Mississippi 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 21 years of age or older;
• have an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school;
• have passed a written, practical, and state law exam

Reciprocity

An applicant for licensure by reciprocity shall submit to the Department of Health written evidence in form and content satisfactory to the Department:

• that the applicant is currently licensed as a Hearing Aid Specialist under the laws of another state or the District of Columbia.
• that the requirements for said license are equivalent to or greater than those required in this state.
• that said license is in good standing and has not been suspended or revoked.
• that verification of all licenses that have been issued are on file with the Department of Health.
• that the state issuing the current license has a current reciprocity agreement on file with the Department of Health.

Temporary Licensure

A temporary license may be granted to an applicant that meets the requirements for licensure but who has not previously applied to take the approved examination. The temporary license entitles the applicant to practice fitting and dispensing during the minimum 90-day training period.

The first regularly scheduled examination after the training period must be taken by the temporary licensee or the temporary license shall not be renewed, except for good cause shown to the satisfaction of the Department of Health. If a person who holds a temporary license fails to pass the next examination given after the training period, the Department of Health may renew the temporary license for a period ending 30 days after the date of renewal is announced. In no event shall more than one renewal be permitted.

Continuing Education

Twenty contact hours to be accrued during the licensing period (July 1–June 30).

Audiologist Dispensing

Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.

Board Composition

The Hearing Aid Specialist Council of Advisors consists of seven members, makes final licensing decisions, and takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws.

Trial Period

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

Mail OrderMail 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 this website:

Hearing Aid Specialist Regulations [PDF]

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