Board of Examiners for Hearing Instrument Specialists

Veterans - learn about reimbursement for your licensing examination fees.

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Notice - New Education Requirements

Also, beginning January 1, 2013, or any date thereafter when an associate degree program in hearing instrument sciences is available from a state or regionally accredited institution within Missouri, an applicant for a hearing instrument specialist license or a hearing instrument specialist-in-training permit shall hold:

     1) An associate's degree or higher in hearing instrument science; or
     2) A master's or doctoral degree in audiology from a state or regionally accredited institution.

Notice - New Temporary Permit Holder Traning Requirments

Beginning July 2009, "As part of the training of a hearing instrument specialist in training, s/he shall attend classes that would be approved for a licensee to renew his/her license under 20 CSR 2165-2.050
(A) Three (3) hours of such training shall be completed every six (6) months.
(B) A person in training less than six (6) months need not complete such training.
(C) Proof of completion of such training shall be attached to the attestation form completed by the registered supervisor."
Please see section 20 CSR 2165-2.010 regarding Hearing Instrument Specialist in Training (Temporary Permits).

Notice - Purchase Agreement Requirements

The Board continues to review complaints where the purchase agreements do not meet the standards of Section 346.020, RSMo. The Board statutes and rules specifically outline what is required for a licensee to be in compliance with the requirements pertaining to purchase agreements. If a purchase agreement is reviewed and violations are noted, the license of the hearing instrument specialist is subject to discipline. If a licensee is employed by a business or company, the licensee must still ensure that the purchase agreement meets the standards of Section 346.020, RSMo.

The Board suggests that not only should all hearing instrument specialists review Section 346.020 Purchase Agreement Contents but also that all licensees take the time to review 20 CSR 2165-3.030 Medical Clearance and Waivers and the FDA requirements, Section 801.421 Hearing aid devices; conditions for sale. Also, the Board recommends that the warranty dates be included on the purchase agreements. When the practice of fitting hearing instruments is performed, purchase agreements are required and the above statute and rules must be adhered to.