Georgia 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

• be at least 18 years of age
• be of good moral character
• passed a written and practical exam

Reciprocity

A nonresident dispenser's license may be issued to an applicant who holds a current unsuspended, unrevoked license to practice the dispensing of hearing aids in another state or jurisdiction upon payment of the fee provided for a dispenser's license and upon presentation of satisfactory evidence to the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers that such other state or jurisdiction has requirements equivalent to or higher than those in effect in this state for the practice of dispensing hearing aids, provided that such state or jurisdiction has a program equivalent to or stricter than that required by this state for determining the qualifications of applicants for a dispenser's license and that such state or jurisdiction has a provision for reciprocity and has entered into a reciprocal agreement with the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers.

Temporary Licensure

Apprentice Dispenser’s Permit Requires:

• A statement of supervision provided by a licensed dispenser;
• A statement made by the supervising dealer that the applicant is capable of making the tests and applying the techniques required to dispense hearing aids;
• Proof of age; and
• Passage of the practical portion of the examination.

Apprentice dispensers' permits are limited to one year in duration and shall not be renewed.

Training Permit Requires:

• A statement of supervision provided by a licensed dispenser;
• Proof of age.

The permit authorizes the person to dispense hearing aids only under direct supervision and immediate observation of the licensed dispenser who shall be responsible for the trainee. Training permits should be for a duration of six months and may be renewed as often as necessary for additional six-month time periods so long as the requirements for issuance of permits are met for each renewal.

Continuing Education

As a prerequisite for the renewal of a dispenser's license, the dispenser must provide proof to the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers that the dispenser has successfully completed 14 hours of continuing education in a program approved by the Board.

Audiologist Dispensing

Audiologists may dispense under audiology license.

Board Composition

The Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers consists of seven members; four of whom must hold licenses issued by the Board and must have no less than three years' experience as a hearing aid dispenser; one of whom must be a diplomate or eligible for certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology and licensed to practice medicine in this state; one of whom must be a licensed audiologist; and one of whom must be appointed from the public at large. Each member of the Board shall be appointed by the governor with the approval of the secretary of state.

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 Dealers and Dispensers Law

Board Rules

Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.