Alabama Hearing Aid Dispensing Requirements

The profession of hearing aid dispenser is regulated at the state level and each state maintains its own standards for licensure or registration.

Initial Licensure Requirements

• Be a minimum of 19 years of age
• Be of good moral character
• Have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED
• Be free of any contagious or infectious disease
• Be a citizen or have status as a legal alien
• Have passed a written and practical test

Reciprocity

Licensing reciprocity is not addressed in the law/regulations.

Continuing Education

Each licensee must complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of approved continuing education each calendar year.

Audiologist Dispensing

Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.

Board Composition

Members of the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers must be state residents and are appointed by the Governor. The Board consists of eight members, five of which are licensed hearing instrument dealers with no less than three years of experience. The remaining members consist of one physician who specializes in diseases of the ear, one audiologist and one consumer member.

Facilities, Procedures and Instrumentation

• Any individual or business engaging in the business of fitting or selling hearing instruments must be equipped with proper physical facilities for conducting hearing tests and servicing hearing instruments.
• Proper equipment for servicing hearing instruments and testing must be maintained and must include audiometer, tubing, batteries, and impression material, and tools for servicing hearing instruments.
• The dispenser or dealer must maintain all instruments used to evaluate hearing difficulties within the tolerance and within the recommended calibration schedule in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the American National Standards Institute and American Standards Association specifications.
• The dispenser or dealer must maintain a written record of equipment calibrations including accommodations made to maintain correct tolerances.

Trial Period

A hearing aid trial period is not addressed in the law/regulations.

Mail Order

Mail order dispensing is not addressed in the law/regulations.

Resources

The information contained herein is collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on hearing aid dispenser requirements, contact the state board and visit these websites:

Hearing Instrument Dealers and Fitters Law

Hearing Instrument Dealers Regulations

Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.