Becoming A Hearing Aid Specialist: Get The Facts
Posted on: 29 March 2016
If you enjoy helping others and would like to work in the healthcare field, you have a wide range of options. One intriguing choice is to become a hearing aid specialist. The following article examines some of the key aspects of this rewarding profession.
Duties
Your primary duties will involve testing patients for hearing loss and fitting them for a hearing aid, if any aid is needed. You will use a variety of tests, which may involve computer software and specialized instruments such as an otoscope, to determine the amount of hearing loss. Fitting the aid generally involves taking a mold impression of the patient's ear to ensure that they can wear the device without any discomfort. You will also need to counsel the patient concerning using and maintaining the hearing aid.
Education and Licensing
The educational requirements can vary. You will typically obtain your training by working with a hearing professional and learning on the job. You might be able to get at least part of your training by taking a hearing specialist course at an accredited institution, such as a community college.
Depending on the laws of your state, you might also need to obtain a license in order to practice as a hearing aid specialist. The requirements vary by state, but usually they require that you to pass an exam after your training from an accredited hearing professional is complete. Some states also ask that you to obtain a trainee permit before your training period begins.
Certification
One have begun working as a hearing aid specialist, it might be to your advantage to seek professional certification from a respected certifying organization, such as the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. This type of credential may increase the level of confidence that your patient's have in your abilities and help to further your career.
Setting
The most common setting for this job will be in health and personal care stores as well as general merchandise stores, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to retail settings, you might also work in traditional health care settings, such as a doctor's office, in some instances.
Becoming a hearing aid specialist is a great career choice for those who want to assist others. It an exciting option for anyone who enjoys interacting with other people and who has good communication skills. The training required is not especially difficult and the emotional rewards of the job are exceptional. Contact a business, such as the Clarity & Comfort Hearing Center, for more information on becoming a hearing specialist.
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