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Hearing Instrument Specialist: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Prepared for a specialized role in auditory health care, this program equips students with the technical and interpersonal skills needed to assess hearing needs and deliver personalized hearing solutions. Graduates are trained to support patients through accurate diagnosis, tailored device selection, and ongoing care, promoting improved quality of life through enhanced hearing function.

  • Acoustics: Explores the physical properties of sound and how it interacts with hearing devices and the human auditory system to optimize signal clarity and perception.
  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the auditory system, from outer ear to central nervous pathways.
  • Hearing Testing: Focuses on administering and interpreting audiometric evaluations to determine the nature and degree of hearing loss in patients.
  • Hearing Aid Fitting and Technology: Covers the selection, customization, and real-world application of modern hearing assistive devices, including digital signal processing and wireless integration.
  • Health Promotion and Rehabilitation: Emphasizes strategies to prevent hearing deterioration and support long-term auditory wellness through education and intervention.
  • Counseling and Communication: Develops interpersonal techniques for guiding patients through emotional and practical challenges related to hearing loss and device use.
  • Business Management: Introduces operational principles for managing hearing care practices, including client relations, inventory, billing, and compliance.
  • Professional Ethics: Addresses standards of conduct, patient confidentiality, and responsible decision-making within the hearing health care field.

Hearing Instrument Specialist Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

12
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
1
Universities & Colleges
1
Career Pathways

Hearing Instrument Specialist Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hearing Instrument Specialist degrees, including Hearing Aid Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 10,580 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Hearing Aid Specialists 29-2092 $61,560 $36,950 - $91,000 10,580 $29.60

Hearing Instrument Specialist Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $36,240 in South Carolina to $91,000 in Hawaii—a 151% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New York, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 10,580 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Hearing Instrument Specialist by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 1 institutions offering Hearing Instrument Specialist programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Hearing Instrument Specialist is found at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 12 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC)
Associate's
12 Spokane, Washington Public sfcc.spokane.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Hearing Instrument Specialist programs

How much can I earn with a Hearing Instrument Specialist degree?

Salaries for Hearing Instrument Specialist graduates vary by role and location. Hearing Aid Specialists earn a median of $61,560 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $91,000 compared to $36,240 in South Carolina. Approximately 10,580 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Hearing Instrument Specialist programs?

Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Hearing Instrument Specialist degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) (12 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

What career paths are available with a Hearing Instrument Specialist degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Hearing Aid Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 10,580 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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