Job Summary

The Hearing Aid Dispenser / Hearing Instrument Specialist provides patient-centered hearing aid selection, fitting, programming, orientation, and follow-up services within the scope authorized by New York State registration. This role supports individuals with hearing difficulties through appropriate hearing instrument solutions, counseling, and ongoing device care.

The position maintains accurate clinical and sales records, coordinates with the audiology team, and follows New York State hearing aid dispensing requirements, applicable federal requirements, payer rules, and Rochester Hearing & Speech Center compliance and privacy policies. Hearing testing performed by a dispenser is limited to hearing aid selection and fitting and does not constitute a medical or diagnostic audiological examination.

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Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hearing screening and testing for hearing aid selection and fitting within the scope of NYS dispenser registration. • Assess patient communication needs, listening environments, preferences, and hearing instrument options. • Recommend, select, fit, program, and adjust hearing aids and compatible assistive listening technology. • Take earmold impressions when appropriate and authorized, following infection control and safety procedures. • Provide instruction on device operation, cleaning, maintenance, connectivity, batteries, and troubleshooting. • Schedule and complete follow-up visits, adjustments, checks, repairs, and warranty-related services. • Recognize medical red flags and refer patients to audiologists, physicians, or other qualified professionals as appropriate.

• Explain device options, pricing, trial and return provisions, warranties, and financing or insurance limitations accurately and without misleading claims. • Coordinate orders, fittings, returns, repairs, and manufacturer communications with audiology and patient care staff. • Maintain accurate and timely records of patient encounters, testing, device specifications, programming, consent, and transactions. • Follow established infection prevention, equipment maintenance, and patient safety procedures. • Assist with patient education, service quality initiatives, and departmental coverage as needed. • Perform other duties as assigned within the authorized scope of practice.

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Patient Care & Compliance Support

• Maintain current individual NYS hearing aid dispenser registration and complete applicable continuing education requirements. • Ensure dispensing activities occur only at appropriately registered RHSC business locations and comply with applicable display and employment notification requirements. • Follow required hearing aid sales documentation, disclosures, written agreements, trial/return provisions, and record retention procedures. • Document and escalate patient concerns, adverse events, complaints, or potential compliance issues promptly. • Coordinate with licensed audiologists for diagnostic audiological evaluations and services outside the dispenser’s authorized scope. • Verify required referrals, coverage, authorizations, and supporting documentation before services are billed when applicable. • Protect patient information in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable payer requirements. • Maintain complete, organized, retrievable records to support quality assurance and audit readiness

Qualifications

• Current, valid New York State Department of State registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser required; a trainee registration alone does not meet this position’s independent dispensing requirement. • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional hearing instrument training or relevant education preferred. • Experience fitting, programming, troubleshooting, and servicing hearing aids preferred. • Strong patient communication, counseling, documentation, and customer service skills. • Ability to work collaboratively with audiologists, patient care coordinators, and other clinical personnel. • Ability to maintain registration, required continuing education, and competency with evolving hearing instrument technology.

Work Environment & Safety

• Clinic-based role with direct patient contact and regular use of hearing instruments, computers, and audiometric equipment. • May work at RHSC locations based on operational needs, subject to applicable business registration requirements. • Follow current RHSC infection control, occupational safety, and communicable disease policies, including applicable masking requirements.

A $1,000 sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $500 upon completion of six months of employment and the remaining $500 upon completion of one year of employment.

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Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Rochester Hearing & Speech Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws and strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to any status protected under applicable law.