A Career in Independent Hearing Healthcare
The term “Audiologist” is a broad and widely used description that encompasses clinicians who may specialise in areas such as balance disorders, ear wax removal, hyperacusis and sound sensitivity, tinnitus, and other aspects of hearing and auditory care. Audiologists may work across adult, newborn, or paediatric services, and may follow a range of different education and training pathways. They may also hold professional registration with a variety of organisations, depending on their role and setting.
Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD)
In contrast, “Hearing Aid Dispenser” is a legally protected professional title. It may only be used by clinicians who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Hearing Aid Dispensers. Whilst the core scope of work for a Hearing Aid Dispenser may include assessing and treating adult hearing loss with the support of hearing aids, many may also choose to specialise in the areas noted above.
BSHAA is proud to represent and support the Hearing Aid Dispenser profession, with HCPC registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser required to obtain full BSHAA membership. Hearing Aid Dispensers are regulated healthcare professionals who play a vital role in assessment, treatment and delivering ongoing hearing care to patients within the independent sector. This is a rewarding, regulated, and in-demand career that makes a meaningful difference to people’s quality of life.
Routes to HCPC Registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD)
To practise in the private or independent sector and dispense hearing aids, individuals must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.
To be eligible for HCPC registration, you must successfully complete an HCPC-approved programme. These programmes may take a number of different formats, including:
- A degree (Bachelor’s or Foundation) in Hearing Aid Audiology
- A work-based learning programme
- An approved higher apprenticeship (Level 5) pathway
All routes must meet HCPC standards of education and training. While qualification titles and delivery models may vary, the key requirement is that the programme is approved by the HCPC.
Following successful completion of an approved programme, you must apply to the HCPC for registration before you can practise using the protected title Hearing Aid Dispenser.
HCPC APPROVED PROGRAMMES
Working in the NHS or Overseas
Individuals who have trained or are currently practising in the NHS or overseas may be eligible to join the HCPC register through an HCPC aptitude test and assessment process.
This route is designed for those with relevant qualifications and experience who wish to work in the UK independent sector as Hearing Aid Dispensers.
The aptitude test and associated assessments are organised by approved providers, such as (but not limited to) De Montfort University and Anglia Ruskin University, and are recognised by the HCPC. These assessments typically run several times a year, subject to demand.
The HCPC may also require applicants to demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency, in line with HCPC standards.
Full details are available on the HCPC website.
BSHAA Student Membership
BSHAA welcomes membership applications from students who are studying on recognised HCPC-approved programmes leading to registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.
Student members benefit from:
- Access to member-only areas of the BSHAA website
- Regular newsletters and professional updates
- Four issues per year of BSHAA People, the Society’s professional journal
- Discounted student rates for BSHAA development days and events
Membership fees for students are heavily subsidised at £5 per year until you have qualified. Please note that student members are not eligible to vote.
HCPC APPROVED PROGRAMMES
Hearing Care Assistant (HCA)
BSHAA developed the role of Hearing Care Assistant (HCA) to support Hearing Aid Dispensers and enhance patient care within independent practices.
The HCA role provides an entry route into the sector for individuals working in clinical support roles, under the supervision of Hearing Aid Dispensers. HCAs may choose to remain in this role, or it may form part of a pathway towards completing an HCPC-approved programme to become a Hearing Aid Dispenser themselves.
BSHAA maintains guidance and best-practice standards for HCAs, reflecting the Code of Conduct and Training Standards for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England. This guidance also includes detail on supervision and scope of practice.
BSHAA Welcomes membership from HCAs under our Clinical Support Membership category.
A Rewarding and Growing Profession
Hearing Aid Dispensers and Hearing Care Assistants work primarily within the independent hearing healthcare sector. Roles may be based in clinics, retail settings, or through domiciliary services, providing care in patients’ homes and care environments.
Most patients are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss, as well as individuals whose hearing has been affected by noise exposure, illness, or other medical factors.
An ageing population, changes within NHS provision, and increasing awareness of hearing health continue to drive strong demand for Hearing Aid Dispensers. This creates excellent long-term career prospects within the independent sector.
Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship
National Apprenticeships in England provide a valuable and cost-effective route for practices to develop their workforce and support individuals to qualify as Hearing Aid Dispensers.
The Level 5 Hearing Aid Dispenser apprenticeship standard (ST0600) provides an HCPC-approved route to professional registration. The standard now falls under Skills England, rather than the former Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
This pathway enables employers to grow capacity while supporting learners to earn and learn through structured, regulated training aligned with HCPC requirements.
Skills England Apprenticeship Trailblazer chair and BSHAA President Michael Marchant, answers some commonly asked questions of the Apprenticeship:
What is the Hearing Aid Dispenser apprenticeship?
The Hearing Aid Dispenser apprenticeship is a Level 5 higher apprenticeship (ST0600) that provides an HCPC-approved route to qualification and registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.
It combines structured academic learning with supervised, work-based clinical training, enabling apprentices to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required to practise safely and effectively as a regulated healthcare professional.
Does the apprenticeship lead to HCPC registration?
Yes. Successful completion of the Level 5 Hearing Aid Dispenser apprenticeship (ST0600), including the required Apprenticeship Assessment Plan (AAP), makes individuals eligible to apply for HCPC registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.
Only once registered with the HCPC can individuals legally use the protected title Hearing Aid Dispenser and practise independently.
Who is the apprenticeship suitable for?
The apprenticeship is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:
School or college leavers seeking a healthcare career
Individuals changing careers into hearing healthcare
Existing hearing care or clinical support staff
Those who prefer an earn-while-you-learn route to qualification
Employers must be able to provide appropriate clinical supervision, patient access, and workplace support to meet HCPC and apprenticeship requirements.
How long does it take?
The typical duration of the Level 5 Hearing Aid Dispenser apprenticeship is 18–24 months, depending on the training provider, workplace opportunities, and individual learning needs.
Regardless of length, all apprentices must complete the required on-programme learning and the Apprenticeship Assessment Plan (AAP) to be eligible for HCPC registration.
What qualifications or entry requirements are needed?
Entry requirements are set by individual training providers and employers. These may vary, but typically include:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Evidence of suitable academic ability
- A commitment to working in a clinical environment
- Right to work in the UK
Some providers may consider relevant prior experience in healthcare or hearing care.
Do apprentices earn a salary?
Yes. Apprentices are employed and receive a salary throughout the apprenticeship.
Salary levels are set by the employer and must meet at least the minimum apprenticeship wage requirements. Many employers choose to pay above the minimum to attract and retain high-quality candidates.
Who pays for the apprenticeship training?
Apprenticeship training is funded through the government apprenticeship funding system.
For levy-paying employers, training costs are paid from their apprenticeship levy account. For non-levy-paying employers, the government typically funds the majority of the training cost, with the employer contributing a smaller percentage.
Employers should discuss funding arrangements with their chosen training provider.
What is the Apprenticeship Assessment Plan (AAP)?
Previously, apprentices completed an End-Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their programme. Following apprenticeship reforms, this has now been replaced by the Apprenticeship Assessment Plan (AAP).
The AAP is a formal, independent assessment plan that confirms the apprentice has achieved the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required by the Level 5 Hearing Aid Dispenser standard (ST0600) and is ready to practise safely as a HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.
Key points about the AAP:
It sets out required assessment outcomes and baseline requirements.
Assessment can be more flexible in timing and delivery, rather than only at a single end point.
Independent assessment organisations ensure the assessments are fair, valid, and aligned to the apprenticeship standard.
Apprentices must successfully complete the AAP to achieve occupational competence and apprenticeship completion.
Is the apprenticeship equvalent to a degree?
The Level 5 apprenticeship is broadly equivalent to foundation degree level in terms of academic level.
The key distinction is that the apprenticeship is a work-based route, combining employment with structured training and clinical experience. The important regulatory factor is that the programme is HCPC-approved, not the academic title alone.
Can I progress to further qualifications after qualifying?
Yes. Many Hearing Aid Dispensers go on to undertake further professional development and additional training (CPD), including:
- Specialist clinical areas (e.g., paediatrics, tinnitus, balance, wax removal)
- Management and leadership roles
- Training and mentoring roles
- Further academic study
BSHAA supports ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career.
How can employers get involved in offering apprenticeships?
Employers who wish to recruit or support apprentices should work with an approved apprenticeship training provider.
Employers must be able to demonstrate:
Appropriate clinical supervision by HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispensers
Sufficient patient caseload and learning opportunities
Support for protected learning time
Commitment to meeting HCPC and apprenticeship standards
BSHAA can provide guidance and signposting to support practices interested in developing apprenticeship pathways.
Where can I find apprenticeship vacancies?
Apprenticeship vacancies are typically advertised through:
- The government’s Find an Apprenticeship service
- Hearing care employers and groups
- Training provider websites
- BSHAA communications and member channels