Audiometric Technician

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:

• 2006 NOC: Audiometric Assistants (3235.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (D235) 
• 2011 NOC: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237) 

Audiometric technicians work with audiologists, doctors and occupational health nurses. Their duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another. In general, they:

• use audiometers to conduct hearing tests for workers
• ensure audiometers and related equipment works
• ensure the testing environment falls within an acceptable decibel range
• maintain a log book for each audiometer that includes calibration records
• maintain records of tests
• keep workers’ test data private.

Conducting a hearing test usually involves:

• learning about a client’s medical history regarding hearing
• describing how tests work
• checking clients’ ears for signs of infection (or anything that might stop sound waves from reaching the middle ear)
• using audiometers to measure hearing levels
• recording results and giving a copy to the client
• classifying results
• discussing results with clients or their caregivers
• referring clients to audiologists or doctors.

In keeping with the Alberta Occupation Health and Safety Code, audiometric technicians:

• find a suitable testing environment
• conduct a baseline hearing test for each worker within 6 months of employment
• conduct regular follow-up tests to track changes in each worker’s hearing
• teach workers about the use, care and fit of personal hearing protection.

They may also:

• record data that measures the effectiveness of hearing conservation programs
• co-ordinate schedules for screening programs
• make follow-up appointments
• do other things to support an employer’s noise management program.

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:

• good people skills
• the ability to speak and write clearly
• attention to detail
• patience
• the ability to work alone and as part of a team
• basic computer skills
• an interest in biology and technology
• problem-solving skills (for dealing with equipment problems).

They should enjoy:

• compiling and recording test results
• working with people
• operating equipment such as audiometers.

Audiometric technicians may work in:

• private health clinics (such as audiologists’ offices)
• hospitals
• occupational health clinics
• companies that provide mobile audiometric testing services
• companies that have in-house hearing conservation programs.

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:

• Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf]
• Retail Trade [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation

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.

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 Supports Centre near you.