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Advisory Council on Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids: How to Get Licensed
Scope of Practice
Hearing aid specialist
Hearing aid specialists recommend, select or adapt hearing aids and may alter, adjust or reconstruct hearing aid specifications for functionality, such as taking ear impressions for proper fit.
 
A hearing aid is defined under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 694.015(3) as any prosthetic instrument or device designed for or represented as aiding, improving or correcting defective human hearing and any parts, attachments or accessories of such an instrument or device. 
 
Hearing aids are not, however, devices for treating or correcting hearing impairment that are surgically implanted, such as cochlear implants.

 
Education & Training (Effective 8/17/2012)

The following documents describe the new training requirements for licensure (520 hours of practical training and completion of the International Hearing Society's Distance Learning Program for Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences under direct supervision):

New Training Requirements

Training Program information
 
Practical Training Checklist
 
Certification of Training  
 
Examinations

The Oregon Health Licensing Agency in consultation with the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids has approved the following examinations required to obtain a license as a Hearing Aid Specialist in the State of Oregon:

  • State Prepared Written Laws and Rules Examination;
  • International Hearing Societ,  Written International Licensing Examination;
  • State Prepared Practical Examination

Examination Information

Retaking State-Prepared Oregon Laws and Rules Written Examination:  Requirements 

International Licensing Examination Study Guide

 
Application Process
In addition to completing an application, paying fees and providing documentation regarding proof of age, identification and secondary education, applicants must provide the following:
 
Trainee Registration - Applicants must complete a Trainee Registration Agreement and Declaration of Responsibility required by ORS 694.065(2).
 
Temporary License - Individuals who have obtained the required training may apply for a temporary license, which allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed specialist until they are able to pass the written and practical examinations. 
 
A Certification of Training form must be completed before an application for a temporary license may be submitted. 
 
For more information, click here to go to the Forms page.
 
Click here for information on Identification Requirements. 

 
Out-of-State Applicants
Applicants must provide documentation, in the form of an affidavit of licensure, submitted directly to the Oregon Health Licensing Agency from the originating state’s regulatory office, providing evidence that the applicant currently holds or held a hearing aid specialist license within the past three years. 
 
Please note:  Applicants currently licensed in another state who wish to obtain Oregon licensure must also take and pass the written and practical examinations.

 
Continuing Education
Licensees must complete and attest to 12 hours of continuing education each year. 
 
For more information, click here to go to the Continuing Education page.