Hearing aid dispenser

A hearing aid dispenser is a person licensed to prescribe and dispense hearing aids.

Hearing Aid Dispensers provide testing for the purpose of supplying hearing aids to individuals with hearing loss. Hearing Aid Dispensers are trained in the interpretation of hearing assessment instrumentation, hearing aid electronics, specifications, analysis, modifications and programming. Hearing aid dispensers do not diagnose hearing loss.

All new hearing aid dispensing trainees must train for two years under the supervision of a licensed hearing aid dispenser. After training, they are allowed to sit for the National Competency Examination to become Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Advanced training is provided under the two year International Hearing Society sponsored Audioprostology program. The State evaluations for licensure include both written and practical examinations to assess competency. All states in the US license Hearing Aid Dispensers for public safety and many use the standardized International Licensing Examination from the International Hearing Society. Minimum educational requirements for a dispenser vary from state to state.

Hearing Aid Dispenser may work for Audiologists, ENT's or in private practices. The average salary for a hearing aid dispenser varies. As the population ages there may be a resulting shortage of hearing aid dispensers and dispensing Audiologists.

Hearing Aid Dispensers should not be confused with Audiologists. Audiologists are university trained health professionals who diagnose hearing loss though diagnostic testing as part of comprehensive auditory rehabilitation. Unfortunately, many have never received comprehensive training with modern hearing instruments. Dispensing Audiologists have acquired additional training in hearing instruments and many have also become Nationally Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. ==References==

{http://www.healthfinder.gov/orgs/HR3193.htm.] {https://www.ihsinfo.org/Ihs ] {http://www.hearingreview.com] {http://www.physicstoday.org] {http://asa.aip.org] {http://www.jlo.co.uk]