VA has a goal of having licensed hearing instrument specialists at each VA medical center, because dealing with hearing loss is one of the most widespread issues faced by our Veterans.
A recent report concluded that more than 1.3 million Veterans are impacted by loss of hearing, and while some can be reversed through surgery or medication, in most cases, hearing loss is permanent. Some hearing loss can be improved through the use of hearing aids.
With only about 1 in 5 people using hearing aids who would benefit from them, VA is focused intently on changing the way hearing health care services are provided at all our facilities through the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act.
Helping Veterans hear
Working as a hearing instrument specialist means you are a licensed professional who has been trained to test hearing in preparation for hearing aid fitting, and to help the audiologist to work with Veterans at every stage of their journey back to better hearing.
Up front, you’ll be the point of contact for many Veterans, helping to assist in arranging face-to-face and telehealth visits. You’ll also prepare equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures to ensure everything is running smoothly when your patients arrive.
When working directly with Veterans and helping to provide the best equipment for their needs, you’ll handle the fabrication of ear mold impressions and ordering ear molds.
When the hearing aids are ready, you’ll conduct visual and auditory checks of each device and any accessories Veterans will need to make the best use of the technology we provide. You’ll also work with Veterans to help them manage hearing aid connectivity, whether it’s downloading apps or paring devices.
If something does go wrong, you’re ready to take care of business, offering hearing aid repair appointments or even counseling, like instructing patients, family, and staff on care, maintenance, use, and operation of prescribed hearing aids or hearing assistive technology.
On the back end, of things, patient care continues as you provide advice and assistance through phone calls and other requests, troubleshooting hearing aid issues big and small to help keep the Veterans we serve enjoying life to the fullest without the need to take time out for an additional appointment.
When you’re not helping patients, you’ll complete documentation and assist your facility team by maintaining a comprehensive stock of supplies and equipment inventory. You will be an integral component supporting the clinical programs in audiology.
Find out what we have to offer
Beyond providing Veterans with access to one of our treasured 5 senses, careers at VA come with incredible benefits, which can make an enormous difference for you and your loved ones.
We know that your time is valuable to you, so we offer 13-26 days of paid annual leave, as well as 13 sick days annually with no limit on accumulation, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
We’ll also help you care for yourself and your family with Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), which allow you to choose from a variety of health plans that all cover preexisting conditions. There’s access to comprehensive group life insurance, offering you and your family members peace of mind.
When it comes to compensation, we provide strong starting salaries, steady growth, and incentives, including recruitment and relocation bonuses and retention allowances.
If you’re ready to take your career to new heights, we offer ongoing leadership development and education support through every level of employment.
Given that there are positions available all across our system, you can take your career almost anywhere and still earn all these benefits and more.
Work at VA
Hearing problems are by far the most prevalent service-connected disability among American Veterans. Help provide them with the assistance they need as a licensed hearing instrument specialist.
