Hi billigem,
A few years ago, I went to a presentation at Robert Wood Johnson which is a major health facility here in New Jersey. The presenter was an audiologist and on staff there and was considered a hearing “expert.” Her knowledge of what hearing aids actually do was very limited. She made a few statements that were incorrect. I’m sorry that I can’t remember what they were - I’m 77 and my memory could be better.
I live at a Continuing Care Retirement Community and we have organized several programs on hearing and invited professionals to come and present. Again the audiologists had a limited knowledge of what hearing aids do other than amplify sound. None spoke about Real Ear Measurements for example, and most didn’t know anything about bluetooth integration.
I have dealt with four HIS technicians, two at Costco and two at other independent hearing aid outlets.They were all knowledgeable about hearing aids and how to fit them.
Additionally, my step-daughter completed a two year course at a local college to become certified as an HIS and her training was very thorough.
I may be prejudiced, since when I was working, I was an electronics technician and I often felt that I knew more about real world electronics that most electronics engineers. My point being that hands on experience is worth more than formal education in many instances.