Hearing Instrument Specialist

Select start date and campus

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online. Note: not all start dates are available to international students.

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2024

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Audiometry I
HEAR1137

Description:

This course introduces the student to the basic concepts and procedures of the routine audiometric test battery. These include: pure-tone testing, speech audiometry, and middle ear impedance testing. Students will also learn how to interpret the audiogram, and relate audiometric findings to the various pathologies of the ear. Particular focus here will be on the needs of the geriatric patient and case study evaluation. Successful completion of this course relies heavily on absorbing concepts; course delivery consists of classroom lectures.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
HEAR1167

Description:

This course provides an overview of physical and psychological acoustics. Topics include the basic properties of both simple and complex sounds, the measurement of sound and sound propagation. Psychoacoustics or the perception of sound will also be covered, specifically: the perception of pitch and loudness, binaural hearing, temporal processing and masking. Application of acoustic principles to hearing testing and hearing aids will also be discussed. Successful completion of this course relies heavily on absorbing concepts; course delivery consists of classroom lectures and demonstrations.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: HEAR1177

Anatomy/Physiology of the Ear
HEAR1177

Description:

This theory-based course provides a detailed overview of the anatomy and physiology of the normal outer, middle, and inner ears, including the balance (vestibular) system and the central auditory nervous system. The peripheral and central nervous systems are explained, so that the roles of the auditory or VIII cranial nerve and central auditory nervous systems can be appreciated. The various pathologies of the abnormal ear and vestibular system are introduced to support further discussions in future courses. Successful completion of this course relies heavily on absorbing concepts; course delivery consists of classroom lectures.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: HEAR1167

Hearing Aids I
HEAR1185

Description:

This course is designed to introduce the student to hearing aids. The topics included are hearing aid history, hearing aid components and controls, earmold styles, materials and earmold impressions. To better prepare future HIS professionals with the clinical readiness skills required to manage the changing landscape of hearing healthcare, this course will integrate hands-on laboratory experience and simulation learning. Additionally this course will introduce students to the process of obtaining, tracking and delivering aids within a clinical setting.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Patient Communication
COMM1001

Description:

This course focuses on best practices for effective patient-centred communication. Students will review verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, active listening and basic micro skills needed to build therapeutic rapport with patients. Conflict management strategies and approaches to adapt communication for culturally diverse patients across the lifespan will also be explored in order to avoid communication barriers. Case studies, role play, simulation-based learning and self-reflection activities will provide opportunities to apply and practice essential communication skills required for caring and respectful interactions between health professionals and patients.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HEAR1167 AND HEAR1177 AND HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185
CoRequisites: HEAR1190

Hearing Instrument Specialist Field Studies
HEAR1155

Description:

This course will provide the student with the opportunity to become familiar with the Hearing Aid Manufacturers, non-hearing aid vendors, and entrepreneurship. The student will be exposed to the processes of hearing aid production, distribution, and sales. They will also learn the role of Sales Managers & Customer Service, Production Team and Technical Support clinicians play in supporting patients. The course will also expose the professional roles and responsibilities of the Hearing Instrument Specialist in a variety of workplace settings. Through this experience the student will be required to reflect upon their observations and findings according to criteria established in the course outcomes.

Hours: 56
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HEAR1177 AND HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185
CoRequisites: HEAR1200

Clinical Principles I
HEAR1190

Description:

This course is designed to introduce the student to clinical practice for the HIS. The student will gain insight into the hearing healthcare field. In particular this course will focus on governing bodies, associations and regulated health professionals. Additionally, this course will introduce the concepts of inter-professional practice and evidence informed practice. Students will gain knowledge of the impact of hearing loss on the aging adult and the impact of aging on the auditory system. Finally, students will be exposed to concept of ehealth and the patient electronic record keeping including non-disclosure of patient information.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Hearing Aids II
HEAR1200

Description:

Hearing Aids 2 continues the concepts and framework of Hearing Aids 1, but focuses primarily on hearing aid measurement. Students will learn how to compare hearing aids to manufacturer specifications and will be introduced to the concept of hearing aid verification. Students will begin to navigate manufacturer fitting software and learn common hearing aid adjustments. Finally, students will be able to differentiate between analog/digital and linear/compression hearing aids. Linear and nonlinear fitting methods will also be introduced. Successful completion of this course relies heavily on absorbing concepts; course delivery consists of classroom lectures.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: HEAR1167 AND HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185
CoRequisites: HEAR1155

Audiometry II
HEAR2110

Description: This course reviews concepts learned in the introductory course on audiometry, and expands on them considerably. Specifically, it covers not only the topic of when to use masking, but also how to perform masking. We will examine various types of advanced speech testing materials, such as speech-in-noise testing procedures, We will also look much further into the topic of the Acoustic Reflex. The course also introduces concepts of specialized audiometric tests performed by Audiologists, and important for the HIS to recognize, such as: Acoustic Reflex Decay, Oto-acoustic Emissions, Auditory Brainstem Response. A hand-on lab forms part of this course.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Professionalism and Business Development
BUS1215

Description:

In this course we will be focusing on what it means to work as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in Ontario. Topics will include hearing aid funding, office management including software and billing, professional organizations and professional development. We will also look at business aspects of the hearing healthcare industry including the hearing aid manufacturing industry, opportunities for employment, clinic setup/design and aspects of business planning.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1001 AND HEAR1155 AND HEAR1190 AND HEAR1200 AND HEAR2110
CoRequisites: HEAR2220

Clinical Principles II
HEAR1210

Description:

This course continues to explore professional topics in hearing healthcare and deepens the knowledge gained in Clinical Principles 1. The patient is the focus of this course. The student will learn hearing aid validation measures, how to explain the audiogram, how to counsel patients to enhance patient benefit, and be familiarized with common hearing aid objections. Additionally, students will be introduced to tinnitus treatment. Finally, students will have a business module in this course that is connected to the entrepreneurship centre at Conestoga College.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HEAR1190
CoRequisites:

Hearing Aids III
HEAR2195

Description: This course will continue to explore the modern hearing aid. The focus of this course will be advanced hearing aid features. Students will learn about the technology behind advanced hearing aid features, when to recommend their use and how to explain feature benefits to patients. Technologies to be discussed include digital architecture, advanced directionality, digital noise reduction, feedback cancellation, frequency lowering and hearing aid wireless connectivity. In addition to classroom learning, this course will also feature in-depth sessions with hearing aid manufacturer representatives who will focus on specific product knowledge and hearing aid programming.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HEAR1155 AND HEAR1200
CoRequisites:

Hearing Aid Verification
HEAR2205

Description: This course will elaborate on the hearing aid verification techniques acquired in Hearing Aids 2 and will parallel the technologies discussed in Hearing Aids 3. Speech-mapping will be emphasized and students will determine appropriate verification outcomes with both prescriptive target matching and audibility indices. Classroom instruction will be augmented with laboratory sessions where real-ear procedures and methods will be performed. Additionally, students will learn how to further adjust the adaptive features in the manufacturer software modules to address patient concerns and enhance benefit. Student will also learn how to verify the adaptive feature function in a hearing aid analyzer.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185 AND HEAR1200
CoRequisites:

Clinical Readiness
HEAR2220

Description:

This course is designed to prepare students for their clinical practicum. Preparatory theory and practical elements will be integrated to facilitate readiness required for successful work integrated learning experiences. Learning modules will focus on workplace mental health, placement etiquette, receiving and providing feedback, and career readiness skills including interviewing skills and resume building. Simulation exercises involving common clinical encounters will be used to support the application of technical and soft skills. Finally, a portion of this course will focus on professional growth and life long-learning.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1001 AND HEAR1155 AND HEAR1190 AND HEAR1200 AND HEAR2110
CoRequisites: HEAR2195 AND HEAR2205

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
FPLT2065

Description:

This clinical practicum experience involves hands-on practice in a clinical setting for the final semester of the program. Students will observe, participate with guidance and then demonstrate the required professional behaviours and clinical competencies expected for an entry level practitioner. Throughout this experience, students will continue to engage in reflective practice and post-graduation readiness modules.

Hours: 420
Credits: 14
Pre-Requisites: BUS1215 AND HEAR2190 OR HEAR2195 AND HEAR2200 OR HEAR2205 AND HEAR2220 AND OHS1320
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Assess hearing sensitivity to determine individual needs based on knowledge of sound, the perception of sound and the causes of hearing loss from an anatomical/physiological standpoint
Participate collaboratively as an integral member of an interprofessional hearing health care team to enhance patient outcomes
Select, verify and validate amplification strategies and provide aural rehabilitation training and follow-up care plans to ensure positive patient outcomes
Evaluate hearing aid function using electroacoustic analysis to ensure compliance with manufacturer’s specifications
Provide recommendations to diverse patients and family members using professional and culturally sensitive communication skills
Determine available funding resources to support patient access to hearing health care devices
Apply entrepreneurial principles and business strategies to identify and engage in new opportunities in hearing health practice
Educate allied health professionals and the general community to generate awareness of the impact of untreated hearing loss
Perform all roles and responsibilities as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in accordance with accepted professional, ethical, and best practice guidelines
Evaluate emerging technologies for patient care and assistive hearing devices to seamlessly adapt to the current consumer market