How do you get into it, does it cost alot to start up?
2006-12-30 22:13:17 · 4 answers · asked by victorschool1 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Hi, I'm an Audiologist.
The laws regulating Hearing AId Dispensing vary from state-to-state. Most states have separate licenses for Audiology and for Hearing Aid Dispensing.
As of 2007, Audiology certification requires a Doctorate degree. Here in New Jersey, the Hearing Aid Dispensing license requires a High School Diploma, six-month full-time apprenticeship, criminal background check, and passing written and practical examinations that are not easy. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure.
Hearing aid dispensing is not easy! The technology is changing constantly, and requires a good understanding of computers and the physics of sound. But the hardest part is working with the patients. Most of them do not want to wear hearing aids and many are in denial about having hearing loss. Another challenge is getting them to have realistic expectations, and to accept that with hearing aids, they will not hear the way they think they remember "normal" hearing is. Since most insurance plans don't cover hearing aids, many people have difficulty paying for the devices.
The business is quite competitive, too. And although I can't say for certain because I do not run my own business (and wouldn't want to), the legal and insurance paperwork and expenses are probably oppressive. You have to know what you are doing and really care for the people you are treating if you want to succeed. And it is very rewarding when you have patients that really appreciate the help that you have provided for them!
2006-12-31 14:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by HearKat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baby Boomers are using hearing aids NOW! I'd say that you're market will increase because of all of the "boom boom" loaded cars that vibrate your windows when they pass. In other words, yes, it's a very good business to get into and will only increase in the future. You can go to a local Small Business Administration, or a local college that has a program about starting a business and find out the details. Most communities have one, you just have to ask. You will have to be certified to do audiology and probably have an assistant. You'll have to have a testing room and the equipment needed. And you'll need an office. Why not go to a business establishment and ask the owner how they got started? They would probably be happy to help you, especially if you tell them you're moving to another town!! God love you, honey, for your ambition!
2006-12-31 02:21:45 · answer #2 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know how lucrative it is, there will definetly be a demand though in the future with the baby boomers getting older
2006-12-31 00:16:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what, i CAN'T hear you, ha ha sorry
2006-12-30 23:11:47 · answer #4 · answered by wildpepsilover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋