hearing instrument specialist program, pass an examination, and obtain a license from the state.

What does a Hearing Instrument Specialist do?

A Hearing Instrument Specialist conducts hearing tests, evaluates hearing test results, provides counseling, fits, dispenses and services hearing instruments or devices. They also provide follow-up care and adjust hearing instruments to ensure optimal performance.