How To Become A Hearing Aid Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a hearing aid specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A hearing aid specialist is responsible for evaluating people with hearing problems and choosing the best hearing aid to improve their condition. They test the hearing of the people they see and maintain records of the test results so that they can be used to inform recommendations about hearing aids or other products the individual might benefit from. Hearing aid specialists earn a median sum of $53,000 annually or $25 per hour.

A hearing aid specialist primarily trains clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices. They create or modify impressions for earmolds and hearing aid shells, maintain or repair hearing aids or other communication devices. They also provide consultation and instruction to help people operate their hearing aids while modifying devices that have already been placed in patients' ears to make them function or fit better.

Hearing aid specialists typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. They are required by some states to have passed the licensing exam in order to practice. Some employers prefer candidates with the ability to evaluate, fit, and counsel hearing aids and with in-depth knowledge of computer software in order to maintain accurate records of test results and services provided to clients.

ScoreHearing Aid SpecialistUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $56,107

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

7.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.59%

Asian 9.57%

Black or African American 9.55%

Hispanic or Latino 18.51%

Unknown 5.03%

White 56.76%

Gender

female 51.12%

male 48.88%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

9.7

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a hearing aid specialist

Explore hearing aid specialist education requirements

Most common hearing aid specialist degrees

Bachelor's

57.7 %

Associate

14.1 %

Master's

10.1 %

Start to develop specific hearing aid specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	29.66%
Financial Aid	28.89%
Developmental Disabilities	9.68%
Hearing Loss	8.23%
Audiology	3.94%

Complete relevant hearing aid specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hearing aid specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hearing aid specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hearing aid specialist resumes.

Research hearing aid specialist duties and responsibilities

Carry out various operational responsibilities, including conducting presentation and selling hearing aid products to interest patients.
Maintain HIPAA compliance, review records and make recommendations for medical devices.

Apply for hearing aid specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a hearing aid specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams