Top 10 Questions for Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist Interview

1. Can you describe the different types of hearing loss and their symptoms?

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are not able to reach the inner ear due to a blockage in the outer or middle ear.
• Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or the nerve that connects the ear to the brain is damaged.
• Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

2. What are the different types of hearing aids and how do you determine the best option for a patient?

Factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid:

• The type and severity of the hearing loss: Different types of hearing aids are designed to address different types of hearing loss.
• The patient’s lifestyle and preferences: Some hearing aids are more suitable for certain lifestyles and activities than others.
• The patient’s budget: Hearing aids can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Different types of hearing aids:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are connected to a small earmold that fits in the ear canal.
• In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are worn in the ear canal and are custom-fit to the patient’s ear.
• In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller than ITE hearing aids and are worn deeper in the ear canal.
• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aids and are worn completely in the ear canal.

3. How do you counsel patients on the use and care of hearing aids?

• Explain how to insert, remove, and adjust the hearing aids.
• Demonstrate how to clean and maintain the hearing aids.
• Discuss the importance of regular hearing aid checkups.
• Answer any questions that the patient may have.

4. What are the different assistive listening devices (ALDs) and how do you recommend them to patients?

• Frequency-modulated (FM) systems transmit sound directly from the speaker’s microphone to the listener’s hearing aid or cochlear implant.
• Infrared systems transmit sound via infrared light waves to a receiver that the listener wears around their neck or on their body.
• Telecoils are small coils that are built into some hearing aids and cochlear implants. They allow the listener to connect to a compatible sound system, such as a telephone or television.
• Captioning devices display text on a screen that corresponds to the spoken word.

5. What are the different types of hearing tests and when are they used?

• Pure-tone audiometry is a hearing test that measures the softest sound that a person can hear at different frequencies.
• Speech audiometry is a hearing test that measures a person’s ability to understand speech at different levels of loudness.
• Tympanometry is a hearing test that measures the movement of the eardrum in response to sound.
• Acoustic reflex testing is a hearing test that measures the reflex that occurs when the stapedius muscle in the middle ear contracts in response to sound.

6. What are the different types of tinnitus and how do you counsel patients on managing it?

Types of tinnitus:

• Subjective tinnitus is tinnitus that only the person experiencing it can hear.
• Objective tinnitus is tinnitus that can be heard by an examiner or other person.

Counseling patients on managing tinnitus:

• Explain what tinnitus is and that it is not a sign of a serious medical condition.
• Discuss the different treatments for tinnitus, such as sound therapy, masking, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Reassure the patient that tinnitus is manageable and that they can learn to cope with it.

7. What are the different types of balance disorders and how do you assess them?

Types of balance disorders:

• Vestibular disorders are caused by problems with the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.
• Cerebellar disorders are caused by problems with the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and movement.
• Sensory integration disorders are caused by problems with the way the brain processes sensory information from the vestibular system and other senses.

Assessing balance disorders:

• History taking: Asking the patient about their symptoms and medical history.
• Physical examination: Checking the patient’s eyes, ears, and nervous system.
• Balance testing: Performing tests to assess the patient’s balance and coordination.

8. What are the different types of hearing protection and when are they used?

• Ear plugs are small, cone-shaped devices that are inserted into the ear canal to block out sound.
• Ear muffs are larger devices that cover the entire ear and are used to block out loud noises.
• Hearing protection headsets are similar to ear muffs, but they also have built-in microphones that allow the wearer to hear speech and other sounds while protecting their hearing from loud noises.

9. What are the different types of hearing loss prevention programs and how do you implement them?

• Employee education programs: Educating employees about the risks of hearing loss and how to protect their hearing.
• Hearing conservation programs: Monitoring employees’ hearing and providing them with hearing protection.
• Engineering controls: Modifying the workplace to reduce noise levels.

10. What are the different types of research that is being conducted in the field of hearing loss and hearing aids?

• New hearing aid technologies: Researchers are developing new hearing aid technologies that are more effective and easier to use.
• Treatment for tinnitus: Researchers are developing new treatments for tinnitus that are more effective and less invasive.
• Prevention of hearing loss: Researchers are developing new ways to prevent hearing loss from occurring.

Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS) are healthcare professionals who assess, fit, and maintain hearing aids to improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss.

1. Patient Care

Conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations to determine the appropriate hearing device for the patient’s individual needs.

• Fit hearing aids and ensure proper fit and function, providing ongoing support and education to patients on how to use and maintain their devices.
• Monitor patient progress and make necessary adjustments to optimize hearing aid performance and address any concerns.

2. Device Management

Select and troubleshoot hearing devices, ensuring they meet the patient’s specific needs and preferences.

• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as audiologists or physicians, to provide comprehensive hearing care.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest hearing aid technology and advancements.

3. Customer Service

Provide exceptional customer service, building strong relationships and ensuring patient satisfaction.

• Educate patients and their families on hearing loss, hearing aid options, and communication strategies.
• Maintain accurate patient records and prepare documentation as needed.

4. Professional Development

Stay current on industry best practices, attending continuing education courses and workshops.

• Maintain professional certifications and licenses, including the Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
• Participate in professional organizations and contribute to the hearing care community.

Preparing for an interview for a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist position requires thorough preparation and a strong understanding of the role’s responsibilities.

1. Research the Company and Position

Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and the specific duties of the HIS position you’re applying for.

• Visit the company’s website, social media pages, and read any available company literature.
• Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experience required.

2. Practice Your Answers

Practice answering common interview questions related to your qualifications, experience, and motivation for pursuing this role.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide specific examples of your accomplishments.
• Focus on highlighting your technical skills, patient care experience, and customer service abilities.

3. Highlight Your Certifications and Credentials

Emphasize your Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) and any other relevant certifications or licenses.

• Explain how your credentials demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality patient care and staying current with industry standards.
• Mention any professional development courses or workshops you’ve attended to enhance your knowledge and skills.

4. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview shows your interest and engagement.

• Prepare questions about the company’s hearing care philosophy, the patient population you’ll be serving, and opportunities for professional growth.
• This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to contribute to the organization’s success.