Occupational Hearing Conservationist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $21.11 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $24.87 |
| Top | $27.65 |
Interest in compiling and recording test results
Interest in speaking with patients to instruct them in testing and examination procedures
Interest in operating audiometers to administer hearing tests; and in fitting earphones and bone conductors on patients
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Audiometric technicians work with audiologists, doctors and occupational health nurses. Their duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another. In general, they:
Conducting a hearing test usually involves:
In keeping with the Alberta Occupation Health and Safety Code, audiometric technicians:
They may also:
In Alberta, a person who selects, fits and sells hearing aids, and provides counselling and troubleshooting support for hearing aid users, must be a registered hearing aid practitioner or audiologist.
Audiometric technicians work in clinics, hospitals, schools and work sites. Some technicians travel to work sites to provide mobile testing services.
Some technicians may work regular weekday hours. Others may be required to work some early morning, evening or weekend hours.
Audiometric technicians need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Audiometric technicians come from various health care backgrounds. Some may be nurses who test hearing as part of their job. Others may be paramedics who perform hearing tests on a part-time basis.
The minimum education required to administer audiometric testing is successful completion of an audiometric technician training course approved by the Government of Alberta or an approved equivalent. The approved course is currently offered through distance education by MacEwan University in Edmonton and classroom instruction at THM Audiology Group Ltd. in Calgary. Audiometric technicians must recertify every 5 years.
Most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with labourers or the general public is an asset. Some employers prefer applicants who have a valid driver’s licence.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Audiometric technicians administer tests to measure hearing. They work under the supervision of a physician, audiologist or occupational health nurse.
Under Part 16 of Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code, employers must provide initial (baseline) and follow-up audiometric testing for workers exposed to excess noise at the worksite. These audiometric tests must be administered by an audiometric technician who works in consultation with a physician, audiologist or occupational health nurse designated by the employer.
Certification requires successful completion of an audiometric technician training course approved by the Director of Medical Services or an approved equivalent. Re-qualification is required every five years. For official, detailed information about certification requirements, contact Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Program Development, Government of Alberta.
Audiometric technicians who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified audiometric technicians in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Program Development
Government of Alberta
8th Floor, Labour Building
10808 - 99 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5K 0G5
Call: 780-427-2687
Fax: 780-422-0014
Website: work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety.html
Audiometric technicians may work in:
Some work on a contract basis.
With additional education and training, an audiometric technician may become a hearing aid practitioner.
Audiometric technicians are part of the 2011 National Occupational Classification 3237: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment. In Alberta, 87% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the D235: Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 112 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hourly wages are directly related to the technician’s qualifications.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $13.00 | $36.81 | $21.11 | $19.92 |
| Overall | $19.25 | $42.06 | $24.87 | $22.27 |
| Top | $20.15 | $47.30 | $27.65 | $26.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $49,886 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $46,457 |
| Educational Services | $22,206 |
Government of Alberta, audiometric technician training website: work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety/audiometric-training.html
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 22, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.