Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) welcomes Richard Leroux, B.S., BC-HIS as a member of the school’s Hearing Instrument Science (HIS) Advisory Committee.

Leroux’s three-year term begins July 1, 2018.  In a letter from the Office of the Chancellor, he is thanked for his willingness to give of his time and expertise to the college and the HIS program.

“Advisory committees are very important to our technical programs and other areas of the college and are invaluable for offering advice on, among many things, new trends, new requirements, state-of-the-art equipment, and job-specific performance competences,” said Chancellor Hal Higdon, Ph.D.  “Your (Richard’s) input and advice as a committee member will serve to ensure our instructional programs meet the needs of both our community and our students.”

In 2013, Missouri began requiring that anyone who fits customers with a hearing aid complete an educational degree program in Hearing Instrument Science.  Previously, the only training available was on-the-job training.

OTC is one of only four colleges in the United States, and the only one in the state of Missouri, to offer an applied science degree in Hearing Instrument Science. It began in the spring of 2011. Richard completed the program in 2014.

“When a seat became available on our Advisory Panel, I knew I wanted one of our alumni, but I also wanted someone who is passionate about the hearing healthcare field,” said Rebecca Krouse, M.S., Ed, BC-HIS, Hearing Instrument Science Program Director, OTC.  “Richard immediately came to mind and I am thrilled that he accepted the request to serve as a member of our advisory panel.”

“Hearing Instrument Science programs, like the one at OTC, result in an improved quality of hearing healthcare,” explains Leroux.  “Graduates of the program are well-versed in the theory and practice of hearing improvement.  As a member of the OTC HIS Advisory Committee, I am honored to provide my expertise to a program that sets the bar high for my profession, benefiting patients and their families.”

Richard Leroux, B.S., BC-HIS, is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist in the state of Missouri and is Board Certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Richard and his wife, Michelle Leroux, of El Dorado Springs, are the owners of Experience Hearing Center, 1505 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada, MO, 417/667-5566, a locally owned and independent hearing clinic.