Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, which would permit certain audiologists to dispense and fit hearing aids under one license, was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
“Advance audiology programs provide the knowledge and experience necessary to fit and dispense hearing aids,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “I am glad New Jersey can now join over 35 states which already allow properly trained audiologists to dispense hearing aids without the need for additional licensure exam.”
“The former process was repetitive and the exam was excessively complicated and outdated,” said Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Audiologists already display an ability and capacity to fit and dispense hearing aids, a further examination for this was not necessary. I’m pleased that the process will be updated.”
The law allows licensed audiologists to dispense and fit hearing aids as long as they have successfully completed coursework and clinical training from an accredited institution of higher education.
The individual must demonstrate sufficient didactic and applied experience to be competent in the dispensing and fitting of hearing aids, as determined by the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee.
Previously, audiologists need two licenses: their audiology license and an additional license to fit and dispense hearing aids. This requires them to work with two separate boards and pay two separate fees.
An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses and treats hearing and balance problems.