Getting Help
What is an Audiogramist?
An audiogramist is a hearing care specialist trained specifically to help consumers understand their hearing and navigate the growing world of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. It is a newer role that emerged alongside the 2022 FDA OTC hearing aid ruling.
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The OTC hearing aid landscape created a new need
Before 2022, all hearing aids required a prescription and a visit to a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. The FDA's 2022 ruling changed that — adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy hearing aids directly, without any professional involvement.
This created a gap: millions of consumers now have access to hearing aids but lack the professional guidance to choose, fit, and use them effectively. Audiogramists were developed to fill that gap — providing accessible, lower-cost guidance for OTC hearing aid users who do not need (or cannot access) full audiological care.
What does an audiogramist do?
An audiogramist's scope of practice typically includes:
- Hearing screening: Conducting basic hearing screenings to help consumers understand their degree of hearing loss
- OTC hearing aid guidance: Helping consumers choose the right OTC device based on their hearing profile, lifestyle, and budget
- Self-fitting support: Guiding consumers through the app-based self-fitting process for self-fitting OTC aids
- Education: Explaining hearing loss, hearing aid technology, and realistic expectations
- Referral: Identifying when a consumer's needs exceed OTC solutions and referring them to an audiologist or ENT
How audiogramists differ from audiologists
| Factor | Audiogramist | Audiologist |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Certificate program | Doctoral degree (Au.D.) |
| Training duration | Weeks to months | 4+ years post-graduate |
| Diagnostic testing | Basic screening | Comprehensive audiogram |
| Hearing aid fitting | OTC only | OTC and prescription |
| Medical diagnosis | No | No (refers to ENT) |
| Cost of visit | Lower | Higher |
| Availability | Retail, online | Clinics, hospitals |
When should you see an audiogramist vs. an audiologist?
An audiogramist may be right for you if:
- You have mild to moderate hearing difficulty and want guidance on OTC options
- You have already purchased an OTC hearing aid and need help with fitting or adjustment
- You want a low-cost starting point before committing to a full audiological evaluation
- You are comfortable with technology and primarily need guidance, not diagnosis
See an audiologist instead if:
- You have never had a professional hearing test
- Your hearing loss is moderate to severe
- You have asymmetric hearing loss (one ear worse than the other)
- You have tinnitus, dizziness, or other symptoms alongside hearing loss
- OTC aids have not helped you
- You want prescription hearing aids with professional fitting and follow-up
Where to find an audiogramist
Audiogramists are increasingly found in:
- Retail pharmacy chains and big-box stores that sell OTC hearing aids
- Online hearing care platforms
- Some primary care and community health settings
The role is still evolving, and licensing requirements vary by state. When seeking guidance from an audiogramist, ask about their training, certification, and scope of practice.