Hearing aid dispenser (entry requirements, skills and interests)

Courses in hearing aid dispensing are available at a number of different levels, and so the entry requirements will vary depending on the level of course you’re applying for. 

Entry requirements vary, depending on the course that you are applying for, so it’s important to check with individual course providers, but the following is a guide.

• To get onto the Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education in Hearing Aid Audiology, you may need to be employed in the audiology field and will typically need A-levels or equivalent qualifications at level 3.
• For BSc (Hons) healthcare Science degrees in audiology, you’re likely to need moderate to high grade A-levels in three subjects including a science. Equivalent qualifications at level 3 may be accepted.
• For entry onto the Master’s level programmes, you’ll typically need an honours degree (minimum 2:1) or the overseas equivalent in a suitable science subject (or possibly suitable experience combined with alternative qualifications). You will usually also need to demonstrate a keen interest in audiology.  

It is essential to check entry requirements with each course provider as they set their own.

Some courses are sponsored by industry as an ‘earn while you learn’ option, where you can work for a company as trainee who may sponsor the fees and expenses for the course.

Use our course finder to search for courses leading to HCPC registration as a hearing aid dispenser

Find out more about the role of hearing aid dispenser

Find out more about the training and registration required to become a hearing aid dispenser

• Skills, qualities and interests needed

  To work as a hearing aid dispenser, you’ll need:

  • good interpersonal skills - to be able to communicate with people of all ages. You must respect their privacy, be sympathetic and have a friendly and professional attitude towards them
  • to have an interest in science and technology – an ability to update and test your knowledge against experience
  • to be comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment
  • to pay great attention to detail - to produce highly accurate work even when under pressure
  • the ability to work as part of a team

  If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you're applying for a university course funded by the NHS.

  The NHS values form a key part of the NHS Constitution.

  Find out more about NHS values