What to Expect When Visiting an Audiologist

There are 3 main types of hearing care professionals across the US. They range in levels of formal trainings, certifications and advanced degrees of education. It is important to note that each type has gone through formal training and been licensed by their state to recommend, dispense, and service hearing aids.

Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) or Hearing Aid Specialist (HAS) are individuals who have completed vocational training in theory and also logged a set number of hours of practical training before being licensed by their state. They are experts in testing for hearing loss and recommending the latest in hearing aid technology. HIS/HAS's are also required to complete a set number continuing education units during the year.

Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences (BC-HIS) are those HIS/HAS's who have ​been dispensing hearing aids for at least 2 years.  During that time they have gone through studies and have passed an certification board exam. They are also required to maintain continuing education units during the year.

Audiologist (AuD) is a hearing care professional that have advanced levels of education, either earning a Master's or Doctorate in the field of Audiology. Their course work may include the study of hearing loss, balance disorders, anatomy and physiology, genetics, etc. They are capable of evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders.

The lifestyle assessment is an interview of the patient where the HCP will be asking you questions to gain a better understanding of your personal hearing situation.  These questions will be about your daily needs and leisure activities (socializing, watching television, theater, sports, etc.).  The more the HCP can get to know you, the better their recommendation as to the type of hearing solution and functions are appropriate to meet all your needs.

The hearing test will provide you with information on your hearing performance. You will be asked to sit in a specially equipped room, and sounds will be played to you through headphones. You may be asked to repeat words that you hear. The audiologist will create a hearing curve based on your responses. This visual representation of your hearing ability is known as an audiogram. The results of the hearing test form the basis of subsequent personalized advice and procedures.

If you are interested in a career as a hearing care professional, we encourage you to look into the state requirements for hearing instrument specialist or hearing aid specialist. Some of you may be interested in working in our centers as a Patient Care Coordinator first to get a feel for this job environment. Please visit our career page for more information.

During their practical training, aspiring professionals learn how to provide their clients with the correct advice, how to support them in selecting the appropriate hearing aid, and how to adjust and maintain the devices. Once their training is complete, audiologists work either at hearing aid companies, or for larger industrial hearing aid manufacturers.