Maine 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 at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalency
• Have obtained a trainee permit and have received a minimum of 750 hours of training in the practice of dealing in and fitting of hearing aids under the direct supervision of a licensed hearing aid dealer and fitter or licensed audiologist during a period of not fewer than 6 months nor more than 18 months
• Have passed a written and practical exam.

Reciprocity

The board may waive the examination and grant licensure to an applicant who presents proof of current licensure in another jurisdiction that maintains professional standards determined by the board to be substantially equivalent to those set forth in this state, if no cause exists for denial of a license.

Continuing Education

8 hours of continuing education is required annually.

Audiologist Dispensing

Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.

Board Composition

The Board of Speech-language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dealing and Fitting consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor. All members must be residents of this State. Two members must have been engaged full-time in the practice of speech-language pathology for at least one year immediately preceding appointment. Two members must have been engaged full-time in the practice of audiology for at least one year immediately preceding appointment and 2 hearing aid dealers and fitters must have at least 5 years of experience. All professional members at all times must be holders of valid licenses for the practice of speech-language pathology, audiology or the practice of dealing in and fitting of hearing aids, respectively. The additional member is a public member.

Facilities, Procedures and Instrumentation

Each audiometer used in the measurement of hearing when testing and fitting a hearing aid must meet calibration standards as defined in the board's rules. Dealer-licensees shall obtain an objective calibration check on permanently installed and portable audiometers at least once a year. If an objective calibration check shows an audiometer to deviate more than 10 decibels from the calibration standard, the audiometer must be recalibrated by either a calibration laboratory or the audiometer manufacturer before it may be used to test hearing. Date of the last calibration check or recalibration must be prominently displayed on the audiometer.

Trial Period

30 days from date of delivery.

Mail Order

Mail order dispensing is 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 this website:

Board of Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dealing and Fitting Laws & Rules

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