What is the difference between a hearing instrument specialist and an audiologist?
Adapted from Wikipedia Hearing aid dispensers (Hearing Instrument Specialists, Hearing Aid Dealers) are not to be confused with Audiologists. Hearing aid dispensers are “apprenticeship” trained and must pass a state licensing written and practical examination in fitting hearing aids. The minimum of a high school license is required. Hearing instrument specialists who are Board Certified by the NB-HIS National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences must have two years experience and pass a National Competency Examination. However, in the state of New Hampshire, Board Certification is not required to fit hearing aids. The hearing aid dispensers’ primary focus is to sell hearing aids and work on a commission. Prior to 1988, hearing instrument dispensers in the United States fit patients referred to them by Audiologists and physicians who wrote prescriptions for hearing aids. Audiologists are licensed professionals who hold a master’s degree, Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), or
