What Is a Hearing-Aid Specialist?

A hearing-aid specialist, also referred to as an audiologist, is a health-care professional who specializes in hearing, balance and related ear problems.

Education

Currently, educational requirements include a master's degree in audiology, but some states require a doctoral degree. Many professionals obtain their doctoral degree, which offers more job opportunities.

Licensing and Certification

A license in audiology is required to practice as a hearing aid specialist, and is regulated by each state. Some states also require a hearing-aid dispenser license.

Job Opportunities

Most job opportunities exist in a health-care setting, including physician offices, hospitals and outpatient care centers. Other job opportunities include working for hearing-aid manufacturers or implementing hearing-protection programs for workplaces with high noise levels.

Insight

Because the industry is small, the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that there will not be many new job openings. Most jobs will open due to others retiring in this profession.

Average Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average salaries range from $47,220 to $70,940 per year, and the BLS estimates approximately 12,000 jobs in the United States.

References

• American Board of Audiology

Resources

• Audiologist; BLS