Hearing Instrument Specialist
Interest in analyzing data to fit and adjust hearing aids
Interest in speaking with patients to ensure comfort and fit of hearing aids during follow-up examinations and readjustments
Interest in operating equipment to take ear impressions for use in the manufacture of audio prostheses; may test patients' hearing
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.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, hearing aid practitioners:
Most hearing aid practitioners work in privately owned clinics, offices or retail businesses. Hours of work vary and may include evening and weekend work to accommodate client needs. Some travel may be required.
Working with clients who have unrealistic expectations can be stressful.
Hearing aid practitioners need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy compiling, recording and analyzing test results, working with adults of all ages (particularly senior citizens) and working with different types of equipment and technology.
Hearing aid practitioners may learn on the job under the supervision of a qualified practitioner and take a related education program at the same time, or take the education program and then look for work. They should be comfortable using computers.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Hearing aid practitioners examine and evaluate adult human hearing as it relates to hearing acuity, sensitivity and communication, and select and fit appropriate hearing instruments.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Hearing Aid Practitioners Profession Regulation, registration with the College of Hearing Aid Practitioners of Alberta (CHAPA) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members who are authorized by the College may perform restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves Hearing Aid Practitioners.
Applicants for registration as a Hearing Aid Practitioner must successfully complete an approved program of studies. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the CHAPA website or contact CHAPA.
Hearing aid practitioners who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered practitioners 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).
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated hearing aid practitioners, see Hearing Aid Practitioner Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
College of Hearing Aid Practitioners of Alberta
CHAPA Registrar
Suite 114
2, 3012 17 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2A 0P9
Toll-free phone number: 1-866-990-4327
Website: www.chapa.ca
Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Most hearing aid practitioners are employed in privately owned clinics, offices or businesses located in midsize or large cities. Many are self-employed.
Experienced hearing aid practitioners may start their own businesses or move into related occupations such as a technical sales representative with a hearing aid manufacturing company.
Hearing aid practitioners are part of the larger 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 in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 3,600 Albertans are employed in the Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 112 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As hearing aid practitioners form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for hearing aid practitioners.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hearing aid practitioners may:
Hearing aid practitioners are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3237: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment occupational group earned on average from $20.16 to $27.51 an hour. The overall average wage was $20.85 an hour. For more information, see the Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment wage profile.
College of Hearing Aid Practitioners of Alberta website: www.chapa.ca
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences website: www.nbc-his.com
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Apr 10, 2014. 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.