Hearing Aid Specialists are professionals who assess hearing loss and help individuals select and fit appropriate hearing aids. Their job description typically includes conducting hearing tests, educating clients on hearing aid options, making recommendations based on individual needs, fitting and adjusting hearing aids, providing maintenance and follow-up care, and offering counseling and support to clients regarding hearing loss management.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $31,400.00 |
25th percentile | $43,350.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $53,700.00 |
75th percentile | $65,750.00 |
90th percentile | $85,030.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $15.10 |
25th percentile | $20.84 |
median (50th percentile) | $25.82 |
75th percentile | $31.61 |
90th percentile | $40.88 |
To become a Hearing Aid Specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent. While specific requirements may vary by state or employer, most states also require candidates to complete a training program in hearing aid dispensing and pass a licensing exam. These programs are often offered by community colleges or technical schools and cover topics such as anatomy of the ear, hearing aid technology, fitting and testing procedures, and counseling patients on device use. Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate's degree in a related field, but a college degree is not always mandatory for this role. Training for Hearing Aid Specialists involves completing a postsecondary certificate program or an associate degree program focused on hearing instrument sciences or a related field. These programs typically consist of coursework covering auditory physiology, acoustics, hearing aid selection and fitting, communication strategies, and state and federal regulations pertaining to hearing healthcare. In addition to classroom instruction, students often participate in hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals to develop practical skills in conducting assessments, making impressions, programming devices, and providing patient education and support. Upon completion of their training, individuals may have to pass a licensing exam to practice as a Hearing Aid Specialist in their state.