Seizing Control of Hearing Aid Dispensing

Are we witnessing the final stages of a long and well-designed master plan by audiologists in the US to seize total control of the dispensing of hearing aids?

Those who have been around the industry for awhile may remember when audiologists did hearing tests and prescribed hearing aids, but were prohibited from selling them. They gradually got the laws changed in most states so they are allowed to dispense hearing aids, as well as prescribe them.

This practice seems to me much like doctors being allowed to sell drugs as well as prescribe them, a practice that is banned in the US.

But the audiology profession appears not to be satisfied with just being allowed to dispense hearing aids. It now appears that they are working to seize complete control of ALL hearing aid dispensing. They are working to make the Au.D degree the entry level degree for the practice of audiology, and they are working to prevent hearing aid dispensers from dispensing hearing aids!

None of this is good for hearing aid consumers, many of whom are already shut out of the hearing aid market by the high prices. I encourage everyone to find out what's happening in their state and then decide what they want to do about it!

Here are some related articles on what's happening in the audiology industry!

May 2007 - Colorado Audiologists Attempt to Restrict Hearing Aid Sales by Dispensers

December 2009 - Audiologists break away, move hearing-aid sales online

October 2011 - Better Hearing Institute Warns on Do-It-Yourself Hearing Care