Consultant, hearing impaired

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

A consultant specializing in hearing impairment supports individuals with hearing loss in their daily and professional lives. Tasks often include advising, needs assessment, coordinating interventions, and providing information to users and relatives. The consultant acts as a link between authorities, employers, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure that people with hearing disabilities receive appropriate support and adaptations. The work is usually within municipal or state operations but can also occur within non-profit organizations. The work environment involves meetings, documentation, and sometimes travel to various workplaces where support is needed.

Salary development over time

Salaries for consultants within hearing impairment have shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 44 700 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 46 500, representing a total increase of approximately 7.6% over three years. This salary increase can be linked to increased demand for specialized skills and a generally strong job market within the public sector and disability services. Despite good salary growth, the trend largely follows societal trends for similar professions, where competence and experience are prioritized, and regional differences may occur.

Consultant, hearing-impaired salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, government sector, lower education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women: 45 300 SEK/month
• Men: 48 800 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of what men do
• Regional differences: May occur depending on employer and demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a consultant for the hearing-impaired, a university degree in social work, special education, audiology, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers also value experience working with people with disabilities and knowledge of hearing aids and assistive devices. Practical experience and good communication skills are important qualities for success in the role.

• Formal education: Degree in social work, special education, or audiology (3–4.5 years)
• Certifications/courses: Courses in sign language and hearing technology are meritorious
• Internship: Internship or experience working with hearing-impaired individuals is highly valued
• Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility
• Tip for choosing: Focus on specialization in disability or special education for broader competence

Common benefits and compensations

Employees working as consultants within hearing impairment are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development. In many cases, flexible working hours, subsidized lunch, and work clothing are available depending on the employer and sector. Travel for work may occur, and these expenses are reimbursed according to applicable agreements.

Competition and challenges

The job market for consultants within hearing impairment is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, with national forecasts indicating moderate opportunities that are expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession can include high demands for specialized knowledge, constantly evolving assistive devices, and the need to stay updated on legislation and rights for people with disabilities. Since the profession often belongs to a broader occupational group, competition for positions may vary depending on region and employer. Additionally, high demands are placed on independent work and collaboration skills to meet users' individual needs.

Tips for aspiring consultants within hearing impairment

To succeed as a consultant in hearing impairment, it is good to be attentive and have strong empathetic abilities, which facilitate understanding users' diverse needs. A structured work approach is important for effectively managing coordination and documentation. Engagement in accessibility and disability issues provides valuable motivation, while good communication skills—even with alternative methods like sign language—are crucial. Flexibility helps when tasks and conditions change quickly. Actively seeking further education and staying updated on new assistive devices strengthens your position in the job market. Finally, patience and collaboration skills are central to creating long-term support for users.

Key facts about Consultant, hearing-impaired

• Education level: University degree in social work, special education, or audiology
• Typical work environment: Municipal or state operations, often office-based
• Job market: Moderate opportunities and balance between supply and demand
• Special skills: Knowledge of hearing technology, sign language, and disability issues
• Job openings: 758 within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, consultants within hearing impairment can advance to specialist roles within habilitation, become managers, or take responsibility for projects and development work in the disability sector. There are also opportunities to work as trainers, advisors, or investigators within authorities and interest organizations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for planners and investigators, the job market is expected to be balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. New technological solutions and increased awareness of accessibility issues may create more specialized services in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Consultant, hearing-impaired

• What does a Consultant, hearing-impaired, earn?
  - The average salary is 46 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a consultant for the hearing-impaired?
  - Typically, a university degree in social work, special education, or audiology is required.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like?
  - The job market is assessed to have moderate opportunities and be in balance, with 758 job openings within the profession.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Empathy, communication skills, flexibility, and a structured work approach are highly valued.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 60,200 SEK and the lowest is 30,200 SEK per month, depending on education, sector, and gender.
• What opportunities for further development exist?
  - Specialist roles, management, project management, and training are possible career paths after a few years of experience.