A Day in the life of a Registered Hearing Aid dispenser

                                written by Heather Elliott, Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser

Not a job often found on the list used by careers advisors!  (Certainly not a job I had come across prior to being introduced by a family member).  So, what is the job all about?

How many jobs can you return home from work with the knowledge that you have been able to offer and hopefully provide positive improvements to people’s lives on a daily basis? (For me, it’s an improvement on previous nine to five roles that I endured rather than enjoyed).

Prior to beginning a career in Hearing Aid Dispensing, each individual must be registered with the Hearing Aid Council (HAC). This body controls the practise of supplying hearing aids to the public on behalf of the Department of Health.

In order to obtain registration all hearing aid dispensers must undergo a period of supervised training (I remember it well, probably the most intensive course of my life) and then have been successful in theory, practical and aural examinations. (The most nerve racking day of my life!) The syllabus covered includes:- Hearing Aid Technology and selection, anatomy and physiology, acoustics, tests of auditory function, rehabilitation and the laws relating the hearing aid dispensing.

My job (or each individual challenge) begins with testing the hearing loss, determining the extent and type of loss incurred, then proceeding to offer my best advice with regards to the type and style of aid that will best suit or that will offer maximum improvement, taking into account the loss, lifestyle, budget and clients desires.  After demonstrating benefit and ensuring the client is aware that perfect hearing cannot be restored, (I can achieve the impossible but miracles take a little longer) I close the sale (on a good day). Proceed to take aural impressions (Silicone ear moulds) then send the order direct to the manufacturers.

Once the aids are received, I re-visit the client and begin the rehabilitation process (This is when the hard work starts and your talents begin). Often a long slow process, patience is a pre requisite for the job (along with the ability to drink copious amounts of tea!). Then it’s back on the road to meet my next appointment.

Improving quality of life for anyone, is rewarding itself, however, purely having the desire to “help the aged” is insufficient alone to be successful in this game.  Working for a private hearing aid company dictates that my achievements and successes are also judged on sales ability.  Being motivated by targets, enjoying a natural rapport with the public and having self motivation to succeed, allows me to enjoy the rewards. (They can be fantastic).  With personal recognition and financial stability only capped by my own limitations.

Each day I feel fortunate that I am in a respected role where I constantly utilise the skills I have learnt (and still continue to learn), in a magical cocktail of clinical, technical, scientific and counselling experience.  (Whilst still arriving home in time to enjoy time in my local with a more interesting cocktail!)

Hearing Aid Audiology is still a growing field and I feel confident that it is sure to provide a lifelong career with excellent prospects, providing constant new challenges and job satisfaction for every one involved, regardless of their background or previous experience. (And that hopefully includes me!!)