Hearing aid specialists
SOC Code: 29-2092
Hearing aid specialists carries a 22% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,560 and +18.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 10,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Hearing aid specialists (SOC 29-2092) carries an AI exposure score of 22%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 10,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +18.4% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $61,560, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Hearing aid specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
- 2. Counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss.
- 3. Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.
- 4. Administer basic hearing tests including air conduction, bone conduction, or speech audiometry tests.
- 5. Maintain or repair hearing aids or other communication devices.
- 6. Perform basic screening procedures, such as pure tone screening, otoacoustic screening, immittance screening, and screening of ear canal status using otoscope.
- 7. Create or modify impressions for earmolds and hearing aid shells.
- 8. Assist audiologists in performing aural procedures, such as real ear measurements, speech audiometry, auditory brainstem responses, electronystagmography, and cochlear implant mapping.
- 9. Diagnose and treat hearing or related disabilities under the direction of an audiologist.
- 10. Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in audiology.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Service Orientation
- Instructing
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Therapy and Counseling
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Economics and Accounting
- Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Hearing aid specialists?
Hearing aid specialists has an AI exposure score of 22%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Hearing aid specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Hearing aid specialists is projected to grow by 18.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 10,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Hearing aid specialists?
Key skills for Hearing aid specialists include Active Listening, Service Orientation, Instructing, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Hearing aid specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Hearing aid specialists is $61,560, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Hearing aid specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Hearing aid specialists is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Hearing aid specialists?
Hearing aid specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).