Hearing care consultant

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

A hearing care consultant supports and guides individuals with hearing impairment or deafness throughout the rehabilitation process. Tasks often include advising on technical aids, fitting hearing aids, adapting the work environment, and teaching communication techniques. The profession involves close contact with individual clients, relatives, and other professionals such as audiologists, special educators, and employers. The work is typically performed within regional hearing services, private clinics, or in collaboration with schools and workplaces. The environment is characterized by an educational and supportive focus, where flexibility and the ability to meet diverse needs are central.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for hearing care consultants has shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, increasing to 44 400 during 2023. The development continued upward into 2024 with an average of 45 900, representing a total increase of approximately 6.7% during this period. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized skills in hearing care and a general trend toward higher salaries in pedagogical and rehabilitative professions. The market is expected to remain stable, with salary increases reflecting societal needs and high educational requirements.

Hearing care consultant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 50,700 SEK/month (female, public sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 276 SEK
• Women's salary compared to men's: 101 % (women: 46 000 SEK, men: 45 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific regional variations available for the profession

Education and qualifications

To work as a hearing care consultant, a combination of higher education in a relevant field and specialized courses in hearing rehabilitation is required. Many have backgrounds as audiologists, special educators, or in medical rehabilitation. Practical experience with individuals with disabilities is often advantageous. Continuing education and certification in hearing technology or communication support are common supplementary qualifications.

• Formal education: Higher education in audiology, pedagogy, or rehabilitation (3–4 years)
• Specialized courses: Focus on hearing, communication, and aids
• Internship: Internship in hearing care or specialized services is recommended
• Additional training: Certification in hearing technology or sign language is advantageous
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with science or social science orientation is often preferred

Common benefits and compensations

Hearing care consultants often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, further training, and the possibility of holiday pay exchanges. Occupational pension and health insurance are usually included, especially in the public sector. Additionally, opportunities to participate in conferences and networking events for skill development are sometimes offered.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions as a hearing care consultant is assessed as moderate, and the recruitment situation is balanced according to national forecasts. Challenges often include staying updated on new hearing technology and being able to meet an increasingly diverse patient group. The work can be emotionally demanding as it involves supporting individuals in vulnerable situations, while administrative tasks and collaboration with various stakeholders require structure and flexibility. Despite this, many experience a high degree of meaningfulness in the role.

Tips for those wanting to become a hearing care consultant

To succeed as a hearing care consultant, it is important to be attentive and empathetic, as the work is based on understanding each individual's unique situation. A practical tip is to seek internships or summer jobs in hearing care or disability services early on to gain experience. Being communicative and pedagogical facilitates collaboration with clients and colleagues, and patience is valuable when adapting solutions to different needs. An interest in technology and aids is also an advantage, as the profession develops rapidly in this area. Continuously updating your knowledge through courses and seminars demonstrates engagement and strengthens your professional role. Lastly, the ability to work independently and take responsibility for your own projects is necessary, while teamwork skills are crucial in the interdisciplinary work.

Key facts about Hearing Care Consultant

• Educational level: Higher education in audiology, pedagogy, or rehabilitation
• Work environment: Usually within public sector, clinics, or school settings
• Typical work form: Individually and in teams, often interdisciplinary
• Demand: Moderate – 434 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: Hearing technology, communication, rehabilitation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a hearing care consultant, opportunities include advancing to specialist roles in hearing rehabilitation, supervising new colleagues, or managing projects related to assistive devices. Some choose to further their education as audiologists or special educators focusing on hearing. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that demand for special teachers and special educators, including hearing care consultants, is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is balanced, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of workers in the profession. However, technological development and increased specialization requirements may influence tasks and skill requirements over time.

Frequently asked questions about Hearing Care Consultant

• What does a hearing care consultant earn?
  - The average salary for a hearing care consultant is 45 900 SEK per month.
• How does the salary difference between women and men look?
  - Women earn an average of 46 000 SEK and men 45 500 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a hearing care consultant?
  - Higher education in audiology, pedagogy, or rehabilitation, along with specialized courses in hearing.
• Which workplaces employ hearing care consultants?
  - Common employers include regional hearing services, schools, private clinics, and sometimes employment agencies or social insurance offices.
• What is the job market like for hearing care consultants?
  - The job market is balanced with approximately 434 job openings in the profession currently.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, continuing education in hearing technology, communication support, and pedagogy is common.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 50,700 SEK and the lowest 34,600 SEK per month, depending on education, sector, and experience.