Hearing Instrument Specialist

Ascent Hearing Center, Northern Indiana’s Premier Hearing Health Care Practice, is seeking one or more qualified Hearing Instrument Specialists to join our team in either a part- or full-time capacity within one or more of our three established hearing centers within Northwest Indiana (Valparaiso, Crown Point, or Lowell). For qualified candidates, a significant amount of flexibility may be available in regards to work location, hours and schedule.

Experienced Hearing Instrument Specialists and recent and/or anticipated 2023 licensees are encouraged to apply.

The Hearing Instrument Specialist, a member of the clinical team, is a state-licensed hearing health professional who works alongside clinical leadership and administrative staff to offer a positive and engaging experience and a full range of services to all of our patients. The main objective of this position is to professionally manage a caseload of new and existing patients in order to provide comprehensive hearing-related problem resolution. This includes, but is not limited to, performing thorough audiological exams, evaluating common types of hearing loss, counseling and instructing patients and caregivers, providing recommendations and technical guidance, and testing and fitting prospective hearing impaired individuals. The Hearing Instrument Specialist strives for patient-centered care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensures that patient values guide clinical decisions.

Qualifications and/or Experience

• Must possess a current Indiana license to dispense hearing instruments; previous experience in a similar capacity preferred
• Bachelor degree preferred
• Valid driver’s license

Essential Responsibilities and Functions

• Works closely with Ascent Hearing Center leadership, administrative staff, and other clinical staff to facilitate a high-level of patient care, efficient workflow processes, and clinical best practices
• Reviews medical history and hearing/hearing aid history
• Conducts audios and thoroughly explains audiological results
• Performs otoscopic inspection of ear and canals
• Performs minor wax removal and/or provides outside referrals for patients with wax impaction
• Identifies and presents technological options for hearing issue resolution, advises patients during the decision-making process, and makes recommendations based on factors that include a patient’s lifestyle, budget, and ear anatomy
• Conducts initial hearing aid fittings, orientations of new products, and device demonstrations
• Creates earmold impressions for custom fit products
• Maintains best practices for accurate and successful hearing aid fittings and programming
• Provides ongoing follow-up care and counseling related to annual audios, clean and check of devices, repairs, fitting modifications, adaptations, programmings, fine tunings, bluetooth pairings, accessory and app usage, and other service needs that may arise
• Provides outside referrals to patients with hearing loss not treatable with hearing aids
• Completes purchase contracts and presents financing options for new purchases
• Interprets service agreements, charges, packages, and additional fees; thoroughly reviews relevant information with patients
• Reviews insurance coverage as it applies to new hearing aid purchases
• Cleans and disinfects instrumentation and work surfaces in clinical settings
• Completes outcomes in SYCLE and maintains appropriate records following appointments; documents other medical records and files in a timely and accurate manner
• Manages inventory and orders products; coordinates device and supply orders
• Updates firmware/software on computers and hearing devices
• Attains pre-set sales goals and targets determined according to the business plan
• Reviews the daily schedule, and works with administrative staff to prepare for upcoming appointments, follow-ups, repairs, and payments to ensure efficient flow of patients
• Operates standard office equipment on a regular basis, including fax machine, copier/scanner, and computer (including email account)
• Maintains patient confidentiality and complies with HIPAA rules and procedures
• Adheres to Ascent Hearing Center’s standards of conduct and compliance guidelines
• Complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards
• Maintains professional appearance appropriate for a clinical setting
• Performs other duties as assigned

Other Skills and Abilities

• Verbal and written communication: ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including the hearing impaired
• Compassion, patience, and kindness: ability to effectively relate to patients and understand the impact that the patient’s condition is having on their life
• Professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude towards all patients and colleagues
• Customer service-focused: ability to use appropriate judgment, think independently, demonstrate flexibility, and utilize creativity when resolving customer issues
• Time management and organization: ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume, clinical environment
• Growth-oriented: takes action to build knowledge and understanding of hearing-related issues and demonstrates a curiosity to learn new skills
• Critical thinking: ability to make optimal decisions based on multiple variables and desired outcomes

Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ascent Hearing Center is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants for employment. Qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $25,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Commission pay

License/Certification:

• Hearing Aid Specialist License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25,000 - $85,000