Hearing aid specialists assist customers with using and learning about hearing aids. For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids can help them recover the ability to communicate, perform their work or hobbies, and enjoy a variety of life activities. Hearing aid specialists administer hearing tests for customers, and interpret the results. If hearing aids are a suitable option, specialists take ear impressions, and then may design, prepare and fit hearing aids to the patient’s ears. They also adjust the aids to a customer’s needs or preferences and train patients on how to use and care for their new hearing aids. Specialists may also repair the devices when necessary. Typically, hearing aid specialists learn their skills on the job. Licensure may be required.
What they do:
Select and fit hearing aids for customers. Administer and interpret tests of hearing. Assess hearing instrument efficacy. Take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.
On the job, you would:
Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
Counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss.
Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Health
therapy and counseling
medicine and dentistry
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
looking for ways to help people
teaching people how to do something
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Hearing and Speech
speak clearly
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Dependability
Concern for Others
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Medical software
HIMSA Noah
Otometrics OTOsuite
doctoral degree or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.