Hearing Aids and Hearing Aid Providers
What's the Difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist?
- Audiologists (Au.D.)
- Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS)
- Prescription vs 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 from a Professional Dispenser - A Consumer Checklist
BE SURE to ASK for a TELECOIL in your hearing device!
Read why this is the most important feature in a hearing aids here!
Read why this is the most important feature in a hearing aids here!
To view a printable checklist, click here

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids (OTC) and What You Need to Know
Purchasing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
In 2022, the FDA approved over-the-counter hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers online and in stores that sell them without needing a medical exam, prescription, or professional fitting.

They are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss only. Is an OTC Right for You? Click here for information and recorded webinars.
OTC Shopping Checklist - click here
Interview with Debbie Mohney, HLAA Colorado State Chapter Coordinator
By Katie Pelton, KKTV 11 News.Colorado Springs
Used by Permission
Click here for video
OTC Shopping Checklist - click here
Interview with Debbie Mohney, HLAA Colorado State Chapter Coordinator
By Katie Pelton, KKTV 11 News.Colorado Springs
Used by Permission
Click here for video