What Is a Hearing Aid Dispenser?

Most people don't think about their hearing ability until they lose it. If and when that time comes, it can be difficult and confusing to find out where to get a hearing test and buy hearing aids. Hearing aid dispensers are among the hearing-care professionals whom you can turn to for help.

Definition

• Hearing aid dispensers are hearing-care professionals who dispense or sell hearing aids. Hearing aid dispensers are also called hearing-aid dealers and hearing instrument specialists.

History

• Prior to 1988, hearing aid dispensers in the United States fit patients referred to them by audiologists and physicians who write prescriptions for hearing aids. Since that time hearing aid dispensers have the training and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to select and fit hearing aids without a written prescription.

Function

• Hearing aid dispensers test hearing for the purpose of selling hearing aids. They are employed in hearing aid stores owned by franchises or independent owners.

Education

• Hearing aid dispensers are "apprenticeship" trained and must pass a state licensing written and practical examination in fitting hearing aids. The minimum of a high-school degree is required.

  Hearing instrument specialists who are board certified by the NB-HIS National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences must have 2 years experience and pass a national competency examination. In many states board certification is not required to fit hearing aids.

Misconceptions

• Hearing aid dispensers are not doctors or audiologists. They are trained specialists in the selecting, fitting and adjustment of hearing aids.

Considerations

• Hearing aid dispensers who are board certified by NB-HIS have the highest level of qualifications and have met stringent requirements to provide good hearing aid services.