Hearing Aid Dealers Licensing Information

The Fair Information Practice Act:  In compliance with Ind. Code 4-1-6, this agency is notifying you that you must provide the requested information, or your application will not be processed. You have the right to challenge, correct, or explain information maintained by this agency. The information you provide will become public record. Your examination scores and grade transcripts are confidential except in circumstances where their release is required by law, in which case you will be notified.

Mandatory Disclosure of U.S. Social Security Number: Your social security number is being requested by this state agency in accordance with Ind. Code 4-1-8-1 and 25-1-5- 11(a). Disclosure is mandatory, and this record cannot be processed without it. Failure to disclose your U.S. social security number will result in the denial of your application. Application fees are not refundable.

Abandon Applications:  If an applicant does not submit all requirements within one (1) year after the date on which the application is filed, the application for licensure is abandoned without any action of the Board. An application submitted after an abandoned application shall be treated as a new application.

• Hearing Aid Dealer registrations expired June 30 of even numbered years.
• The renewal fee for a hearing aid dealer certificate of registration is $40.00.
• A registrant who has held a certificate issued for at least eighteen (18) months must complete at least twenty (20) hours of continuing education.

Renewal notices are sent approximately ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date. License holders with valid email addresses on file will be emailed the renewal notice. Those who do not have valid email addresses on file will be mailed the license renewal notice; this notice is mailed to the address of record with the committee. The committee has no way of knowing whether or not a notice reaches its destination; therefore, when a notice has been emailed to a valid email address or mailed, the duty of the committee has been performed.

All applications and/or written exam test results must be received at least two (2) weeks prior to the next practical exam scheduled in order to be approved to take the practical exam.  The examinations are held in the conference center of the Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

The Committee examination dates are listed below.  All candidates are required to pass the written examination before being permitted to take the practical examination.  The written exam is now a computerized examination through I.H.S.  You will need to submit the examination application to us with all requirements marking the written exam and will will then send the information to I.H.S. and they will issue your authorization to test.

Should an applicant fail the written exam twice, when they apply to retake the examination for the third time, they will be required to make a personal appearance before the Committee along with their Indiana licensed Hearing Aid Dealer Supervisor/trainer prior to taking the written exam again.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

This is the first portion of the exam and must be completed successfully before proceeding to the practical portions. The Committee has adopted the International Hearing Society (IHS) examination as the written portion of the examination process and is proctored by an administrator appointed by the Committee. This examination is intended to identify entry-level professionals whose knowledge and clinical skills meet or exceed basic expected professional standards.

AUDIOMETRIC ORAL

The subjects covered are basic acoustics, hearing measurement, audiogram configurations, basic anatomy, and physiology of the ear (outer, middle and inner), etiology or causes of hearing loss and hearing aid fitting protocol. Limited interaction with the examiner is allowed. Thirty (30) minutes will be given for this portion of the exam.

INSTRUMENTATION

The candidate is given thirty (30) minutes to evaluate ten (10) hearing instruments and to determine defects or operational malfunctions. The candidate can refer to a list of possible problems and can choose up to two (2) defects for each instrument. Since several people may be taking this portion at the same time, there is no discussion allowed between examinees, although limited questions directed toward the examiner is permitted.

MEDICALORAL

The questions concern determination of medical referral prior to hearing aid fitting, identifying possible ear pathology based on the evaluation of audiograms, "red flag" concerns that indicate physician referral is required and common types of medical treatment for ear pathology.

AUDIOMETRIC RESPONSE SIMULATOR

The audiometer is similar to those used in most offices and the candidate is expected to be able to perform pure tone air and bone conduction and masking when required. Clear instructions as to the operation of the audiometric simulator will be reviewed in detail prior to the exam and the candidate is encouraged to ask questions if unclear as to their assignment. Thirty (30) minutes will be given for this portion of the exam.

EAR IMPRESSION

The candidate is responsible for bringing all necessary materials for taking an ear impression to the exam, including

a "subject". Prior to taking the ear impression, the candidate is expected to follow sanitary procedures. The Committee member monitoring the exam will read general instructions prior to the start and questions are permitted. The impression should be appropriate for a person with a severe hearing impairment. The candidate may take a total of two (2) impressions and pick the one they feel is best.