Hearing techniques

What does a hearing care technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A hearing care technician works with the customization, adjustment, and maintenance of hearing aids and support systems for people with hearing impairments. Tasks include installation, troubleshooting, and servicing of hearing aids, hearing loops, and other technical aids, often in close collaboration with audiologists and hearing care teams. The environment is typically clinical and patient-oriented, but interventions can also take place at schools, workplaces, or in the user's home. The role requires technical precision, good communication skills, and an understanding of individual needs, as each solution is tailored to the user's specific situation.

Salary development over time

The profession of hearing care technician has shown a steady positive salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK, followed by an increase to 38 000 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates a further increase to 39 200 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.5% over the three-year period. The salary increase reflects a growing demand for technical expertise in hearing care and an expanding need for qualified technicians as the population ages and more people require hearing aids. The salary growth is somewhat higher than the general inflation rate, indicating that the profession is increasingly valued in the labor market.

Hearing Care Technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education < 3 years)
• Highest salary: 50,200 SEK/month (male, private sector with research degree)
• Highest salary, female: 44,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary, male: 50,200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary, male: 38,900 SEK/month
• Average hourly wage: 236 SEK
• Women/men: Women earn 91% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a hearing care technician, a vocational university education in hearing technology or a related technical field is usually required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, with knowledge of acoustics, electronics, and basic medical understanding being central elements. Internships are often part of the program and provide valuable insight into the daily work of the profession. Technical interest and good problem-solving skills are essential for success.

• Formal education: Vocational university in hearing technology (2–3 years)
• Internship: Often at least 15 weeks included
• Courses/certifications: Opportunities for further training in medical technology
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with a technical focus
• Tips for choosing: Study the job market and select programs with strong industry support

Common benefits and compensations

Employment as a hearing care technician often includes collectively agreed occupational pension schemes, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development through courses and seminars. Working hours are generally daytime, and the work environment is often ergonomically adapted. Flexibility in working hours and some remote service options may be available depending on the employer.

Competition and challenges

The market for hearing care technicians is characterized by a relatively small but specialized workforce where competition for jobs is moderate. Since the profession is part of a broader technical group, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish hearing care technicians from related roles, affecting career paths and salary development. Challenges include staying updated on rapid technological advancements in hearing aids and meeting increased documentation and quality assurance requirements. Additionally, the profession demands high service orientation and adaptability to diverse users.

Tips for aspiring hearing care technicians

To succeed as a hearing care technician, having a strong technical interest and analytical skills is beneficial, as each aid must be individually customized. Precision is crucial, as small errors can significantly impact the user's quality of life. Good teamwork and communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and users, especially in patient-facing situations. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are needed when technical challenges arise, and a service-oriented approach is essential to build trust with clients. Continual further education and staying updated on new technology enhance career opportunities. Finally, empathy and patience are important qualities, as meetings often involve individuals in vulnerable situations.

Key facts about Hearing Care Technicians

• Education level: Vocational university, 2–3 years
• Work environment: Clinical setting, often patient-oriented
• Average monthly salary: 39 200 SEK
• Occupational group: Dental technicians and orthopaedic engineers, among others
• Available jobs in the profession: 564

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a hearing care technician, there are opportunities to specialize in advanced hearing technology, take responsibility for training new colleagues, or advance into leadership roles within hearing care. It is also possible to work with product development, technical support for suppliers, or move into roles as a medical technology engineer. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that, due to limited data, no precise assessment is made of future prospects for specific hearing care technicians, but within the broader technical group, there is a stable demand with over 564 available jobs. The development of new technology and increasing demands for personalized aids suggest that the profession will continue to be in demand.

Frequently asked questions about Hearing Care Technicians

• What is the average salary of a Hearing Care Technician?
  - The average salary is 39 200 SEK per month.
• How does one become a hearing care technician?
  - The most common pathway is a vocational university program in hearing technology lasting 2–3 years.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 91% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the highest salary for a hearing care technician?
  - The highest salary is 50,200 SEK and belongs to a man with a research degree.
• What is the job market outlook?
  - There are approximately 564 available jobs in the profession according to the latest data.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Technical interest, accuracy, and good communication are especially important.
• What workplaces can you work at?
  - Hearing care technicians mainly work within audiology, at clinics, hospitals, or private providers.