[Core] [55% incumbents] Counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss.
  DWAs: Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments. | Counsel family members of clients or patients.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.
  DWAs: Test patient hearing.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Administer basic hearing tests including air conduction, bone conduction, or speech audiometry tests.
  DWAs: Test patient hearing.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Maintain or repair hearing aids or other communication devices.
  DWAs: Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices. | Repair medical facility equipment.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Perform basic screening procedures, such as pure tone screening, otoacoustic screening, immittance screening, and screening of ear canal status using otoscope.
  DWAs: Test patient hearing. | Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Create or modify impressions for earmolds and hearing aid shells.
  DWAs: Fabricate medical devices.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in audiology.
  DWAs: Maintain medical or professional knowledge.

[Core] [55% incumbents] Demonstrate assistive listening devices (ALDs) to clients.
  DWAs: Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.

[Supplemental] [55% incumbents] Diagnose and treat hearing or related disabilities under the direction of an audiologist.
  DWAs: Diagnose medical conditions. | Treat chronic diseases or disorders.

[Core] [54% incumbents] Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
  DWAs: Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.

[Supplemental] [54% incumbents] Assist audiologists in performing aural procedures, such as real ear measurements, speech audiometry, auditory brainstem responses, electronystagmography, and cochlear implant mapping.
  DWAs: Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.25 lvl:3.38) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Learning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Monitoring (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:2.12 lvl:2.62) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.75 lvl:5.45) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Sales and Marketing (imp:4.24 lvl:5.12) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:4.18 lvl:4.76) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.13 lvl:4.44) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Computers and Electronics (imp:4.02 lvl:4.90) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Administrative (imp:3.96 lvl:4.57) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  English Language (imp:3.81 lvl:3.88) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Administration and Management (imp:3.73 lvl:3.69) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Economics and Accounting (imp:3.54 lvl:3.30) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Psychology (imp:3.51 lvl:4.36) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Engineering and Technology (imp:3.46 lvl:3.78) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Education and Training (imp:3.44 lvl:4.54) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:3.24 lvl:3.47) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Communications and Media (imp:2.97 lvl:3.34) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Production and Processing (imp:2.91 lvl:2.30) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Law and Government (imp:2.89 lvl:1.98) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Biology (imp:2.82 lvl:2.78) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Mathematics (imp:2.80 lvl:3.72) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Mechanical (imp:2.69 lvl:2.77) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.54 lvl:2.31) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.37 lvl:1.99) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Telecommunications (imp:2.18 lvl:1.75) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Physics (imp:2.10 lvl:2.34) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Design (imp:2.05 lvl:2.13) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Transportation (imp:2.02 lvl:1.26) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Chemistry (imp:1.83 lvl:1.86) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Foreign Language (imp:1.59 lvl:1.06) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.56 lvl:1.22) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Fine Arts (imp:1.48 lvl:0.72) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Geography (imp:1.37 lvl:0.74) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Building and Construction (imp:1.28) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  History and Archeology (imp:1.12) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Food Production (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:3.88) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:3.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.75 lvl:3.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.50 lvl:3.50) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Near Vision (imp:3.50 lvl:3.75) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.38 lvl:3.12) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Written Expression (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Information Ordering (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Auditory Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Visualization (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Control Precision (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Far Vision (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Memorization (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Originality (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Time Sharing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.25 lvl:2.50) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Static Strength (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Depth Perception (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Reaction Time (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Response Orientation (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Rate Control (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.66 lvl:4.70) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:4.37 lvl:4.78) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Getting Information (imp:4.34 lvl:4.69) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Working with Computers (imp:4.30 lvl:3.75) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.26 lvl:5.74) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.16 lvl:4.57) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:4.13 lvl:4.98) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.12 lvl:3.61) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.05 lvl:4.61) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:3.99 lvl:4.31) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.91 lvl:3.33) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:3.78 lvl:4.10) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.68 lvl:3.85) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.62 lvl:3.69) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.62 lvl:4.25) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.55 lvl:4.34) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.29 lvl:3.77) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.26 lvl:2.69) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.21 lvl:3.38) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.21 lvl:2.96) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.19 lvl:3.70) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.12 lvl:4.03) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.12 lvl:3.53) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.10 lvl:3.13) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.05 lvl:3.26) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Processing Information (imp:2.98 lvl:3.63) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.91 lvl:2.80) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.90 lvl:2.99) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.86 lvl:2.78) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.80 lvl:3.37) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.74 lvl:3.12) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:2.73 lvl:2.71) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:2.71 lvl:3.32) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.53 lvl:2.34) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.31 lvl:2.15) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.31 lvl:2.29) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.29 lvl:2.26) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.26 lvl:2.16) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.22 lvl:1.78) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.01 lvl:1.77) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.00 lvl:1.37) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cooperation (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:3.00) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.74) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Cooperation (imp:2.47) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Dependability (imp:2.38) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Empathy (imp:2.33) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Social Orientation (imp:2.20) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Sincerity (imp:2.10) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Integrity (imp:2.03) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Empathy (imp:2.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cautiousness (imp:1.99) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Optimism (imp:1.74) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.71) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Self-Control (imp:1.70) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Perseverance (imp:1.67) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.63) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.52) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Adaptability (imp:1.29) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.29) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Initiative (imp:1.26) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Innovation (imp:1.23) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Humility (imp:1.19) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:0.89) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.69) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Service Orientation (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Instructing (imp:3.50 lvl:3.25) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Persuasion (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Negotiation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:2.25) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Operation and Control (imp:1.62 lvl:0.75) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.62 lvl:1.12) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Programming (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 11,270
  annual_median    : $65,160
  annual_pct10     : $38,400
  annual_pct25     : $48,390
  annual_pct75     : $80,010
  annual_pct90     : $94,020
  annual_mean      : $66,370
  hourly_median    : $31.33

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : New York ($82,990)
  lowest_state     : West Virginia ($35,110)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.364x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (43 total) ---
  Retail Trade                             emp:    7,470  median: $  75,300
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    3,470  median: $  54,160
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:       60  median: $  48,490
  Educational Services                     emp:       50  median: $  38,740
  Manufacturing                            emp:       40  median: $  66,060

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (5 total) ---
  Retail Trade                             emp:    7,470  median: $  75,300
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    3,470  median: $  54,160
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:       60  median: $  48,490
  Educational Services                     emp:       50  median: $  38,740
  Manufacturing                            emp:       40  median: $  66,060

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Hearing aid
match_score        : 0.6471
wikidata_qid       : Q323808
word_count         : 10,970
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_aid
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:48:40.259966Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A hearing aid is a device designed to improve hearing by making sound audible to a person with hearing loss. Hearing aids are classified as medical devices in most countries, and regulated by the respective regulations. Small audio amplifiers such as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) or other plain sound reinforcing systems cannot be sold as "hearing aids".
Early devices, such as ear trumpets or ear horns, were passive amplification cones designed to gather sound energy and direct it into the ear canal. 

Modern devices are computerised electroacoustic systems that transform environmental sound to make it audible, according to audiometrical and cognitive rules. Modern devices also utilize sophisticated digital signal processing, aiming to improve speech intelligibility and comfort for the user. Such signal processing includes feedback management, wide dynamic range compression, directionality, frequency lowering, and noise reduction.
Modern hearing aids require calibration and configuration to match the hearing loss, physical features, and lifestyle of the wearer. The hearing aid is fitted to the most recent audiogram and is programmed by frequency. This process, called "fitting", can be performed by the user in simple cases, by a Doctor of Audiology (an AuD) - also called an audiologist, or by a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) or audioprosthologist. The amount of benefits a hearing aid delivers depends in large part on the quality of its fitting. Almost all hearing aids in use in the United States are digital hearing aids, as analog aids are phased out. Devices similar to hearing aids include the osseointegrated auditory prosthesis (formerly called the bone-anchored hearing aid) and cochlear implant.


== Uses ==
Hearing aids are used for a variety of pathologies including sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and single-sided deafness. Hearing aid candidacy was traditionally determined by a Doctor of Audiology, or a certified hearing specialist, who will also fit the device based on the nature and degree of the hearing loss being treated. The amount of benefit experienced by the user of the hearing aid is multi-factorial, depending on the type, severity, and etiology of the hearing loss, the technology and fitting of the device, and on the motivation, personality, lifestyle, and overall health of the user.  Over-the-counter hearing aids, which address mild to moderate hearing loss, are designed to be adjusted by the user.
Hearing aids are incapable of truly correcting a hearing loss; they are an aid to make sounds more audible. The most common form of hearing loss for which hearing aids are sought is sensorineural, resulting from damage to the hair cells and synapses of the cochlea and auditory nerve. Sensorineural hearing loss reduces the sensitivity to sound, which a hearing aid can partially accommodate by making sound louder. Other decrements in auditory perception caused by sensorineural hearing loss, such as abnormal spectral and temporal processing, and which may negatively affect speech perception, are more difficult to compensate for using digital signal processing and in some cases may be exacerbated by the use of amplification. Conductive hearing losses, which do not involve damage to the cochlea, tend to be better treated by hearing aids; the hearing aid is able to sufficiently amplify sound to account for the attenuation caused by the conductive component. Once the sound is able to reach the cochlea at normal or near-normal levels, the cochlea and auditory nerve are able to transmit signals to the brain normally.
Common issues with hearing aid fitting and use are the occlusion effect, loudness recruitment, and understanding speech in noise. Once a common problem, feedback is generally now well-controlled through the use of feedback management algorithms.


== Candidacy and acquisition ==
There are lots of ways of evaluating how well a hearing aid compensates for hearing loss. One approach is audiometry which measures a subject's hearing levels in laboratory conditions. The threshold of audibility for various sounds and intensities is measured in a variety of conditions. Although audiometric tests may attempt to mimic real-world conditions, the patient's own every day experiences may differ. An alternative approach is self-report assessment, where the patient reports their experience with the hearing aid.
Hearing aid outcome can be represented by three dimensions:

hearing aid usage
aided speech recognition
benefit/satisfaction
The most reliable method for assessing the correct adjustment of a hearing aid is through real ear measurement. Real ear measurements (or probe microphone measurements) are an assessment of the characteristics of hearing aid amplification near the ear drum using a silicone probe tube microphone.


== Types ==
There are many types of hearing aids (also known as hearing instruments), which vary in size, power and circuitry.
Among the different sizes and models are:


=== Body-worn ===
Body worn aids were the first portable electronic hearing aids, and were invented by Harvey Fletcher while working at Bell Laboratories. Body aids consist of a case and an earmold, attached by a wire. The case contains the electronic amplifier components, controls and battery, while the earmold typically contains a miniature loudspeaker. The case is typically about the size of a pack of playing cards and is carried in a pocket or on a belt.
Without the size constraints of smaller hearing devices, body worn aid designs can provide large amplification and long battery life at a lower cost. Body aids are still used in emerging markets because of their relatively low cost.


=== Behind the ear ===

Behind the ear hearing aids are one of two major classes of hearing aids – behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE). These two classes are distinguished by where the hearing aid is worn. BTE hearing aids consist of a case which hangs behind the pinna. The case is attached to an earmold or dome tip by a traditional tube, slim tube, or wire. The tube or wire courses from the superior-ventral portion of the pinna to the concha, where the ear mold or dome tip inserts into the external auditory canal. The case contains the electronics, controls, battery, and microphone(s).The loudspeaker, or receiver, may be housed in the case (traditional BTE) or in the earmold or dome tip (receiver-in-the-canal, or RIC). The RIC style of BTE hearing aid is often smaller than a traditional BTE and more commonly used in more active populations.
BTEs are generally capable of providing more output and may therefore be indicated for more severe degrees of hearing loss. However, BTEs are very versatile and can be used for nearly any kind of hearing loss. BTEs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from a small, "mini BTE", to larger, ultra-power devices. Size typically depends on the output level needed, the location of the receiver, and the presence or absence of a telecoil. BTEs are durable, easy to repair, and often have controls and battery doors that are easier to manipulate. BTEs are also easily connected to assistive listening devices, such as FM systems and induction loops. BTEs are commonly worn by children who need a durable type of hearing aid.


=== In the ear ===
In the ear aids (ITE) devices fit in the outer ear bowl (called the concha). Being larger, these are easier to insert and can hold extra features. They are sometimes visible when standing face to face with someone. ITE hearing aids are custom made to fit each individual's ear. They can be used in mild to some severe hearing losses. Feedback, a squealing/whistling caused by sound (particularly high frequency sound) leaking and being amplified again, may be a problem for severe hearing losses. Some modern circuits are able to provide feedback regulation or cancellation to assist with this.
Venting may also cause feedback. A vent is a tube primarily placed to offer press

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: International Hearing Society (similarity: 0.4615)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Hearing_Society
  QID: Q6050891
  Extract: The International Hearing Society, previously known as The National Hearing Aid Society, is a professional membership organization established in 1951 that represents hearing healthcare providers, and is a member of the World Hearing Forum. Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, IHS represents hearing

  Title: Extended-wear hearing aid (similarity: 0.4583)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended-wear_hearing_aid
  QID: Q5421907
  Extract: An extended-wear hearing aid is a type of hearing aid that is placed deep in the ear canal and can be worn for several months at a time without removal. This type of hearing aid is primarily suited for people who have mild to moderately severe hearing loss. This new hearing aid concept was invented 

  Title: Audioprosthology (similarity: 0.2051)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audioprosthology
  QID: Q4819926
  Extract: Audioprosthology is the profession of the fitting of a hearing aid, or auditory prosthesis. An audioprosthologist is defined as “an aid-fitting specialist who has completed a course in audioprosthology.” This term was adopted by a group of hearing instrument specialists and the International Hearing

  Title: Widex (similarity: 0.2143)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widex
  QID: Q3440110
  Extract: Widex A/S is the world’s sixth largest hearing aid manufacturer. In close collaboration with international audiological researchers and specialists, the company has developed a wide range of digital hearing aids. They introduced the world's first commercially available 100% digital in-the-ear hearin

  Title: Adventure Consultants (similarity: 0.2273)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_Consultants
  QID: Q24189476
  Extract: Adventure Consultants, formerly Hall and Ball Adventure Consultants, is a New Zealand-based adventure company that brings trekking and climbing groups to various locations. Founded by Rob Hall and Gary Ball in 1991, it helped pioneer the commercialisation of Mount Everest, During its 1996 Mount Ever

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong O*NET data with clear task definitions, comprehensive wage data, and well-defined skill requirements provide high confidence in this occupation profile.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T19:53:55.829150+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,755
tokens_output        : 4,127
cost_usd             : $0.044893
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Hearing aid
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia entry focuses on hearing aid devices themselves rather than the specialists who fit them, but provides relevant technical context. The semantic neighbor 'Audioprosthology' more directly relates to the professional practice of hearing aid fitting.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Hearing Aid Specialists select, fit, and maintain hearing aids while conducting hearing tests and counseling patients on communication strategies. They work primarily in retail settings and healthcare facilities, serving as the bridge between audiologists and hearing-impaired patients. These specialists combine technical knowledge of hearing instruments with customer service skills to improve patients' quality of life through better hearing solutions.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day involves administering hearing tests including air conduction, bone conduction, and speech audiometry to assess patient needs. Specialists create ear impressions and modify earmolds for custom hearing aid fittings, then demonstrate and train patients on proper device usage. They counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss, while maintaining detailed records of patient interactions. Time is also spent repairing hearing aids, staying current with industry developments, and working with assistive listening devices to find optimal solutions for each patient's unique hearing challenges.

WHO THRIVES:
Professionals who excel in this role demonstrate strong social orientation and dependability, as reflected in the high RIASEC Social score of 4.55 and Conventional score of 4.40. They possess excellent oral communication skills and active listening abilities, essential for understanding patient concerns and explaining complex technical information clearly. Successful hearing aid specialists show high attention to detail and integrity, critical when conducting precise hearing assessments and maintaining patient trust. Those who thrive enjoy helping others improve their quality of life and are comfortable working with both advanced technology and sensitive interpersonal situations.

CAREER ENTRY:
The field shows diverse educational pathways, with 44% holding doctoral degrees while 22% enter with high school diplomas and specialized training. Post-secondary certificates in healthcare or related technical fields account for 12% of practitioners, reflecting the profession's blend of technical and healthcare knowledge. Most positions require completion of state-specific licensing programs and hands-on training in hearing aid fitting and audiometric testing. Entry-level positions often involve extensive mentorship under experienced specialists or audiologists.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Hearing Aid Specialists can advance to supervisory roles in retail hearing aid centers or healthcare facilities, or pursue additional education to become full audiologists. Some specialists develop expertise in specific populations like pediatric or geriatric patients, while others move into sales roles with hearing aid manufacturers. Career progression may lead to clinic management, training roles for new specialists, or entrepreneurship through opening independent hearing aid practices. The growing aging population and increased awareness of hearing health create expanding opportunities for specialization and advancement.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The profession employs 11,270 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $65,160 according to BLS OEWS May 2025, ranging from $38,400 to $94,020 across the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is moderate with a 2.36x ratio between highest-paying New York ($82,990) and lowest-paying West Virginia ($35,110). Employment is heavily concentrated in retail trade (7,470 positions) followed by healthcare settings (3,470 positions), reflecting the consumer-facing nature of hearing aid sales and fitting. The aging baby boomer population and increased insurance coverage for hearing aids drive steady demand growth.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
The role shows moderate automation resilience due to its heavy emphasis on personal interaction and customized patient care. While basic hearing tests may become more automated, the critical functions of counseling patients, creating custom ear impressions, and providing personalized fitting adjustments require human expertise and empathy that resist technological replacement.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Audiologists (29-1181.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Direct supervision relationship and shared knowledge in therapy, counseling, and medicine with clear advancement pathway.
    data: Doctoral degree pathway
    data: Therapy and counseling knowledge
    data: Hearing test administration overlap
  [task_similarity] Orthotists and Prosthetists (29-2091.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve creating custom medical device impressions and fitting prosthetic/assistive devices to patients.
    data: Create impressions for earmolds
    data: Fabricate medical devices DWA
    data: Custom device fitting
  [skill_overlap] Medical Assistants (31-9092.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared customer service, administrative knowledge, and patient interaction in healthcare settings.
    data: Customer service knowledge level 5.5
    data: Administrative knowledge
    data: Healthcare setting work
  [riasec_cluster] Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (29-2057.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles share Social and Conventional RIASEC patterns with technical healthcare specialization.
    data: RIASEC S:4.55, C:4.40
    data: Specialized medical testing
    data: Patient counseling responsibilities
  [knowledge_overlap] Retail Salespersons (41-2031.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Strong overlap in sales and marketing knowledge with customer service emphasis in retail environments.
    data: Sales and marketing knowledge level 5.1
    data: Retail trade employment 7,470
    data: Customer service focus

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['hearing aid specialist', 'hearing aid dispenser', 'hearing aid fitter', 'hearing instrument specialist', 'audiometry', 'hearing test', 'earmold', 'audioprosthologist']
  exclude_keywords : ['audiologist', 'speech therapist', 'ENT physician', 'otolaryngologist', 'cochlear implant']
  title_patterns   : ['*hearing aid*', '*hearing instrument*', '*audioprosth*', '*hearing care*', '*hearing health*']
  common_variations: ['hearing aid technician', 'hearing care practitioner', 'board certified HIS', 'hearing aid attendant', 'hearing aid consultant', 'hearing instrument dispenser', 'audiology technician', 'hearing health tech']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['hearing', 'aids', 'aid', 'ear', 'sound', 'digital', 'devices', 'audio', 'loss', 'signal', 'others', 'user', 'tendency', 'microphone', 'control', 'noise', 'speech', 'processing', 'device', 'equipment']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
hearing                   470  0.05476  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:5%  onet_tasks:1%
aids                      178  0.02074  wikipedia            wikipedia:97%  inference:2%  onet_tasks:1%
aid                       178  0.02074  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:6%  onet_tasks:1%
ear                        78  0.00909  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  onet_tasks:3%  inference:3%
sound                      76  0.00886  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  onet_dimensions:7%
digital                    75  0.00874  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
devices                    58  0.00676  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  onet_dimensions:9%  onet_tasks:5%
audio                      51  0.00594  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
loss                       46  0.00536  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  onet_tasks:2%  inference:2%
signal                     46  0.00536  wikipedia            wikipedia:98%  onet_dimensions:2%
others                     44  0.00513  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:86%  wikipedia:9%  inference:5%
user                       43  0.00501  wikipedia            wikipedia:98%  onet_dimensions:2%
tendency                   42  0.00489  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
microphone                 39  0.00454  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
control                    36  0.00419  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_dimensions:33%
noise                      33  0.00384  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
speech                     32  0.00373  wikipedia            wikipedia:78%  onet_dimensions:12%  onet_tasks:6%
processing                 31  0.00361  wikipedia            wikipedia:87%  onet_dimensions:13%
device                     29  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:97%  inference:3%
equipment                  28  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  dwas:14%  wikipedia:4%
amplification              27  0.00315  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
applications               26  0.00303  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  onet_dimensions:15%
canal                      25  0.00291  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  onet_tasks:4%
sounds                     24  0.00280  wikipedia            wikipedia:83%  onet_dimensions:17%
medical                    24  0.00280  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  dwas:21%  onet_dimensions:4%
analog                     24  0.00280  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
electronic                 21  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:76%  onet_dimensions:24%
telephones                 21  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
patients                   20  0.00233  wikipedia            wikipedia:35%  inference:35%  dwas:20%
principles                 20  0.00233  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:20%
external                   20  0.00233  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  onet_dimensions:5%
circuitry                  20  0.00233  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
mode                       20  0.00233  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
personal                   19  0.00221  wikipedia            wikipedia:63%  onet_dimensions:32%  inference:5%
health                     19  0.00221  wikipedia            wikipedia:84%  onet_dimensions:5%  dwas:5%
directional                19  0.00221  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
body                       18  0.00210  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  wikipedia:44%
mobile                     18  0.00210  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
includes                   17  0.00198  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:71%  wikipedia:29%
quality                    17  0.00198  wikipedia            wikipedia:53%  onet_dimensions:35%  inference:12%