In order to become a hearing aid specialist in the United States, you will need to be a high school graduate or have a GED. Depending on the state where you will be looking for a job, some of the requirements may vary a bit. The majority of states require candidates to pass a state licensing exam. In addition, you will need to successfully complete the national exam for hearing aid specialists. Some employers will ask applicants to complete an apprenticeship before being hired on as a regular employee.
For many positions, you will need to have at least one or two years of practical work experience. There are usually some employers, however, who are willing to train qualified individuals. One of the most common ways for people to initially find this type of job is through an internship while still in school. Some medical offices or hearing aid specialty companies routinely hire interns to work for them on a part-time basis. Keep in mind that not all of these positions are paid.
You need to be prepared to have direct interaction with physicians and patients on a daily basis if you want to become a hearing aid specialist,. The ability to actively talk and listen to others is of critical importance in this job. People who work in this industry should be able to communicate in writing and orally, so having a solid grasp of the English language is recommended. It might also be advisable to take a few courses in English, writing, and communications before you actively begin your job search.
Anyone who wants to become a hearing aid specialist should feel comfortable working in close physical contact with patients. One of the largest aspects of this job is administering hearing tests, and this generally requires a certain degree of directness and familiarity, in order to put people at ease. Good candidates for this job usually have outgoing personalities and enjoy friendly conversation with customers, patients, and physicians. Employees who have a friendly, approachable demeanor are typically the most successful in this particular industry.
Individuals who want to become a hearing aid specialist may also be responsible for fitting patients with new hearing aids. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable enough to recommend certain products to anyone who asks for assistance. In smaller offices, professionals might be in charge of office operations, including accepting and processing payments, and creating work schedules for other employees.