Difference between Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists

Website: www.DrCliffAuD.com
Clinic Website: www.AppliedHearingAZ.com
Do you know the difference between an Audiologist in Hearing Instrument Specialist?
1. Education
2. Examination Requirements
3. Clinical Practice
4. Research
5. Certification
Both are necessary to treat with the growing problem of hearing loss, but you should be well informed on the differences between the two.

[@jessicalosi]

Hii, I am from Brazil and I live in Santa Catarina-Brazil. I study fonoaudiologia at the university Univali Universidade do vale do Itajaí. Your content is excellent, I've been watching it since the first video! Many thanks!

[@satishpuri6701]

I have gone thru many of your videos. I think you are singularly contributing a lot on KZbin about ideal parameters for a really a good HA experience by users.

[@bubbaloumallahan]

Nice explanation and nice to see your ABA certification document on the wall!

[@DrCliffAuD]

Thanks Michael! My wall space and minimalistic view of life indicates just how important my Board Certification is to me. :-)

[@johnfisher3490]

As a AAS-HIS, BC-HIS, this is a very thorough and fair video. Thank you.

[@brianthacker6926]

Dr. Olson, Thank you for the great videos and information. I'm new to the field of Hearing Instrument Specialist and really appreciate the knowledge and education you provide. Keep it up, and again, thanks.

[@JohnnyDelaney-mc5ve]

Are you still in the industry ? Trying to break into it myself and wanted a little feedback.

[@normandy2005]

how i can get a certificate as hearing aid specialist? better on line. thanks

[@bethanyviolin]

Dr, I am in Tennessee. Can you recommend a hearing instrument specialist school and/or training program near me?

[@rehabsoliman1740]

This great explanation of the difference but would you recommend books helping both professionals to understand and fit Heaering aids according to patients needs?

[@joshua123r456]

Hey what are your thoughts on Recieving education on hearing aid specialist from the online hearing aid academy then to just go for an associates ? Do they have about the same value

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hi Cesar. I'm not really sure about the differences that you would receive from both. I do know there is a fair amount of value from hands on instruction, particularly from performing ear mold impressions and counseling.

[@Guy-vv2vm]

Is hearing instrument specialist a growing field and is it a good field to get into

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hi Mr. Marcus. Considering the aging baby boomer generation, there will likely be a shortage of qualified individuals to provide hearing services in the near future. However, with increased innovation and desire to remove any "middle men" from the hearing treatment world, it is likely that only the really good Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists will survive. So, if you are committed to following best practices and willing to innovate, I thing it would be a great field to get in to.

[@meh1943]

Hi. I’m 77 and just had an audiologist test my hearing with the classic result of hearing loss at high frequencies. Now I don’t know exactly what to do next. Since my insurance covers nothing, and I am on a budget......looking at hearing aids of around 4K is my max. Is one of your videos best to review for people like me who just got the hearing loss message....and need some direction where to turn next. FYI, the audiologist said she does not make recommendations on brands, etc.

[@slickricksettles]

Look into to costco, they offer top of the line hearing aids from $1500-$2700 per pair just as good as at the audiologist

[@byronaesmith944]

Hey I’m not sure what career I want to do, but I have been looking into hearing instrument specialist and I wanted to ask if it is a good Field to go into when you’re not sure what major or career you want to do yet?.

[@DrCliffAuD]

I find the hearing care industry to be very rewarding. I decided to go the route of Audiology instead of Hearing Instrument Sciences, but if hearing aids are what you want to work with primarily, I say go for it. Just make sure you obtain high-quality education in the field so you are capable of providing high-level care.

[@sophiabyers4216]

Can you recommend classes to take in high school to become an audiologist

[@DrCliffAuD]

Science classes. In college, focus on speech and hearing science,human biology, or engineering.

[@Junaidkhan-jw9xj]

Thanks sir

[@alissaclarke2642]

As a consumer, do you think finding a practice that provides Real Ear Measures is more important than whether the provider is an Audiologist or a HIS?

[@DrCliffAuD]

Yup!

[@travismajorpayne91]

Im a hearing instrument specialist and we have been trying to get our company to equip us with real ear measurement equipment. Im a year and a half into my career and it had proven to be a very interesting field to work in.

[@samshort365]

So in Australia we have audiometrists (Diploma or Bachelor of Audiometry), audiologists (Master of Audiology, with some having a PhD or very rarely an AuD from an American university) and audiometry nurses (Registered nurse, BN or MN, plus extra training in audiometry). Their work overlaps so much that job ads for work in private hearing clinics often ask for either one or the other without distinction, with the exception of the nurses, who work exclusively in either free community health settings, remote area health corps, and some regional hospitals and do not fit hearing aids. Audiometrists and audiologists are still both independent practitioners and each can prescribe hearing devices, although the former are not employed in hospitals and are, generally speaking, limited in scope to adults with the exclusion of cochlear devices. I would note, however, that the war of attrition between audiologists and audiometrists is still a contentious issue even here. As our education system is moving away from the British norm of professional Bachelor degrees (e.g. 6 year undergraduate combined Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) towards the American norm of professional Doctorates (e.g 4 year postgraduate MD), it will not be long I would imagine that the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) will be adopted here, as it has already somewhat been for medicine, as stated, optometry, physiotherapy, law etc.

[@kaylasmusic]

I would say just like a psychiatrist could do the same as a psychologist, if not more, Audiologists ahould be able to do exactly what a HIS could do, if not more!! This video makes no sense! That IS an audiologists job to fit hearing aids

[@Alhamdulilah28]

HI there ! In some countries like egypt most of the audiologist are Medical school graduate, and undergoes some training in hospital. It weird that United state has separate school for Audiology, So i was wondering what if those International audiology graduate with Medical knowledge background migrate to USA, will they ever be considered as Physician ? What pathway should they go for licensure and certification. How about the salary ? Audiologist salary here in egypt is almost equivalent to other physician annual salary earning

[@michaelzarateh]

Hello, in Chile and in Latinamerca the Fonoaudiologist are not Medical doctor but we are trained in the faculty of health sciences with training for 5 or 6 years in topics of Audiology, Vestibular, Language, Speech, Voice, Swallowing, Cognition and Orofacial Motricity. The specialist doctor in this case will be the Otolaryngologist who medicates and issues the prescription, and there is also another figure in Spain such as Foniatric. Finally in general, the difference lies in the possibility of indicating a pharmacological treatment. 😊

[@ted05owusu]

Hello Cliff, I did my first degree in Special education with communication disorders and sign language as majors. Where can I do my master's degree in Audiology in the united states and of course with some scholarships. Thanks!

[@Kris-cl5nl]

The requirement is now a doctorate degree so masters won’t be accepted 😊

[@kaylasmusic]

Undergrad, you can get in anything but you need a doctorate in audiology

[@user-zo1dn6km5s]

To be an Audiologist, u have to go to AUD, Doctoral course of 4 years not a master course, now. And most of AUD courses require some prerequsites such as linguistcs, neuroscience or communicative disorders, speech science or something like that. It's different by each school, so you have to check each school site. There're many AUD courses in the U.S.A and u can easily find some schools by googling. To get admissions, u have to prepare to listen to the prerequisite courses when u r undergraduate student in advance.

[@Itsellasky]

Where is the best school for online for HIS I live in California

[@quiasnoorzad]

Hearing Aid Academy

[@swatimahendru]

Nice

[@jimdavis8804]

P.s. I share your Vids on my Facebook.

[@willchristie2650]

The early bifurcation where an audiologist had to send someone to a Hearing Instrument Specialist to get hearing aids reminds me of the current day bifurcation between psychologists and psychiatrists. Since psychologists cannot prescribe anti-depression or anti-anxiety medications, their patients must see a psychiatrist for such a prescription, even though the psychiatrist knows next to nothing about these patients. This bifurcation was caused by the insurance industry that pays for psychological treatment but not the often far more expensive psychiatric treatment.

[@porshayharris3762]

what classes would we have to take in college to be a Hearing Instrument Specialists?

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hi Porshay, you are generally looking at some science courses about Acoustics & Psychoacousitcs, along with Speech classes (not public speaking, but how humans speak), Hearing aid fitting methods, technology, and Rehabilitation. Certificate programs are generally quick and can be taken full time or part time. I highly recommend going the formally trained route like at Ozarks Technical Community College. 33 worth while credit hours to get your certificate.

[@emiliocamposr.k1046]

What does the average day at work look like for an hearing instrument specialist ? how many hours does one work? do you think this field is future proof?

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hey Emilio. I'm pretty sure the day for a Hearing Instrument Specialist is similar to an Audiologist who only dispenses hearing aids. Basically, 8-5pm spent mostly working with patients doing hearing tests, dispensing hearing aids, and fitting/programming/adjusting hearing aids. You could probably find a part time position, but it is basically like most full time jobs from a "hours per day" standpoint. I do not believe that any field is future proof, adaptation is required in any field, HIS is no different.

[@jimsmith9853]

No volume warning on your video. THANKS. Now I need both an Audiologist and Hearing instrument specialist.

[@jimdavis8804]

Best practice must be number on in any Field. I’m A hearing aid Specialist and Don’t wear a Lab coat. Our Folks know we are not Doctors. We work in conjunction with A Otolaryngologists in town if we have any Contra indications of Needing Future Help. I Consider you as a Friend. A Much Need Friend who I Can Get Help if Needed. To Many in our Profession Don’t want to Communicate. Thanks always for Your Help .

[@zoozagt5]

If you dont mind me asking. How long have you been a hearing aid specialist and do you think it's a good career to get into?

[@jimdavis8804]

zoozagt5 thirty Yers. Yes it is the Best. If you love people and electronic you will love the Hearing Healthcare

[@jimdavis8804]

zoozagt5 30 years. I love it. If you love working with People and like electronic you’ll love the Hearing Healthcare Field. Own your on Practice as alone as you can. Always apply Best practice

[@kaylasmusic]

So basically you’re saying that i should have my audiologist refer me to an HIS? They shouldn’t be the ones to program my devices??

[@caroletraynor6337]

Why are there no subs!!!!

[@christinelee4439]

What high school classes should we take to become a hearing instrument specialist??

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hi Christine. I would recommend taking Anatomy and Physiology classes, Music, and English/Foreign Language classes. All of them have components that would benefit you when going through an associates degree program for Hearing Instrument Sciences.

[@christinelee4439]

Applied Hearing Solutions do i also need to go to specific colleges?

[@DrCliffAuD]

In some states, it is required to have an associates degree in Hearing Instrument Science. Not all states have this requirement. However, if you want to become a good one, I highly suggest you get an Associates. Here are the programs in the US & Canada: ihsinfo.org/IhsV2/education/collegeprograms.cfm

[@christinelee4439]

Thank you so much!

[@VixxxenXO]

Hey! Do you think it’s a good idea to invest on the Hearing Aid Academy online ?

[@quiasnoorzad]

I just signed up with Hearing Aid Academy with their black Friday deal. Pretty nervous...

[@BedlamBomb]

@@quiasnoorzad How did it go?

[@quiasnoorzad]

@@BedlamBomb honestly I’ve been on and off on their program because of my situation. It’s pretty tough to study the program but one thing I do really like about it it’s self paced which can help out tons!

[@michaelangeloencarnacion3985]

Which one of the experts helps an individual improves their hearing.

[@DrCliffAuD]

Both

[@eggfishy]

I have a master’s degree in speech and hearing science. I used it to become a speech-language pathologist. I hate it and wish I became an audiologist instead. I’m already in too much school debt as it is so I’m thinking about becoming a hearing aid specialist. I was in an auditory-oral school for a bit and loved watching the specialists and audiologists work with the kids

[@iseeds1296]

Where can we apply I’m in New York

[@kokidchaz4790]

I don't understand what's the difference

[@michaelzarateh]

Why can’t an SLP become an Audiologist? As ASLP? In my country, training is linked with knowledge of Audiology, Vestibular, Speech, Language, Cognition, Swallowing, Voice, Orafacial Motor; an Fonoaudiologist specializes in each area you want 😊

[@kaylasmusic]

@@kokidchaz4790Audiologist SHOULD be able to so exactly what HIS could do. If not more!

[@livelovelaugh473]

@Doctor Cliff: Do you think that is necessary for a hearing aid specialist to go to college? And for two years? Do you think a one year program would suffice?

[@DrCliffAuD]

I think it is better to get some formal education and the more the better. When I was deciding between HIS and AuD myself, I wanted to make sure my scope of practice was as large as possible. The two year programs are very comprehensive and very good from what I have heard.

[@livelovelaugh473]

@@DrCliffAuD Ok thanks.

[@itsarya9975]

sir Is it difficult to become a hearing instrument specialist? Please tell me the duration of bachelors degree and master degree of hearing instrument specialists? Can a student wearing a hearing aid become a hearing instrument specialists? Please suggest me more detail about hearing instrument specialists. - From Nepal

[@kokidchaz4790]

Don't fo to school they have certification programs, I repeat dont go to traditional schools

[@kaylasmusic]

Its like a how a psychiatrist can do what a psychologist can do, if not more,.. an audiologist should be able to do exactly what a HIS could do, if not more!! This video makes no sense! That IS an audiologists job to fit hearing aids!

[@johnwilliams2778]

So basically you are saying that you're smarter than hearing aid specialists... when hearing aid specialists will make just as much or more money without spending 8 years in college accumulating student loans. HA specialists are hearing healthcare professionals that are licensed by the health department and they take their profession seriously.

[@DrCliffAuD]

That is not what I am saying at all. I am happy to work along side Hearing Instrument Specialists. I definitely think they provide a valuable service regardless of their education level. We are all in the same fight against hearing loss.

[@markj363]

@@DrCliffAuD How many H.I.S's do you employ in your clinics?

[@mw3miner]

Thanks Tom Brady loool.

[@markj363]

I've been a practicing H.I.S for the past 15 yrs. I would put my fitting skills up against any Audiologist around. Being an Audiologist doesn't make you a better hearing aid fitter. My career return rate is under 7% and even less if you throw out people that return for financial reasons. I can tell by the way you speak in this video that you are "in a round about way", slyly telling people to go to an Audiologist as opposed to an H.I.S because we are less educated, less informed and therefore less qualified in the science of fitting hearing aids and that is not only unfortunate and inaccurate, but uncalled for and rather ignorant and shameful. I practice under the shadow of the mighty Mayo Clinic and over the past 15 yrs, I have hundreds of patients that have chosen me over them after trying hearing aids at both places...and they are all Audiologists or Doctors of Audiology from arguably the best medical facility in the world. Congrats on your 8 years of college, but those credentials don't guarantee success.

[@birdwing98]

I'm 58 and have had difficulty hearing for at least 15 years. Gotten worse in the last 5. My left ear is worse. I take Flonase for allergies and I believe my hearing varies based on congestion. I don't necessarily have trouble nasal breathing, but sometimes feel pressure in left ear. I have worse days and better days. I had a pre-employment hearing test in my early 20's and they said I had significant high frequency loss in both ears, but that test was probably taken in the Winter before I discovered Flonase. You being a H.I.S. are you qualified to determine WHY I have hearing loss? Or maybe that's not an important question, just find a solution?

[@buckeye-pe6df]

Audiology is dying field. Licensed hearing aid dispensers can earn more than Audiologists and not aquire the debt of a doctorate degree.

[@DrCliffAuD]

How do they earn more?

[@nightterror007]

Probably those who own their own companies.. not sure exactly what they mean specificaly though.

[@kaylasmusic]

Audiologists ahould be able to do exactly what a HIS could do, if not more!! This video makes no sense! That IS an audiologists job to fit hearing aids!!! LMAO 🤣