Texas 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

• Have attained the age of majority
• Have graduated from an accredited high school or equivalent
• Have passed a written and practical exam

Reciprocity

A person licensed to fit and dispense hearing instruments in another state may apply for a license in this state.

The committee shall require an applicant for a license to provide as part of the application:

• Written verification that the applicant is licensed in good standing as a fitter and dispenser of hearing instruments in another state and has held the license for at least three years preceding the date of application;
• Written verification that:
  • The requirements to obtain a license to fit and dispense hearing instruments in the state in which the applicant is licensed include passing an examination approved by the committee by rule; or
  • The applicant holds a certification from a professional organization approved by the committee by rule;
• Affirmation that the applicant is a resident of this state;
• A written statement from the licensing entity in the state in which the applicant is licensed that details any disciplinary action taken by the entity against the applicant; and
• A statement of the applicant's criminal history acceptable to the committee.

The committee may deny an application under this section based on the applicant's criminal history or history of disciplinary action.

If the committee approves an application, on the next regularly scheduled examination date the applicant may take the practical section of the examination and a written examination of Texas law administered by the committee.

Continuing Education

Each license holder must complete 20 hours of continuing education each year.

Audiologist Dispensing

Audiologists and audiology interns may dispense under an audiology license or audiology intern license but must register with the Board and comply with the State and FDA guidelines for fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

Board Composition

The State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing consists of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows:

• Six members licensed under this chapter who have been residents of this state actually engaged in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments for at least five years preceding appointment, not more than one of whom may be licensed under Chapter 401;
• One member who is actively practicing as a physician licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and who:
  • Has been a resident of this state for at least two years preceding appointment;
  • Is a citizen of the United States; and
  • Specializes in the practice of otolaryngology; and
• Two members of the public.

Facilities, Procedures and Instrumentation

Audiometers and audiometric testing devices shall meet the current standards of the American National Standards Institute or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Trial Period

30 days from date of delivery.

Mail Order

A person may not sell a hearing instrument by mail.

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 Instrument Laws

Hearing Instrument Regulations

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