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Hearing Instrument Specialist

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Program Code: HI211
CIP Code: 51.0918
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Program Overview

Hearing instrument specialists are valued members of a hearing health-care team. They conduct comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessments, develop hearing health-care plans, dispense advanced digital assistive hearing devices and evaluate outcomes using evidence-based verification methods.   

In the Hearing Instrument Specialist diploma program, you will develop the academic knowledge and hands-on, real-world experience required to become a valued hearing health professional. We combine online and in-person learning models, work-integrated learning, exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities to prepare students to skillfully work within their scope of practice and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary health-care team. Graduates of our program develop the confidence to adapt to the evolving needs of today’s patient and the emerging technologies for patient care and hearing devices.   

This program develops holistic and critical thinkers, confident clinicians and compassionate communicators who will become outstanding professionals, effective practitioners and leading contributors in their field. 

Work-Integrated Learning  

Our curriculum is designed to emphasize depth and breadth in your clinical experience. You will have the opportunity to practise your skills with two mandatory . These will include a combination of on campus clinical and community opportunities. You will be offered a selection of approved placement sites which will allow you to experience clinical work, marketing and sales, or research and development. Some professional practicums may be outside of the Greater Toronto area.

Graduates of the Hearing Instrument Specialist program can apply to the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP) and then complete their internship hours to become fully licensed professionals in Ontario.

Visit Future Students > Work-Integrated Learning > to learn more about your WIL power and other success stories.

Also take time to explore the digital Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness Student Handbook to learn foundational WIL concepts, plus requirements specific to this program.

paramedic students holding a gurney with a training dummy on it

Watch the video to learn what is work-integrated learning.

Professional and Community Partnerships

Humber maintains strong partnerships within the community – and is the preferred choice by many agencies and facilities because of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness reputation.

An Education in High Demand

The Hearing Instrument Specialist diploma program will prepare you well as the need for professionals in this field continues to rise in Canada.

The Humber Advantage

State-of-the-art Facilities

Our Hearing Instrument Specialist Program features cutting-edge lab facilities designed to foster a superior learning experience. Equipped with the latest technology, our labs offer students hands-on experience in their first and second semesters, building essential technical and employability skills scaffolded throughout the program.

By the third semester, students will apply their skills in our on-site Hearing Clinic and Learning Space, under the guidance of experienced professionals. This unique setup allows for a seamless blend of theory and practice, providing students with immediate constructive feedback and comprehensive practical training. The practicum experience, encompassing everything from appointment scheduling to providing full diagnostic hearing assessments, equips students with a holistic skill set, preparing them for successful careers in hearing healthcare. Our state-of-the-art learning space not only enhances learning but also positions students for professional growth and success.

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

You are collaborative, a problem solver and have a desire to help. You are driven and motivated and have strong interpersonal skills. You have the desire to use your experiences and knowledge to help others.

specialist showing a patient options for different hearing aids

2 hearing aids, a prosthetic ear and an otoscope

hand holding 2 hearing aids


Testimonials

Interested in Hearing Instrument Specialist at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?


Student Experiences

hearing instrument specialist lab equipment

hearing instrument specialist lab equipment with headphones

hearing instrument specialist lab booth

Your Career

As the aging demographic in Canada continues to expand, there is a high demand for strongly skilled hearing instrument specialists. The job outlook for this profession in Ontario is positive.   

Graduates are prepared for various employment opportunities including clinical, business, manufacturing, marketing and sales, research and development, technical support, plus entrepreneurial endeavours. This industry is dynamic in its movement and opportunities in patient-centered health care as it continues to evolve with the advancement of technology.

Hearing instrument specialists can work in a clinic or hospital setting testing for hearing loss and fitting hearing aids in adults. They can also manage the sales and business side of a company or choose to be an entrepreneur and open their own testing and dispensing clinic. A hearing instrument specialist can work for a hearing aid manufacturer as a sales marketing manager, specialist in product manufacturing, technical support, or research and development of new and upcoming hearing aid technology.

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP)

Graduates of the Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) program are eligible to become full members of the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP) as hearing instrument dispensers (HID). Typically, graduates join the HIS internship program, completing 1,000 hours of practical experience within 36 months of graduation. Additionally, they must pass the international licensing exam within this period to achieve full HIS membership in AHIP. 

Once graduates attain full HIS membership in AHIP, they qualify to apply for authorization as hearing aid authorizers through the Ontario Ministry of Health's Assistive Devices Program (ADP). 

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Serena Ransom, acting program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
serena.ransom@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following: 

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent 
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U) or Grade 11 M or U Mathematics (MCF3M or MCR3U) 
      • Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent) 
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent) 
      • One Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U course in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Placement Requirements

The pre-requisite requirements must be fulfilled before the commencement of your first placement. Participation in placements will not be allowed if not all the pre-requisite requirements are met. Due to the variety of venues and possible changes in legislation, the requirements are subject to change. Please use the following link to find detailed information about your program’s placement pre-requisite requirements.

View Requirements

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Serena Ransom, acting program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
serena.ransom@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $3,978.42
  • international: $14,426.36

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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