Ala. Admin. Code r. 870-X-7-.04

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 870-X-7-.04 - Dispensing Of Hearing Aids

These procedures, equipment, and protocols are to be followed and utilized by licensed audiologists who fit and sell hearing aids.

(a) The following minimal procedures shall be used:

(1) Pure tone audiometric testing by air and bone conduction to determine the type and degree of hearing deficiency when indicated.

(2) Appropriate masking when indicated.

(3) Appropriate testing to determine speech reception thresholds, speech recognition scores, the most comfortable loudness levels, discomfort levels and the selection of the best fitting arrangement for maximum hearing aid benefit when indicated.

(b) The following equipment shall be used:

(1) An audiometer which meets the specifications of the American National Standards Institute for diagnostic audiometers.

(2) A speech audiometer or a master hearing aid in order to determine the most comfortable listening level and speech discrimination when indicated.

(c) A final fitting ensuring physical and operational comfort of the hearing aid shall be made when indicated.

(d) Verification of the appropriateness of the hearing aid fitting, such as probe microphone measurements of functional gain, when indicate.

(e) The audiologist will refer the client to a physician when otoscopy, and/or audiological testing indicates infection of anomaly or the client reports a recent history of ear disorder. The hearing aid can be fitted when the client presents medical clearance or the client signs a medical waiver, provided otoscopy and audiological testing verify the medical condition has resolved. Any person with a significant difference between bone conduction hearing and air conduction hearing must be informed of the possibility of medical correction and should be advised to obtain medical clearance prior to the hearing aid fitting.

(f) A licensed audiologist's office must have available, or have access to, a selection of hearing aid models, hearing aid supplies, and services complete enough to accommodate the various needs of the hearing aid wearers.

(g) Unless otherwise indicated, each audiometric test conducted by an audiologist in the fitting and selling of hearing aids shall be made in a testing room that has been certified not to exceed the following sound pressure levels at the specified frequencies; 250Hz-40dB, 500Hz-40dB, 750Hz-40dB, 1000Hz-40dB, 1500Hz-42dB, 2000Hz-47dB, 3000Hz-52dB, 4000Hz-57dB, 6000Hz-62dB, and 8000Hz-67dB. An exception to this requirement shall be made in the case of a client who requests that the test be conducted in a place other than the licensee's testing room. When a test is conducted under this exception, the licensee shall obtain a written waiver from the client. The executed waiver shall be attached to the client's copy of the contract, and a copy of the executed waiver shall be retained in the licensee's file. The Board shall have the power to prescribe the minimum procedures and equipment necessary for fitting and selling hearing aids.

(h) Any licensee who fails to comply with the provisions of these rules or who otherwise violates provisions of Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-28A-25 in connection with the requirements of these rules or relating to any information to b maintained or submitted to the Board as provided for in these rules shall be, upon notice of hearing, subject to the penalties outlined in the Code of Ala. 1975, Chapter 28A, § 34-28A-26.

Author: Richard Gresham, Richard S. Sweitzer, Denise P. Gibbs, Martha W. Paxton, Lissa Van Doorn, Robert L. Rane

Ala. Admin. Code r. 870-X-7-.04

New Rule: Filed October 18, 1994; effective November 21, 1994. Amended: Filed August 29, 1997; effective October 3, 1997.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-28A-42, et seq.