Top 10 Hearing Instrument Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for hearing instrument specialists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional expertise and knowledge. They provide evidence to employers that the specialist has met specific, evidence-based standards and has the necessary skills and qualifications to work in the field. Furthermore, certifications can help hearing instrument specialists stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired by a potential employer. Lastly, many states require hearing instrument specialists to hold certain certifications before they can legally practice.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Hearing Instrument Specialists and explain how they can contribute to a Hearing Instrument Specialist's career.

What are Hearing Instrument Specialist Certifications?

Hearing instrument specialist certification is a certification program designed to help individuals become certified to work as hearing aid specialists. The program requires that individuals successfully complete training and pass an exam, which covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of the ear, hearing loss, hearing aid technology and fitting, audiometric testing, hearing aid styles and components, counseling techniques, and professional responsibility. This certification provides practitioners with the knowledge necessary to provide quality care to patients with hearing loss.

By becoming certified as a hearing instrument specialist, practitioners can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services to those in need of hearing assistance. Certification also enables practitioners to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in technology and be better prepared to assist their clients with the best possible solutions for their individual needs. Additionally, being certified provides professionals with credibility when interacting with other healthcare professionals or working with insurance companies. Finally, having this certification may open doors for employment opportunities within the field of audiology or related fields.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the hearing instrument specialist certification requirements in your state, as they can vary widely. Additionally, many states will require a certain number of hours of continuing education credits to maintain certification. Taking the time to stay up-to-date on changes to the regulations and requirements will help you maintain your certification and keep your skills sharp.

Related: What does a Hearing Instrument Specialist do?

Top 10 Hearing Instrument Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Hearing Instrument Specialists today.

1. American Board of Audiology (ABA)

The American Board of Audiology (ABA) is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies audiologists who meet its standards for professional practice. The ABA was founded in 1996 and is the only accrediting body for audiologists in the United States. It is recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Council for Accreditation in Audiology Education (CAA).

It takes a minimum of two years to become board certified by the ABA. During this time, applicants must complete a doctoral degree program in audiology from an accredited institution, pass a comprehensive written examination, and complete at least 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. Once these requirements have been met, applicants can apply for certification through the ABA website.

The cost of becoming board certified with the ABA varies depending on the applicant's individual situation. Typically, it costs around $1,000 to apply for certification and there are additional fees associated with taking the written exam and completing clinical experience requirements.

2. National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)

The National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) is a nationally recognized certification program that provides qualified hearing instrument specialists with the knowledge and skills they need to properly fit, adjust, and maintain hearing instruments. This certification is offered through the National Hearing Instrument Dispensers Association (NHIDA).

To become certified as an NBC-HIS, you must complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education courses within five years prior to applying for the exam. Additionally, you must have at least two years of experience in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments. Once these requirements are met, you can apply to take the NBC-HIS exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology of the ear, acoustics and physics related to hearing instruments, patient counseling, audiology principles and practice, and more.

The cost for taking the NBC-HIS exam is $250 USD. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from NHIDA which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. International Hearing Society (IHS)

The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a professional organization for hearing healthcare professionals, such as audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and speech-language pathologists. It was founded in 1951 with the mission of promoting excellence in hearing care through education, advocacy, and service to its members and the public. IHS provides continuing education opportunities for its members, including webinars, conferences, and workshops. It also offers certification programs that demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field of hearing healthcare.

In order to become an IHS member, applicants must meet certain criteria related to their educational background or experience in the field. Once these criteria are met, applicants can complete an online application form and submit it along with any required documents. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen but typically range from $75-$200 annually.

Once accepted into IHS, members gain access to a variety of benefits including discounts on products and services related to hearing healthcare; access to online resources such as webinars and publications; networking opportunities; representation at legislative hearings; and more.

4. American Academy of Audiology (AAA)

The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) is a professional organization for audiologists dedicated to providing quality hearing healthcare services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness. AAA members are audiologists who have met the highest standards in their field.

It typically takes two years to become an AAA member. To be eligible for membership, applicants must have a doctoral degree in audiology from an accredited college or university and be licensed to practice audiology in the United States or its territories. Applicants must also meet additional requirements such as having completed a minimum number of continuing education credits and having held active clinical practice for at least three years.

To apply for AAA membership, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of licensure, and letters of recommendation. Once the application is approved by the AAA Board of Directors, applicants will be invited to join the organization as a member.

The cost of AAA membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen. The annual fee for regular members is $250 USD; discounted rates are available for students ($50 USD), retired members ($125 USD), international members ($175 USD), and corporate members ($500 USD).

5. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a professional, scientific, and credentialing association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States. Founded in 1925 by a group of seven speech pathologists, ASHA has grown to become the world’s largest professional organization for these professionals.

It takes approximately two years to complete the process of becoming an ASHA member. First, you must meet the eligibility requirements which include having a master’s degree or higher from an accredited program in communication sciences and disorders. You will also need to pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. After meeting all of these requirements you can then apply to become an ASHA member by submitting your application online or through mail.

The cost of joining ASHA depends on your membership type. For example, if you are applying as a student member it will cost $50 per year while if you are applying as a clinical fellow it will cost $220 per year. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining certification from ASHA such as exam fees and continuing education credits.

In addition to providing members with access to resources such as journals and conferences, ASHA also provides advocacy services for its members. This includes lobbying for legislation that supports speech-language pathology and audiology professionals as well as advocating for better access to services for individuals who need them.

6. Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC)

The Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification and accreditation programs for hearing conservation professionals. CAOHC’s mission is to promote the highest standards of practice in occupational hearing conservation through the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs.

To become certified by CAOHC, applicants must complete a two-step process: first, they must pass an exam that covers topics such as noise control strategies, audiometric testing techniques, and hearing protection device selection; second, they must complete a supervised field experience program. The field experience program consists of at least 20 hours of supervised activities related to occupational hearing conservation.

In order to be eligible to take the CAOHC exam, applicants must have either a bachelor's degree or equivalent education in audiology or speech-language pathology from an accredited university or college; OR have completed an approved training program in occupational hearing conservation; OR have at least three years of full-time experience in the field of occupational hearing conservation.

The cost for taking the CAOHC exam is $225 USD. The fee includes the cost of materials needed to prepare for the exam and access to online resources. It typically takes 1-2 months to complete all requirements necessary for certification.

7. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works to protect workers from potential health hazards in the workplace. NIOSH provides research, recommendations, and guidance on occupational safety and health topics such as chemical safety, ergonomics, infectious diseases, noise exposure, respiratory protection, and more. It also conducts research on the causes of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Getting a NIOSH certification typically takes about 2-3 months depending on the complexity of the application process. To get certified by NIOSH, you must submit an application package that includes an application form with your company’s information; a detailed description of your products or services; proof of quality control procedures; evidence of worker training; documentation of compliance with applicable regulations; and other required documents. The cost for obtaining a NIOSH certification varies depending on the type of product or service being certified. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

8. American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHF)

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding, research, and treatment of communication disorders. It was founded in 1945 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The ASHF provides grants and scholarships to support research, education, and training related to speech-language pathology and audiology.

It typically takes about two weeks for an application to be processed. Applications can be submitted online at the ASHF website or mailed directly to the foundation with all necessary documents. Applicants must provide information on their academic background, financial need, and research interests.

The cost of applying for a grant or scholarship from the ASHF varies depending on the type of award being applied for. Generally speaking, most applications require a fee of $35-$50. Additional fees may also be required depending on the specific award being applied for.

In addition to grants and scholarships, the ASHF also offers awards for outstanding achievements in speech-language pathology and audiology. These awards are presented annually at the ASHA Convention and are open to all members of ASHA who meet certain criteria.

9. International Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies (IIHIS)

The International Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies (IIHIS) is a professional organization dedicated to training and educating hearing instrument specialists. It provides the highest quality education and training in the field of hearing instrument sciences. The program includes both classroom and clinical instruction, as well as hands-on experience with various types of hearing aids.

The IIHIS program consists of two parts: a basic course, which takes three months to complete, and an advanced course, which takes six months to complete. Both courses include lectures, practical lab work, and supervised clinical practice. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS).

To get certified by IIHIS, individuals must first apply for admission into the program by submitting an application form and paying a fee. Once accepted into the program, students must attend all classes and complete all assignments in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the IIHIS program varies depending on whether you choose the basic or advanced course. The basic course costs $2,000 while the advanced course costs $4,000. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the HIS certification exam.

10. National Association of Hearing Instrument Specialists (NAHIS).

The National Association of Hearing Instrument Specialists (NAHIS) is a professional organization for hearing instrument specialists. It is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of quality in hearing healthcare and providing its members with education, certification, and advocacy.

NAHIS offers certification programs for those who wish to become certified as a hearing instrument specialist. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have at least two years of experience working as a hearing instrument specialist or in a related field, such as audiology or speech-language pathology. The program includes an online exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of the ear, hearing loss diagnosis and treatment, fitting and programming of hearing instruments, patient counseling, and business practices.

It typically takes four to six weeks to complete the NAHIS certification process. Once applicants pass the exam they will receive their certification from NAHIS which is valid for three years.

The cost of the NAHIS certification program varies depending on whether you are already a member of NAHIS or not. For non-members, the cost is $250 while members pay $175. The fee covers all materials needed to take the exam including study guides and practice tests.

To get started with the NAHIS certification program you can visit their website at www.nahis.org where you can find information about eligibility requirements, application forms, study materials, and more.

Do You Really Need a Hearing Instrument Specialist Certificate?

No, you do not need a Hearing Instrument Specialist Certificate to become a hearing instrument specialist. However, obtaining this certification may be beneficial depending on the state you are in and the requirements necessary to become a hearing instrument specialist. It is important to research the specific requirements in your state before deciding if this certification is necessary.

In some states, having a Hearing Instrument Specialist Certificate is required in order to practice as a hearing instrument specialist. In these cases, it would be essential for anyone interested in becoming a hearing instrument specialist to obtain this certification. Other states may have different requirements or less stringent regulations when it comes to becoming a hearing instrument specialist. Depending on the state you are in and its regulations, you may be able to become a hearing instrument specialist without holding this certificate.

Having a Hearing Instrument Specialist Certificate can also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs as a hearing instrument specialist. Many employers prefer candidates who hold this certificate because they demonstrate knowledge of the field and have taken the initiative to obtain additional credentials that make them more qualified for the job. Additionally, many states require continuing education credits (CECs) for license renewal; having this certificate may qualify an individual for CECs which can help them stay up-to-date on industry standards and trends.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Hearing Instrument Specialist Certificate depends on where you live and what job opportunities are available in your area. Researching your state’s regulations is essential before making any decisions about obtaining additional certifications. Having this certificate can give you an advantage when applying for jobs and may even be necessary depending on where you live; however, it is ultimately up to each individual to decide if obtaining this certification is worth the time and effort involved with doing so.

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FAQs About Hearing Instrument Specialist Certifications

1. What certification is required to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

Answer: A Hearing Instrument Specialist must have a valid state license or certificate in order to practice. Requirements vary by state, but generally include completion of an accredited hearing instrument specialist program, passing an exam, and obtaining a license.

2. How do I become certified as a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as a Hearing Instrument Specialist, you must complete an accredited hearing instrument specialist program and pass the corresponding exam. Once you have done this, you can apply for your state license or certificate.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Hearing Instrument Specialist depends on the individual’s commitment and dedication to the program. Generally, it takes between six months and one year to complete an accredited program and pass the necessary exams.

4. What type of experience do I need to be eligible for certification?

Answer: Most states require that applicants for certification have at least one year of experience working in the field of hearing health care prior to applying for certification as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. It is also important that applicants possess excellent communication skills and knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to hearing health care.

5. Is there continuing education required for certification renewal?

Answer: Yes, most states require that licensed hearing instrument specialists complete continuing education credits in order to keep their license current and valid each year. In addition, some states may require additional training or testing prior to renewing the license or certificate every few years.