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).

What You’ll Learn

• Assess the hearing levels of the client and fit hearing aids using an understanding of sound, the sense of hearing and the causes of hearing loss from an anatomical/physiological standpoint.
• Act as an integral member of the hearing health care team that includes audiologists, primary care physicians and ear, nose and throat physicians.
• Administer and interpret appropriate tests of hearing, known as “audiometry”.
• Integrate audiometric test findings in order to determine optimal hearing aid fittings.
• Select appropriate hearing aids from specific manufacturers for subsequent fittings of specific degrees and frequency configurations of hearing loss.
• Measure and interpret electro-acoustic hearing aid function, according to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) test procedures.
• Refer clients who require audiological or medical intervention to appropriate specialists.
• Apply the knowledge of Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program, and of other hearing aid financial assistance services when required in order to meet the needs of the hearing loss client.
• Articulate the challenges facing hearing instrument specialists who wish to establish a private practice.
• Assess the psycho-social implications of hearing loss on the hearing impaired and apply appropriate counsel and instruction of hearing aids.
• Practice in a competent manner the theory and skills requisite to function as a Hearing Instrument Specialist.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills related to essential employability skills including numeracy, literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, learning how to learn, team work and communication.