Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 064 - Hearing Aid Specialists, Board of
🔷 Purpose of Agency 064 – Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
The purpose of this board is to ensure that hearing aid specialists in Wyoming are qualified and competent, and that they practice in a way that protects consumers, especially those vulnerable due to hearing loss. The board works to prevent fraud, ensure ethical practices, and maintain high standards of care.
🔹 Key Functions of the Board
1. Licensing Hearing Aid Specialists
The board issues licenses to qualified applicants. Requirements typically include:
Minimum Education: A high school diploma or equivalent.
Training: Completion of a formal training program or supervised apprenticeship in hearing aid dispensing.
Examination: Passing a state-approved written and practical exam that assesses knowledge in audiometry, ear anatomy, hearing aid fitting, and ethics.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Types of Licenses:
Full License: For those who meet all education and testing requirements.
Temporary or Trainee License: For individuals under supervision as they complete training or prepare for the licensing exam.
2. License Renewal & Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed periodically, often every 1 or 2 years.
Continuing education (CE) may be required, covering topics such as new technologies, patient care standards, and regulatory updates.
CE helps specialists maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
3. Scope of Practice
Licensed hearing aid specialists are authorized to:
Perform hearing tests (audiometric evaluations) for the purpose of fitting and dispensing hearing aids.
Select, fit, adjust, and service hearing aids for clients.
Educate clients on the use and care of hearing aids.
Refer clients to medical professionals if they identify issues outside their scope (e.g., infection, significant hearing loss suggesting neurological causes).
They are not allowed to diagnose medical conditions or treat hearing loss in a clinical or surgical sense — that falls under medical doctors or audiologists.
4. Standards of Conduct and Ethics
The board sets ethical standards to protect the public, which may include:
Full disclosure of fees and services.
No misrepresentation of products or qualifications.
Fair and honest advertising.
Proper fitting and follow-up service.
Respecting client confidentiality and rights.
Violation of these standards can lead to disciplinary action.
5. Disciplinary Authority
The board is responsible for investigating complaints against licensed specialists and can impose penalties such as:
Reprimands or fines.
License suspension or revocation.
Probation or mandated corrective action.
Grounds for discipline include:
Fraud or deception in licensing or practice.
Incompetent or negligent care.
Criminal conduct related to practice.
Failure to refer clients for necessary medical care.
6. Consumer Protection
The board is tasked with protecting the public from:
Fraudulent sales practices (e.g., selling unnecessary or ineffective hearing aids).
Unqualified or unlicensed practitioners.
Poor service or unprofessional behavior.
Consumers can file complaints directly with the board, and the board has the power to act on them.
7. Board Structure and Operations
The board is typically made up of licensed hearing aid specialists and public members, appointed by the Governor.
Members serve for set terms and meet regularly to discuss licensing, rules, complaints, and disciplinary matters.
The board may also create or update rules and regulations for the profession.
8. Use of Titles and Advertising Rules
Only individuals licensed by the board may use titles such as:
Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist
Hearing Instrument Specialist
False or misleading use of such titles is prohibited. Advertising rules are enforced to prevent deceptive claims about hearing aids or services.
🔹 Summary
The Wyoming Board of Hearing Aid Specialists (Agency 064) exists to:
License qualified professionals.
Enforce ethical and professional standards.
Protect consumers from unqualified or unethical providers.
Ensure that hearing aid services in the state are competent, safe, and trustworthy.
They regulate the field to ensure that Wyoming residents with hearing loss receive appropriate and ethical care from professionals who meet defined standards of training and behavior.
RELATED Blog
0 comments