Occasionally, I have a customer or family member of a customer tell me they are so inspired by how I help people that they want to do what I do. It’s so exciting to hear this, and I absolutely love what I do. Most people don’t know there is a shortage of hearing care professionals. Read on to find out more about becoming a hearing instrument specialist and how you can get started on this career path.
Educational requirements for hearing instrument specialists
Some states require a 4-year degree, and some require a 2-year degree in Hearing Sciences, so check with your state to find out what is required.
One of the most common ways to get started in this career is through an apprenticeship. This is when you work with an existing hearing care provider to gain hands-on experience and learn how to identify types of hearing loss and make proper recommendations. After that, you can go on to get your license.
Licensing requirements for hearing instrument specialists
Not just anyone can hang a sign on their door and be a hearing instrument specialist; you do require a license to practice. There is a written exam and a practical exam that need to be taken. Some states accept the ILE exam, or the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals. Other states have their own unique tests you are required to take. You may also need to provide proof of completing hands-on training with a licensed provider for a certain number of hours.
You will need to learn all the state-specific rules as they apply to the profession, and in some states take an additional test about those specific regulations. It’s not an easy exam, so you will need to study hard. It helps to find an existing provider to mentor you even if it’s not required by your state. Since there is a shortage of hearing care providers, some companies are willing to take on apprentices, so check in your local area to see if anyone is willing to take you under their wing.
Click here for a list of state boards that license hearing care professionals.
Continuing education as a hearing instrument specialist
Even after you pass your licensing exam, you will need to continue your education throughout your career to stay up to date on all the latest technology and information. HearingLife offers continuing education courses for employees to help them maintain their licensure.
Why become a hearing care professional?
Working in hearing care is not usually the first thing that comes to mind for high school guidance counselors or at career fairs, but it is a rewarding career choice. I have taught a lot of people to do what I do, and the fun part is that hearing care is not only for younger people in their first careers – it makes an excellent second career, too. People who choose hearing care always have a passion for helping others.
On top of that, this career path is set to grow for years to come! Approximately 48 million Americans currently have hearing loss and the number of adults with hearing loss in the U.S. is expected to double by 2060.1
What is a day at work like helping people hear better?
Almost every day, I get to see adults’ eyes light up like kids at Christmas when they hear a loved one’s voice or leaves on the ground or birds chirping. The day-to-day involves running hearing tests, cleaning and checking hearing aids, connecting hearing aids to phones, counseling loved ones and customers who are emotional about their hearing loss, and checking in on my customers via phone to make sure everything is going well with their devices. Every day is different, and every person is different, so even after almost 30 years in the field, I am still learning new things every day.
Check out HearingLife’s open apprenticeship opportunities here.
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