What is the difference between an audiologist and hearing aid dispenser?
An audiologist is a professional with a Masters or Clinical Doctoral Degree who is certified by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association. She/he can perform a variety of tests to identify hearing problems and then propose treatment options. These include identification, prevention, rehabilitation, evaluation, consultation, and habilitation of hearing disorders. In addition, an audiologist can dispense hearing aids and administer tests to evaluate dizziness. Audiologists are able to see all age ranges from infants to geriatrics. A hearing aid dispenser is required to pass a state licensing exam, both written and oral with no other formal education required. Hearing aid dispensers test hearing in adult populations for the purpose of fitting hearing aids and or assistive listening devices. They are involved in the rehabilitation of hearing loss through hearing aid programming, troubleshooting and counseling.
