HearingLife employs a few different types of hearing care providers, as well as patient care coordinators who work to support those providers. As a nationwide company, regulations and specific requirements for hearing aid dispensing vary by state, but you can be assured our providers fulfill all local requirements – and everyone on our team cares about helping more people hear better!
Hearing instrument specialists and hearing aid dispensers
This is a licensed position that requires specialized training in how to administer hearing assessments and fit hearing aids to the results of those assessments. That means these professionals know how to check your hearing and are up to date on the latest hearing aid solutions to fit any hearing loss you may have.
Hearing aid specialists are required to pass an exam and, in some states, require board certification. Most states require hearing aid dispensers or hearing instrument specialists to take regular continuing education courses so their knowledge stays current with the latest changes in the industry.
Hearing instrument specialists or dispensers legally cannot remove earwax, and they cannot provide guidance or advice on balance problems or any hearing or ear-related health conditions.
To summarize, hearing aid dispensers:
- Check your hearing and give a full hearing assessment
- Recommend the best hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle
- Take regular education courses to stay experts in the field of hearing loss treatment
- Cannot provide healthcare beyond the hearing assessment
- Cannot remove earwax from your ear canal
Audiologists
Audiologists have a graduate degree in audiology, which is 6 to 8 years of college education centered around hearing and related fields. They are certified both nationally and at the state level, and are trained to both treat your hearing loss and explain the specifics of what may have caused it.
Audiologists can also help identify ear-related problems like balance issues and vertigo, and provide guidance on treatment options.
No matter which type of provider your local HearingLife location has, you can be confident knowing that they will treat you with kindness and professionalism. Our goal is to help more people hear better – and every Team Member is here to support you on your journey to better hearing. Get started on your journey today by booking a complimentary hearing assessment.
How to become a hearing care professional
Are you interested in helping people and looking for a career change? Check out MyHearingU, a training program to help you pursue a career as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. If you’re already an audiologist or hearing professional, check out our careers page.