West Virginia 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
- intends to maintain a permanent office or place of business in this state or that the applicant has at the time of application a permanent office or place of business in another state within a reasonable commuting distance from this state
- be a person of good moral character and that he has never been convicted of nor is presently under indictment for a crime involving moral turpitude
- be eighteen years of age or older
- have an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school
- be free of chronic infectious or contagious diseases
- have passed a written and practical exam
Reciprocity
Whenever the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers determines that another state or jurisdiction has requirements for the licensing of persons to engage in the practice of dealing in or fitting of hearing aids, which requirements meet the minimum requirements and standards set forth in this state, the Board may, in the manner prescribed by its rules and regulations, issue a license without the examination, to any person holding a license in such other state or jurisdiction, upon application, providing such prospective licensee meets all of the requirements set forth in this state.
Temporary Licensure
A person who meets all of the qualifications and requirements may obtain a temporary trainee permit to engage in the practice of dealing in or fitting of hearing aids for a period of one year under the supervision and control of a licensee, such licensee to be responsible for the supervision, training and control of such trainee.
If a person holding a temporary trainee permit has not successfully passed the licensing examination within one year from the date of issuance of such permit, the permit may be renewed or reissued under such conditions as the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers may require in its rules and regulations for an additional one-year period. No such temporary trainee permit shall be reissued, renewed, or extended more than once.
Continuing Education
Each applicant for renewal of license shall present to the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers evidence of continuing study and education of not less than 20 hours in a course of study approved by the Board.
Audiologist Dispensing
Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.
Board Composition
The Board of Hearing Aid Dealers shall be composed of five members to be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The members of the Board shall be residents of this state. One member shall be a person licensed to practice medicine in this state and one member shall hold a degree in audiology from an accredited college or university. The remaining three members shall be persons having no less than five years' experience as hearing aid dealers or fitters and shall hold a valid license.
Trial Period
30 days from date of delivery
Mail Order/Internet Sales
Advertising for the mail order sale of hearing aids in any advertising medium or sell hearing aids by mail to any person other than distributors or dealers is prohibited.
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 Dealers and Fitters Law
Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Regulations [PDF]
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.