Education and training
The following documents describe the 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):
Examination information
The Health Licensing Office and the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids have approved the following exams required to obtain licensure as a Hearing Aid Specialist in the State of Oregon:
- State-prepared written laws and rules exam
- International Hearing Society (IHS) Written International Licensing Examination (ILE) and
- State-prepared practical exam
State-prepared written laws and rules exam
The state-prepared laws and rules exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. The time limit is 30 minutes. Passing the exam requires a score of 70 percent or higher.
The written exam is given at the HLO on a walk-in basis, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
The state-prepared examination covers regulations for Hearing Aid Specialists listed within the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids Oregon Administrative Rules. Chapter 331, Division 601 is solely for the purpose of preparing for the exam and is not inclusive of all the regulations governing Hearing Aid Specialists in Oregon. The Administrative rules are posted online.
International Licensing Examination
The ILE consists of 80 scored and 25 non-scored (pilot) practice-scenario-based, multiple-choice test questions. Pilot (non-scored) questions allow the IHS to collect data on new test questions. Candidates are given two hours to complete the exam.
The exam is separated into 10 competency areas based on knowledge, skills and abilities required of Hearing Aid Specialists for safe and effective practice. Competency areas and recommended reference materials are listed in the IHS study guide. IHS textbooks are available for purchase at www.ihsinfo.org.
The ILE is offered at authorized testing centers located throughout Oregon. Applicants must obtain authorization from the HLO to proceed with registration through the IHS to sit for the ILE.
Official documentation of ILE results must be sent directly by the IHS to the HLO. Candidates will be notified by the HLO of a pass/fail based on their overall examination performance.
State-prepared practical exam
The state-prepared practical examination is used to determine the qualification, fitness and ability of an applicant to practice as a hearing aid specialist.
The practical segment of the examination consists of four sections: audiometric testing, masking, taking earmold impressions and fitting hearing aids.
Time allotted for each section is as follows:
P1A Audiometric testing: 50 minutes
P1B Masking: 40 minutes
P2 Earmold testing: 20 minutes
P3 Audiogram testing: 15 minutes
The practical exam is given by appointment only. The exam application and all application requirements must be received at the HLO 30 days prior to the scheduled practical exam date.