Hearing Instrument Specialist Trainee (Waverly, IA)

Starkey Laboratories, Inc.; Waverly (IA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Paid time off

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Job summary

A leading hearing solutions provider is seeking a Hearing Instrument Specialist Trainee in Waverly, IA. This full-time position involves training in all aspects of hearing aid fittings, sales, and diagnostics. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, sales experience, and strong communication skills. The role offers competitive hourly wages, medical and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and other benefits, and aims at enhancing patients' lives through exceptional hearing solutions.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of sales experience preferred in healthcare or technical field.
• Knowledge of the hearing aid industry is a plus.
• Comfortable working with online computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide Patient Journey Experience through counseling and instruction.
• Conduct patient diagnostics and support patient care.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and service hearing instruments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences/Communication Disorders

Job description

Hearing Instrument Specialist Trainee (Waverly, IA)

Job Category: Retail

Requisition Number: HEARI007301

Posted: April 6, 2026

Employment Type: Full‑Time, On‑site

Locations

Showing 1 location

At Starkey Retail, we are setting a new standard for excellence in hearing healthcare through our commitment to the Patient Journey philosophy. This philosophy is driven by the unique needs of our patients and our dedication to guiding them in choosing the best hearing solutions to enhance their lifestyle and overall well‑being.

This role is an employment opportunity with Northland Hearing Centers, Inc. (referred to as “Starkey Retail”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Starkey Retail positions are covered under Northland Hearing Centers, Inc.’s benefit and compensation programs.

The Hearing Instrument Sales Specialist Trainee will be trained in all aspects of hearing aid fittings, service/repairs, and sales, including product knowledge, testing, diagnosis of hearing loss, fittings and sales of hearing products and accessories, patient counseling, and aural rehabilitation. Trainees will also be prepared to meet and provide services to patients remotely through Starkey’s TeleHear program. HIS Trainees must complete the requisite for a dispensing license and practice within applicable state law prior to obtaining said licensure. Starkey will sponsor, train, and fund the process and fees of obtaining said license.

The training program will include the apprentice working with their assigned sponsor. Trainees will receive additional training via job shadowing of other practitioners, which may include travel to other locations. Study materials, testing fees, and travel arrangements will be paid by Starkey.

Approach and Deployment

• Provide Patient Journey Experience through counseling and instruction.
• Complete requirements for state temporary license.
• Learn to conduct patient diagnostics.
• Train with licensed specialists to complete practicum hours. This may include travel to other regions to work with a variety of experienced specialists.
• Learn to conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations to identify type and degree of hearing loss.
• Learn to make appropriate recommendations based on hearing test results.
• Become proficient in troubleshooting, repairing and servicing all types of hearing instruments and accessories.
• Attend the Patient Journey Protocol class and observe other specialists in their practice of the Patient Journey.
• Train with a Specialist or Audiologist on difficult fittings.
• Learn the Starkey product line and programming of hearing instruments. Travel to Starkey training events may be required.
• Learn tactics and styles of hearing aid sales and accessories.
• Train and work with patients via TeleHear.
• Train with area specialists on patient care, ensuring the comfort of the patient and understanding their needs and requests.
• Learn how to use the TeleHear tools for working with patients remotely, including programs such as TEAMS, VSEE and GoTo Meeting and understanding of online tools to adjust and fit patients offsite.

Results – Performance Measures

• Attendance at meetings.
• Create a calendar for each location.
• Assessment of dispensing skills.
• Providing timely data for insurance billing.

Other Duties

• Support Northland Employee Corporate and/or Department Guidelines.
• Check and verify quality.
• Support corporate health and safety objectives.
• React to change productively and handle other essential duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Minimum education, certification and experience requirements:

Education: High school required; college degree preferred or equivalent work history in a healthcare or technical field; Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences/Communication Disorders ideal.

Experience: 1+ years of sales experience preferred and/or background in medical or hearing aid industry.

Knowledge: Knowledge of the hearing aid industry is a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to organize and execute a plan.
• Good problem solving, analytical abilities, verbal and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills required.
• Comfortable working with online computer systems and programs.
• Public speaking experience and training.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual hourly rate for this position ranges from $19.00 – $24.04 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is eligible for commissions based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits

Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short‑term disability insurance, long‑term disability insurance, employee assistance program, hearing aid benefits, PTO, paid sick and safe time, and 6 paid holidays annually.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.