There are currently an estimated 6,800 hearing aid specialists in the United States. The hearing aid specialist job market is expected to grow by 20.6% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are hearing aid specialists?

CareerExplorer rates hearing aid specialists with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 4,700 hearing aid specialists. That number is based on 1,400 additional hearing aid specialists, and the retirement of 3,300 existing hearing aid specialists.

Are hearing aid specialists in demand?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts significant demand and job growth for hearing aid specialists through at least 2022. This projection is based largely on the increasing population of elderly patients who will experience a hearing deficiency or loss. As only some states require graduates to pass a licensing exam, competition for positions will vary from state to state. Throughout the U.S., job seekers with at least two years in the field will further enhance their marketability by obtaining professional designation from The National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. While most hearing aid practitioners are employed in privately owned clinics, self-employment is becoming more common. Experienced specialists may find related opportunities as technical sales representatives or managers with hearing aid manufacturing companies.

What’s the supply of hearing aid specialists?

The hearing aid specialist industry is concentrated in California, Florida, Texas

Hearing Aid Specialist job market by state

State Name Employed Hearing Aid Specialists
California 790
Florida 650
Texas 470
Michigan 410
Ohio 340
North Carolina 270
Pennsylvania 250
Washington 230
Illinois 220
Massachusetts 220
Oregon 200
Missouri 180
Tennessee 150
Virginia 150
Hawaii 140
Utah 130
Arizona 120
New York 110
New Jersey 100
Connecticut 90
Iowa 90
Colorado 80
Kentucky 80
South Carolina 70
West Virginia 50
Idaho 50
Kansas 50
Maryland 50
Nevada 50
Alaska 50