Hearing Healthcare Professionals: Hearing Instrument Specialists

In the field of hearing health, it can be easy to get confused about the titles assigned to each type of specialist. What makes the difference between an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist (also referred to as a hearing aid specialist), and which one you should see for various hearing health issues? To put it simply, an audiologist is educated and trained to deal with a much larger scope of hearing health services than a hearing instrument specialist, who – as the title suggests – specializes in fitting and selling hearing instruments.

In order to practice, an audiologist is required to hold an advanced degree in audiology, pass a national exam and meet individual state requirements for licensing. On the other hand, not all states require hearing instrument specialists to hold a degree. Licensing requirements vary, but most states expect prospective hearing instrument specialists to have a high school diploma, pass a licensing exam and participate in a brief internship with someone who is already licensed before they can legally fit and sell hearing aids.

Audiologists are qualified to perform comprehensive hearing exams in order to diagnose an individual’s type and degree of hearing loss. They also provide many other services including hearing rehabilitation, treatment options and referrals. A hearing instrument specialist conducts simple hearing tests to determine their client’s hearing aid needs.

So when should you visit a hearing instrument specialist instead of, or in addition to, an audiologist? Honestly, it depends on your needs and preferences. When it comes to hearing aid fitting and service, however, hearing instrument specialists are often more available, affordable and can provide just as professional advice about hearing aids as an audiologist, since it’s their specialty. Many people go to both – an audiologist for a more in-depth exam, and a hearing instrument specialist for their routine hearing aid needs.

Even though their expertise and scope of service are vastly different, both audiologists and hearing instrument specialists provide vital services in the hearing healthcare field. If your hearing has changed, consider scheduling a hearing test with a hearing instrument specialist to determine whether you need hearing aids and which type might work best for you.