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

Jun 14, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss for those who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids. Through a surgical process, the specialist implants a device into the patient's inner ear, allowing them to experience improved hearing. This procedure is becoming increasingly popular due to its effectiveness and the minimal side effects associated with it.

The benefits of this procedure include improved sound clarity, reduced feedback and noise interference, and improved overall sound quality. In addition, patients have reported reduced feelings of isolation and improved social interaction as a result of this procedure. By providing an effective solution for those with hearing loss, the Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist is helping to enhance the quality of life for many individuals.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in audiology or a related field such as speech-language pathology. Many programs offer a master's degree in audiology, which is often preferred by employers.
Become licensed in your state through passing a licensing exam. Requirements vary by state but typically involve completing an accredited audiology program and passing the Praxis II Audiology Exam.
Obtain a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This certificate is necessary to become a certified audiologist.
Complete an internship program to gain hands-on experience working with patients.
Complete a fellowship program or residency in implantable hearing aid specialty. This program will provide additional training and experience in the installation and use of implantable hearing aids.
Pass the Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist Certification Exam administered by the American Board of Audiology (ABA). This exam is designed to assess knowledge and skills related to the installation, maintenance, and use of implantable hearing aids.
Become Board Certified as an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist (IHAS). To become board certified, you must have completed your fellowship or residency program, passed the IHAS certification exam, and maintained current licensure.

In order to become a skilled and competent Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist, one must obtain the necessary educational background and training. This typically includes a Bachelor's Degree in Audiology, or a related field, as well as specialized training in implantable hearing aids. certification is often required in order to practice as an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist.

This certification, which is typically provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), requires that the individual demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the evaluation, selection, fitting, and programming of implantable hearing aids. Once certified, the Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist will be prepared to offer comprehensive, up-to-date solutions for those suffering from hearing loss.

You may want to check Hearing Instrument Practitioner, Audiometry Technician, and Clinical Research Audiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop implantable hearing aids
Troubleshoot and repair implantable hearing aids
Install and configure implantable hearing aids
Provide technical support for implantable hearing aids
Develop and update software for implantable hearing aids
Monitor patient progress with implantable hearing aids
Educate patients on the use and care of implantable hearing aids
Perform research on new and existing implantable hearing aid technology
Manage inventory of parts and supplies for implantable hearing aids
Participate in clinical trials of implantable hearing aids

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of hearing aid technology, including implantable hearing aids
Ability to troubleshoot, install, and repair implantable hearing aid systems
Proficiency in fitting and programming for various types of implantable hearing aids
Ability to provide detailed instructions to patients on proper use of implantable hearing aids
Excellent communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare providers
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the ear, hearing, and balance
Familiarity with audiological tests and procedures
Understanding of medical coding and billing processes
Ability to effectively document patient care
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to hearing care

Good communication skills are essential for a successful career as an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist. Without strong communication abilities, it can be difficult to effectively engage with patients and provide quality hearing aid services. Good communication skills also help to create a positive working environment with other staff members and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.

To be successful, Implantable Hearing Aid Specialists must possess the ability to listen carefully, understand patient needs, ask the right questions, and clearly explain treatment options. Furthermore, they must be able to effectively use technology and medical equipment in order to diagnose and treat conditions accurately. Without these skills, it would be difficult for an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialists to provide the best care for their patients.

Speech-Language Pathology Audiologist, Tinnitus Management Clinician, and Audiometric Assistant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with fitting and programming implantable hearing aids?
What do you feel is the most important part of the implantable hearing aid fitting process?
How do you keep up with the advances in technology related to hearing aids?
How do you handle difficult patients or situations?
Describe a time when you successfully troubleshooted and resolved a technical problem related to implantable hearing aids.
What methods do you use to ensure patient satisfaction with their implantable hearing aids?
What strategies do you employ to help patients adjust to their new implantable hearing aids?
How do you handle challenging conversations with patients or their caregivers?
How do you prioritize tasks and handle multiple cases simultaneously?
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing todays hearing aid professionals?

Common Tools in Industry

Audiometer. A device used to measure hearing sensitivity and detect hearing loss. (e. g. a Grason-Stadler PTA-2 Audiometer)
Tympanometer. A device used to measure the pressure and mobility of the eardrum. (e. g. an Interacoustics AT235 Tympanometer)
Otoacoustic Emissions Testing Device. A device used to measure the function of the inner ear by measuring the sound waves generated by the inner ear. (e. g. an Interacoustics OAE Tester)
Implant Programming Software. Software used to program, update, and personalize a hearing implant device. (e. g. Cochlear Nucleus 5 Implant Programming Software)
Analyzer Software. Software used to analyze collected data from various audiometric tests. (e. g. Otometrics Otoport Analyzer Software)
Hearing Aid Programming Software. Software used to program and personalize a hearing aid device. (e. g. Audioscan Verifit 2 Hearing Aid Programming Software)
Adaptive Noise Reduction System. A computer system used to reduce background noise levels when testing hearing or using a hearing aid device. (e. g. Phonak Fidelity 2 Adaptive Noise Reduction System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
International Hearing Society (IHS)
Association of Rehabilitative Audiology (ARA)
International Society of Audiology (ISA)
American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACIA)
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
Academy of Dispensing Audiologists (ADA)
British Society of Audiology (BSA)
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)

We also have Auditory Brainstem Response Technician, Cochlear Implant Audiologist, and Education Audiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cochlear Implant. An electronic device surgically implanted into the inner ear to help provide a sense of sound to those with severe to profound hearing loss.
Auditory Brainstem Implant. A type of implantable hearing device that is surgically inserted into the brainstem and used to treat certain types of hearing loss.
Otolaryngologist. A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT).
Hearing Conservation. Practices and procedures used to reduce or prevent noise-related hearing loss.
Audiologist. A health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders.
Audiogram. A graph that shows the results of an audiometric test, which tests hearing function.
Hearing Aid. An electronic device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound and help improve hearing.
Earmold. A custom-made device designed to fit snugly in the ear canal to direct sound into the ear and improve sound quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist? A1: An Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation and fitting of implantable hearing aids, also known as cochlear implants. They are responsible for providing care and support to individuals with hearing loss. Q2: What services does an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist provide? A2: An Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist provides services such as assessment of hearing loss, selection and fitting of implantable hearing aids, programming of the device, and counseling and support to individuals with hearing loss. Q3: How long does it take to fit an implantable hearing aid? A3: It typically takes between 2-4 hours to complete the fitting process for an implantable hearing aid. Q4: How much does it cost to get an implantable hearing aid? A4: The cost of an implantable hearing aid can vary depending on the type of device and the complexity of the patient's hearing loss. Generally, the cost can range from $5000-$30,000 US dollars. Q5: What is the best way to find an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist? A5: The best way to find an Implantable Hearing Aid Specialist is to contact your local audiologist or ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist for a referral. Additionally, you can also visit websites such as www.hearingaidspecialists.org which provide a list of certified specialists located in your area.

Web Resources

Implantable Hearing Devices | Otolaryngology? Head & Neck med.stanford.edu
Hearing Aids | UC Irvine Medical Center - University of California, www.ent.uci.edu
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid | UC Irvine Medical Center www.ent.uci.edu