Becoming a Hearing Aid Specialist
We are here to support you through your journey of becoming a Hearing Aid Specialist. If you have any questions, please contact our Professional Development team.
Begin Your Training
Choose Your Pathway
There are two pathways to becoming a Hearing Aid Specialist: on-the-job training or an academic degree in hearing instrument sciences, which are offered at a few colleges in the US and Canada. The first step toward choosing the right path for you is to contact your local licensing agency to investigate the requirements set by your jurisdiction.
Find a Trainer
Most individuals enter the field through on-the-job training. If this is your path, your next step will be to find a trainer or mentor. IHS has a few resources to help you search.
Career Center
Find trainee positions in your desired area.
IHS Affiliate Chapters
Connect with hearing healthcare professionals in your region to learn who may be hiring.
Find a Provider Directory
Find clinicians in your area to contact for potential opportunities.
Enroll in a Training Program
In conjunction with your on-the-job training, we recommend finding a program that works for you, your trainer, and licensing agency. Your trainer and/or licensing agency may have a training program they prefer. We recommend the Distance Learning for Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences Course. This course is built to complement practical hands-on training and offers many benefits including a companion Trainer Manual and trainer toolbox for your trainer.
Join as a Student Member
IHS Student Membership is the best complement to your training. Membership enables you to tap into the network of trainees and professionals, access savings on training materials, and receive resources to advance your career and track the latest news in the field. Aligning yourself with your professional association also demonstrates your commitment to success personally and with employers.
Licensure Prep
Complete Your Training
Follow all requirements of your licensing agency. If you’re completing the Distance Learning Course, you must complete all required course content, including online exercises and chapter tests as well as pass the Final Exam to earn your Certificate of Completion. We recommend that your trainer tests you on each core skill and provides you with feedback to improve ahead of taking the Final Exam.
Read Up on IHS’ Best Practices
Confirm your Licensing Eligibility
Most licensing agencies in the US and Canada rely on the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE) for licensing determinations. When the licensing agency has deemed you eligible to take the ILE, they will notify IHS and IHS will contact you to schedule your exam.
Prepare for the Exam
As your scheduled exam date nears, this is the time to get ready! ILE Test Prep is the only official preparation platform for the ILE. It’s designed as a study companion for students to gain familiarity with the ILE, easing anxiety and helping identify weak points for more efficient studying.
Upon Earning Licensure
If you have passed your exams and become licensed – congratulations! Jumpstart your career by upgrading your IHS Student Membership to Professional Membership, and join your local/regional IHS Affiliate Chapter. These dual memberships provide complementary support and resources to support you through the full journey of this new career. Involvement in your local chapter also enables you to have a strong voice in legislative, regulatory, and other policy initiatives at all levels which benefits the profession overall.
Board Certification
Earn the distinguishing mark for the highest standards of skill and knowledge through Board Certification. The National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) is a separate organization, established to promote continuing competency assurance of hearing healthcare professionals through board certification. Upon achieving two years of active hearing aid dispensing experience, licensed professionals are invited to pursue board certification.
Continuing Education (CE)
As you turn your attention to maintaining your license – typically renewed annually or biannually – IHS offers a variety of opportunities and resources to manage your continuing education. Professional Members also have free continuing education opportunities through the e-Learning Portal.
Advanced Education
Staying ahead means going beyond the basics. Empower yourself to deliver exceptional care, master cutting-edge technologies, and meet the demands of your community through IHS’ Advanced Education programs.
