Speech and Hearing Science | University of Iowa

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 29-2092.00

Skills

Active ListeningService OrientationInstructingSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionWritingCritical Thinking

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech ClarityProblem SensitivitySpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten Expression

Tasks

Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
Counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss.
Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.

Technology

Medical softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software

Tools

Auditory brainstem response screening systemsAutomatic impedance audiometersBehind-the-ear hearing aidsCaloric irrigatorsCircumaural headphonesColor laser printersDesktop computersDiagnostic tuning forksEar probesElectroacoustic impedance bridgesHandheld otoscopesHearing aid analyzersHearing aid programming interfacesHearing aid vacuum systemsIn-the-canal hearing aids

Work Values

RelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementIndependenceSupportRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium29-2092.00	Hearing Aid Specialists	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Doctoral Degree)

Clinical practice standards — develop and implement evidence-based protocols for hearing screening, fitting, and counseling across a multi-location hearing center organization.
Strategic program development — design and lead new service lines, such as pediatric or tinnitus management programs, to expand organizational scope and revenue.
Team leadership and performance — supervise, coach, and formally evaluate a staff of hearing aid specialists using structured competency and outcome benchmarks.
Organizational training curriculum — create and deliver systematic onboarding and continuing education programs aligned with current audiology best practices.
Regulatory and compliance oversight — ensure clinic operations meet all state licensure, HIPAA, and accreditation requirements and respond to audits and inspections.
Vendor and technology partnerships — negotiate with hearing aid manufacturers and software vendors to secure preferred pricing, training support, and pilot access for new technologies.
Quality improvement leadership — analyze patient outcome data at the population level and lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce return rates and increase satisfaction.
Community outreach and advocacy — represent the organization at public health events and professional conferences to raise awareness of hearing loss and expand patient referral networks.
Financial and operational management — oversee budgeting, inventory control, and revenue cycle management for a hearing center using accounting and administrative software tools.
Professional community contribution — author best-practice guidance, contribute to professional organization committees, or present original clinical findings to advance the field of hearing aid specialization.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.