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Differences Between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Dispenser

Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists are both professionals trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance issues, but their roles, educational backgrounds, and scopes of practice differ. Here are some key differences:

Educational Background

Audiologist

  • Audiologists in Canada generally hold either a Master's degree or Doctorate (Au.D.) in Audiology.
  • These programs usually require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree for entry and consist of academic coursework and supervised clinical training.
  • Their education covers the entire scope of audiology, including acoustics, anatomy, physiology, psychoacoustics, and auditory rehabilitation among others. This prepares them for a comprehensive understanding of the auditory system.

Hearing Instrument Specialist

  • In Ontario, Hearing Instrument Specialists typically complete a two- or three-year diploma program accredited by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.
  • This program covers key topics such as hearing aid technology, basic anatomy, and physiology of the ear, as well as hands-on training, but it is not as comprehensive as the academic background of an Audiologist.
audiologist vs HID educational background
audiologist vs HID scope of practice

Scope of Practice

Audiologist

  • Can diagnose and treat a broad range of hearing and balance issues for all age groups.
  • Can administer a wide variety of hearing tests.
  • May work in a range of settings, including hospitals, private clinics, and educational settings, and may engage in research.
  • May also specialize in areas like pediatric audiology, geriatric audiology, vestibular issues, and auditory processing, among others.

Hearing Instrument Specialist

  • Primarily focuses on the fitting, adjustment, and maintenance of hearing aids.
  • Generally works with adults and may not be qualified to handle specialized cases, such as those involving children or complicated medical histories.
  • May work in retail settings, specialized hearing clinics, or alongside audiologists but generally do not work in hospital settings or perform research.

Regulatory Bodies

Audiologist

  • Audiologists are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) in Ontario.

Hearing Instrument Specialist

  • Hearing Instrument Specialists are not governed by a regulatory college, but are required to retain membership in the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
audiologist vs HID services provided

Services Provided

Audiologist

  • Audiologists can provide a comprehensive set of services ranging from prevention, to diagnosis, to rehabilitation of hearing and balance disorders, including prescribing, fitting, adjusting and maintaining hearing aids

Hearing Instrument Specialist

  • Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS) have a smaller scope of practice and are unregulated. An HIS responsibility is limited to testing hearing for adults and recommending specific hearing aids for a client. A HIS is still required to get a hearing aid prescription from a physician or Audiologist

All client care at Hearing Institute of Ontario is provided by certified Audiologists who are registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario

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