A hearing instrument specialist is a healthcare professional who has been trained to evaluate adults for hearing loss and dispense hearing aids. They are licensed by the state where they practice and may also be known as hearing aid dispensers.
What Does a Hearing Instrument Specialist Do?
When you see a hearing instrument specialist, they may
- Administer hearing tests.
- Help you select the hearing aids that will serve you best.
- Program, maintain and repair hearing aids.
- Create ear impressions and ear molds.
How Does a Hearing Instrument Specialist Differ From an Audiologist?
The main areas where these specialists differ is scope of practice and education. Hearing instrument specialists assess hearing loss and fit hearing aids, while audiologists perform full diagnostic evaluations of the auditory system from the outer ear to the brain. Audiologists are also trained to treat conditions like tinnitus, hyperacusis and auditory processing disorders, whereas hearing instrument specialists focus on evaluating common types of hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for adults.
Once a hearing instrument specialist has completed their training, they must pass an exam to receive their license. After they have been practicing for a minimum of two years, they are eligible to apply for certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences Exam Committee.
If you’re an adult experiencing hearing loss without other complications, a hearing instrument specialist can help you reconnect to the sounds of your world. Get in touch with our team today to begin this process.
Call Lakelands ENT at (864) 227-6741 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Call Lakelands ENT at (864) 227-0444 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
