Wisconsin 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 18 years of age or older
- does not have an arrest or conviction record
- have an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school
- have passed a written and practical exam
Reciprocity
Whenever the Hearing and Speech Examining Board determines that another state or jurisdiction has requirements equivalent to or higher than those in effect in the state for the practice of fitting and selling hearing aids, and that such state or jurisdiction has a program equivalent to or stricter than the program for determining whether applicants in this state are qualified to fit and sell hearing aids, the Department of Safety and Professional Services may issue a license by reciprocity to applicants who hold valid licenses to deal in or fit hearing aids in such other state or jurisdiction.
Temporary Licensure
An applicant, who fulfills the requirements regarding age, character, and high school education may obtain a trainee permit to practice fitting of hearing aids for a period of one year. A person holding a valid hearing instrument specialist license or a valid license to practice audiology issued shall be responsible for the direct supervision and training of the applicant and shall be liable for all negligent acts and omissions of the trainee in the fitting of hearing aids.
A trainee permit may be renewed or re-granted once if the trainee shows that he or she had sufficient cause for being unable to complete the requirements for permanent licensure.
Continuing Education
A licensee shall submit with the renewal application proof that he or she completed, within the two years immediately preceding the date of his or her application, 20 hours of continuing education programs with at least two hours relating to ethics.
Audiologist Dispensing
Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.
Board Composition
The Hearing and Speech Examining Board shall consist of three hearing instrument specialists, one otolaryngologist, two audiologists, and two speech-language pathologists.
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 Instrument Specialist Law
Hearing Instrument Specialist Regulations
Questions regarding state advocacy? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.