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Hearing Instrument Fitters & Dispensers at a glance
Statutes: Chapter 402, Occupations Code Rules: Title 16 T.A.C. Chapter 112 Practice Act? Yes Inspections? No Title Act? Yes Number of Licensees and Permit Holders: 838 (FY 20)
Overview: A person who fits and dispenses hearing instruments in Texas must be licensed by TDLR.
Licensing and regulation of hearing instrument fitters and dispensers in Texas began in 1969. The program was transferred to TDLR from the Department of State Health Services by the 84th Texas Legislature through enactment of Senate Bill 202, 84th Texas Legislature in 2015.
Applicants To obtain a Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser License, an applicant must first complete the requirements of the Temporary Training Permit and the Apprentice Permit, or apply as a licensed fitter and dispenser of hearing instruments from another state.
The first step toward licensure is completing the requirements of the Temporary Training Permit. These requirements include training hours under direct supervision and passing the written test and practical test. A temporary training permit holder shall have at least 150 hours of directly supervised practicum that shall include the following:
● 25 contact hours of pure tone air conduction, bone conduction, and speech audiometry, recorded and live voice, with 15 of the required hours being with actual clients; ● 25 client contact hours of hearing instrument evaluations, including sound-field measurements with recorded and live voice; ● 20 contact hours of instrument fittings with actual clients; ● 10 contact hours of earmold orientation types, uses, and terminology; ● five contact hours of earmold impressions and otoscopic examinations of the ear; ● 15 contact hours of troubleshooting of defective hearing instruments; ● 20 contact hours of case history with actual clients; ● 10 contact hours regarding the laws governing the licensing of persons fitting and dispensing hearing instruments and federal
Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission regulations relating to the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments; and ● 20 contact hours of supplemental work in one or more of the areas described by paragraphs (1) through (8). ● An additional 10 contact hours of masking shall be completed under the direct supervision of the supervisor. Once the supervised practicum hours are complete, the Temporary Training Permit holder will take the written examination and the practical examination.
Upon completing the training hours and passing the written test and practical test, the Temporary Training Permit holder will apply for an Apprentice Permit. An Apprentice Permit applicant must provide proof of completing the Temporary Training Permit requirements and completing the jurisprudence test and pass a criminal background check. An apprentice permit holder works under the supervision of a licensed individual for one year and completes 20 classroom hours of continuing education in approved subject matter.
License Fee
Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser License Initial Application (2-year license) $205
Hearing Instrument Fitter Renewal (2-year license) $205 Apprentice Permit & Initial Application $205 (1-year permit) Duplicate License Fee $25 Apprentice Permit Extension (1-year extension) $25 Temporary Training Permit Initial Application $205 (1-year permit) Temporary Training Permit Extension $25 (1-year extension) Continuing Education Provider $200/year
To apply for a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license, an apprentice must submit the application, fee, employer’s surety bond, certificate of completion of jurisprudence test, and fingerprints. An applicant who is a licensed hearing instrument fitter and dispenser in another state will submit an application, license verification from the state in which they are licensed, proof of passing the written test, jurisprudence test completion certificate, employer’s surety bond, and fingerprints for a criminal background check. The out-of-state applicant must pass the Texas practical test before receiving a Texas license.
An applicant who is a licensed hearing instrument fitter and dispenser in another state will submit an application, license verification from the state in which they are licensed, proof of passing the written test, jurisprudence test completion certificate, and fingerprints for a criminal background check. The out-of-state applicant must also pass the Texas practical test to receive a Texas license.
Licensing Examination The Licensing Examination consists of the written test, the practical test, and the jurisprudence test. The Texas Hearing Instrument Fitter & Dispenser Jurisprudence test content is based on state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments. The examination may not test knowledge of the diagnosis or treatment of any disease of or injury to the human body.
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Course HB2059, passed in the 86th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, requires all fully licensed Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers to complete a one-hour HHSC-approved Human Trafficking Prevention Training Course as a requirement for license renewal.
The Hearing Instrument Fitters & Dispensers Advisory Board has 9 members serving staggered 6-year terms, which includes: ● six members licensed under this chapter who have been engaged in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments for at least five years preceding appointment, not more than one of whom may be licensed under Chapter 401; ● one member who is actively practicing as a physician licensed by the Texas Medical Board and who is a citizen of the United States and specializes in the practice of otolaryngology; and ● two members of the public.
