Delaware Licensing Requirements for Hearing Aid Dispensers
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
- met the current standards promulgated by the National Institute for Hearing Instrument Studies or its successor
- have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- complete six months of training prior to taking the examination
- passed a written and practical exam
- provide notarized signature of Delaware-licensed hearing aid dispenser sponsor providing direct supervision and training of applicant
Reciprocity
The Board of Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers (Board) shall grant a license to an applicant who:
- presents proof of current licensure in "good standing" in another state, whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to those of Delaware
- is licensed or registered in a state whose standards are not substantially similar to those of Delaware's, but must have practiced for a minimum of five years after licensure
Temporary Licensure
The Board may issue a temporary license to dispense hearing aids to an applicant waiting to take the examination for licensure. The notarized application shall be accompanied by a statement from a Delaware-licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser who affirms that the licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser shall provide direct supervision and training of the applicant during the period of temporary licensure. The temporary license expires at the end of one year from issuance.
Continuing Education
Individuals must obtain a minimum of 30 continuing eduction credits (CEs) each two-year license renewal period.
Audiologist Dispensing
Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.
Board Composition
The Board of Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers consists of nine members, appointed by the governor, who are residents of Delaware: three must be licensed speech-language pathologists, two must be licensed audiologists, one must be a licensed hearing aid dispenser, and three are public members.
Trial Period
A hearing aid trial period is not addressed in the law/regulations.
Mail Order/Internet Sales
Mail order dispensing and Internet sales are not addressed in the law/regulations.
Resources
The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on hearing aid dispenser requirements, contact the state board and visit these websites:
Hearing Aid Dispenser Law
Hearing Aid Dispenser Regulations
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.