Hearing Aid Providers /  Purchasing Hearing Aids

What's the Difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist?
  • Audiologists (Au.D.)
  • Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS)
  • Prescription and Over-the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
Audiologists (Au.D.)
  • The only qualified professionals who can diagnose an individual with auditory processing disorder, or hidden hearing loss
  • Evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders  
  • Have an advanced degree and are experts in all aspects of hearing healthcare
  • Specialized training to understand and program hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids, hearing assistive listening devices, and more​
Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS)
  • High school graduate or two-year college degree and has received training and passed their state examination for the dispensing of hearing devices only
  • Hearing health professional trained to evaluate common types of hearing loss in adults and fit hearing aids and are typically licensed to perform tasks related to hearing aid fittings, such as program hearing aids and make ear-mold impressions.
  • ​Are not qualified to diagnose hearing loss or hearing disorders and are not trained to diagnose and treat tinnitus, hyperacusis, auditory processing disorders, or other auditory cognitive processing skills.
Purchasing a Prescription Hearing Aid
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HLAA's Purchasing a Hearing Aid Checklist - click here and

BE SURE to ASK for a TELECOIL in your hearing device! 
Read why this is  the most important feature in a hearing aids here!
For complete information, click here
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Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids (OTC) and What You Need to Know

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In 2022, the FDA approved hearing available Over-the-Counter directly to consumers without a medical exam, prescription, or personal fitting

They are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss only.  Click here for recorded webinars.

Is an OTC Right for You? - click here

OTC Shopping Checklist - click here
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Interview with Debbie Mohney, ​HLAA Colorado State Chapter Coordinator
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Click here for video
By Katie Pelton, KKTV 11 News.Colorado Springs
Used by Permission