The Difference Between Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers

By Kathy Mellott, AuD

There is confusion these days about who is providing hearing services.When someone purchases a hearing aid, it is important to know who is doing the evaluation, selection and fitting.So, what is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser/specialist?Hearing aid dispensers/specialists are not audiologists.

The entry level in Maryland for Audiologists is a doctoral degree, requiring a minimum of 4 years of post-graduate academic and clinical training.Most audiologists have a Doctor of Audiology degree.However, some have a PhD or EdD.All have completed at least 9 months of supervised professional experience and passed a national examination in audiology.

Audiologists are trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the hearing and balance mechanism.Training includes anatomy and physiology, hearing aids and other amplification devices, electrophysiology of the auditory system, acoustics, psycho-acoustics and auditory rehabilitation.Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure in Maryland.To be Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology, additional continuing education is required to stay current and must include courses in ethics.

In contrast, to qualify for a full license as a Hearing Aid Dispenser, an applicant must be of good moral character, be a graduate of any accredited 2-year post-secondary program with a diploma or degree in any subject, and take the State Licensing Examination. They must also provide proof of successful completion of the International Hearing Society Curriculum entitled “Distance Learning for Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences”, as well as pass the written, practical and law examinations given by the Board.

As put in an article by Dr. Li-Korotky, AuD, PhD, MD, of Pacific Northwest Audiology, “The Bottom Line Hearing aid dispensers and audiologists are both licensed to fit and program hearing aidsbut that is where the similarities end. There's a vast difference in education and training requirements between Doctors of Audiology and hearing aid specialists. This training edge allows audiologists to pursue a rigorous process of professional diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitationbut hearing aid dispensers must concentrate their efforts on hearing aid sales, fitting, and programming.”