South Carolina 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 twenty-one years of age
• have an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school
• have passed a written and practical exam

Reciprocity

When the State Commission for Hearing Aid Specialists determines that another state or jurisdiction has requirements equivalent to or higher than those in effect pursuant to this chapter and that the state or jurisdiction has a program equivalent to or stricter than the program for determining whether applicants pursuant to this chapter are qualified to dispense and fit hearing aids, the Department of Health may issue certificates of endorsement to applicants who hold current unsuspended and unrevoked certificates or licenses to fit and sell hearing aids in the other state or jurisdiction if the applicant is 21 years of age.

Temporary Licensure

A person who fulfills the requirements regarding age and education may obtain a temporary permit which entitles the applicant to engage in the fitting and sale of hearing aids for one year. A person holding a valid hearing aid specialist license shall supervise and train the applicant, maintain adequate personal contact, and make quarterly reports to the department about the performance of the person holding the temporary permit.

If a person who holds a temporary permit under this section has not passed the licensing examination successfully within one year from the date of issuance, the temporary permit may be renewed or the applicant may be permitted to reapply at a later date.

Continuing Education

The licensee shall annually submit to the State Commission for Hearing Aid Specialists proof of having participated in a minimum of eight hours of continuing education during the calendar year.

Audiologist Dispensing

Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.

Board Composition

Members of the State Commission for Hearing Aid Specialists must be residents of the state. The commission consists of

• five licensed hearing aid specialists, and each must be a principal dealer of a different manufacturer's hearing aid, who are not audiologists;
• one otolaryngologist;
• one representative of the general public who is a user of a hearing aid, is not associated with a hearing aid specialist or manufacturer, and is not a member of the other groups or professions required to be represented on the commission;
• the State Health Officer or his designee.

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 Specialists Law

Hearing Aid Specialists Regulations [PDF]

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