{"id":3579,"date":"2019-09-10T08:28:54","date_gmt":"2019-09-10T13:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selectivehearingmatters.com\/index.php\/2019\/09\/10\/the-difference-between-an-audiologist-and-a-hearing-instrument-specialist\/"},"modified":"2019-09-10T08:28:54","modified_gmt":"2019-09-10T13:28:54","slug":"the-difference-between-an-audiologist-and-a-hearing-instrument-specialist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/selectivehearingmatters.com\/the-difference-between-an-audiologist-and-a-hearing-instrument-specialist\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we discover we need help with our hearing, it can feel discouraging. Untreated hearing problems<\/a> can result in many other conditions ranging in severity from depression and isolation to increased risks of falls, accidents, and injuries. It has also\u00a0been linked to higher risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s.<\/p>\n

That’s why it’s crucial to get the help you need as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

But when it comes to hearing loss treatment, how can you know which is right for you: an Audiologist or a Hearing Instrument Specialist?<\/p>\n

In this post, you will learn the differences between the two.<\/p>\n

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Hearing Instrument Specialist<\/h2>\n

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Education Requirements<\/span><\/p>\n

These individuals must be 18 years or older and have, at least, a high school diploma. While some employers of hearing instrument specialists might prefer to hire those with a bachelor’s degree, it is not required.<\/p>\n

Some states also require that these professionals pass and receive a state license, but not every state does.<\/p>\n

Also, some employers require a professional certification such as one from the\u00a0National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences<\/a>\u00a0but not all do. For individuals to take the certification exam, they must possess a current state dispensing license. They should have either two years of relevant work experience or an approved college diploma.<\/p>\n

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Skill Requirements<\/h3>\n

As with any profession that involves working with patients, hearing instrument specialists need to be good at communication and interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n

They must also possess excellent organizational skills that can assist them in maintaining patient records. Technical skills are also essential to being able to fit their clients with the right hearing devices properly.<\/p>\n

Mainly, a hearing aid specialist can perform hearing tests and fit their clients with hearing aids. They can also instruct their clients on the proper care and maintenance of their hearing devices.<\/p>\n

Hearing Instrument Specialists can work independently at a dispensary, in a hospital\/hospice setting, or as an assistant to audiologists.<\/p>\n

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Audiologists<\/h2>\n

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Education Requirements<\/h3>\n

Aspiring audiologists must first go to school for four years to earn a Bachelor’s degree. Once they accomplish this, they can choose to either pursue a Master’s Degree or attempt to pursue their doctorate without one. However, the\u00a0American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)<\/a> requires that all audiologists have a Master’s Degree in addition to the doctorate, while the\u00a0American Board of Audiology (ABA)<\/a> does not require a Master’s Degree.<\/p>\n

At the minimum, an audiologist’s education requirements involve at least eight years of education and as much as 12 years, depending on the type of certification they are seeking.<\/p>\n

Their education includes (but is not limited to) the in-depth medical study of communication-related sciences such as:<\/p>\n