Hearing Instrument Specialist
| Study location | Canada, Ontario, Kitchener |
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| Type | Diploma, College |
| Nominal duration | 2 years |
| Study language | English |
| Course code | 1176 |
| Tuition fee | CA$16,570 per year The fee is for the 2022–2023 academic year and includes tuition (CA$13,750), health insurance and ancillary charges. The fees displayed are estimates for two semesters and are subject to change. |
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| Registration fee | CA$400 one-time The registration fee includes the non-refundable application fee (CA$100) and the refundable deposit fee (CA$300). Please REVIEW the EdviseCanada`s fee policy. |
| Entry qualification | High School / Secondary Education (or higher) To be eligible for admission, you must possess a high school diploma including these required courses (or equivalents):
The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. |
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| Language requirements | English For direct admission, you must be from an English-speaking country or you must provide one of the English language proficiency tests below:
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| More information |
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Overview
This two-year diploma program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to practice evidence-informed hearing healthcare and to function as an integral member of the interprofessional health- care team.
Graduates of the program will have demonstrated the necessary patient-focused skills to manage the needs of the hard of hearing. The program provides a rich learning environment that utilizes classroom education, laboratory simulation, various interprofessional exercises, and clinical exposure to hone competency. The course work is designed to ensure the student is capable to assess hearing and provide hearing patients with appropriate rehabilitation options – in particular, the selection and fitting of today’s technologically-advanced hearing aids. Additionally, the course work will prepare the student to manage minor hearing aid and earmold repairs and modifications. It will prepare students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and critical thinking ability for proficiency within a hearing healthcare environment.
After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write national/provincial examinations and to complete 1000 hours of supervised internship through the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners (AHIP).
Program structure
Applicants should display integrity, reliability, maturity, self-direction, discipline and determination, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
As hearing instrument specialists work in a communication disorders field, strong English oral and written communication skills are important for success in this program.
Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for WIL learning experiences, students must present the following by the deadline indicated on the WIL Health & Safety requirements package which will be distributed in class at the end of year one:
- A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
Standard First Aid and CPR – Level C
Career opportunities
The scope of practice for the Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) is confined to the adult population, whose members present with no medical reason to contra-indicate the use of hearing aids. The HIS typically finds employment in private practice or in the hearing-aid manufacturing sector.