What’s the Difference Between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)?

Both Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS) play important roles in hearing healthcare, but their education, scope of practice, and areas of expertise differ. Here’s a breakdown of their key distinctions:

• Audiologists: Hold a Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) or higher, requiring 6-8 years of education, including extensive coursework in hearing science, vestibular (balance) disorders, and diagnostic testing.
• Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS): Complete either a 2-year Associates degree in hearing instruments science, or complete a comprehensive state- or province-approved training program focusing on hearing evaluations, hearing aid technology, and patient counseling. Most states require apprenticeships, licensing exams showing proficiency in the science, and ongoing continuing education.
• Board Certified Hearing instrument Specialists: BC-HIS is a hearing healthcare professional who is Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. That means they've taken extra measures to demonstrate their commitment to your hearing health by meeting specific continuing education requirements. Abiding by the NBC-HIS Code of Ethics, and NCCA guidelines, they operate at the highest level of competency set by international standards.

• Audiologists: Diagnose and manage a wide range of hearing and balance disorders, including pediatric hearing loss, tinnitus management, and auditory processing disorders. They can also treat balance issues and prescribe hearing aids and cochlear implants.
• Hearing Instrument Specialists: Specialize in comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid selection, fitting, and aural rehabilitation. They assess patient presenting problems and needs, test and analyze patient hearing, prescribe and analyze hearing instruments, fit, adjust, program, and service hearing instruments and equipment, and provide counseling and aural rehabilitation.

• Both professionals are licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids.
• HIS are experts in programming, adjusting, and optimizing hearing aids for daily use, ensuring proper function and patient satisfaction.
• Audiologists may work with more complex cases, such as cochlear implant evaluations or patients with medical conditions affecting hearing.

• Audiologists have a broader medical focus and can diagnose underlying ear diseases that may require medical intervention.
• Hearing Instrument Specialists focus on non-medical hearing care, working closely with individuals to improve communication through hearing aids and assistive listening technology. If required, they refer patients to Medical Professionals such as ENT Doctors for further evaluation. 

If you're experiencing sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or other medical ear conditions, an audiologist may be the best first step. If you're looking for expert guidance in selecting, fitting, and adjusting hearing aids, a Hearing Instrument Specialist is an excellent resource.

Both professionals work together to ensure individuals receive the best hearing healthcare possible!