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Tennessee Licensing Requirements and Someone to Help

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Hello all,

I am looking for some help in the state of Tennessee from someone who understands better how the licensing process goes in the state.

I am interested in becoming a hearing instrument specialist in Tennessee. I became interested about a year ago, and over the last six months I have been trying to contact the Tennessee Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists. I have not been able to make contact as of yet. I’ve left messages, tried different times of the day sometimes even multiple times a day, I’ve tried emailing, etc… I have become a little frustrated with the council. I have also tried talking to local hearing instrument specialists with about the same response. Most of the information I have gleaned is from extensive searches online. I found a document online that had a bunch of information which appears to be a state document. Some of the things it outlines includes basic requirements such as education (requiring an associates degree, which I have). Also a written test needs to be taken which is administered by the International Hearing Society (IHS). Now IHS has a study guide to help prepare for the written exam, so I feel pretty confident that I can prepare myself for that exam through study and preparation.

The state also has practical exam requirement that includes such things as knowledge in interpretation, advanced audiometric techniques, and earmold impression technique. This is where I would be needing help because I don’t have any idea where to find information on how to prepare for the practical exam, I’ve looked up a few videos in YouTube, however I don’t have the actual physical experience to feel confident walking in to a practical exam for it.

The other thing that it talked about was a Jurisprudence examination. According the document I found, the the information for this exam is in Title 63, Chapter 17 of the T.C.A., and Council rules and regulations.

If I can get my hands on n Title 63, Chapter 17 of the T.C.A., I’m sure that would help me with that aspect also.

Anyone who can give me advice or point me in the right direction? Anyone in the state willing or know of someone willing to help someone interested in becoming a hearing instrument specialist? Thank you!

Tennessee Licensing Requirements for Hearing Aid Dispensers

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of hearing aid dispensers. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Initial Licensure

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • have an education equivalent to two years of accredited college level coursework
  • passed a written and practical exam.
Reciprocity

Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist by reciprocity:

  • 18 years of age or older;
  • education equivalent to two years of accredited college level course work;
  • holds a current, unrevoked or unsuspended, license from another state or country.
  • Out-of-state license issuance was based on passing the International Hearing Society or National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-) exam.
  • Examination must have been proctored by a state licensing board member or designee in the state in which the applicant holds a current license.
  • A minimum score of 75% must have been achieved on each section of the written examination; or
  • Applicant holds a current certification by the National Board for Certification-Hearing Instruments Specialist (NBC-HIS).
  • An applicant must pass a written examination pertaining to Tennessee law relative to Hearing Instrument Specialists and also must pass a practical examination given by the Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists.

    • Interim Practice

    Applicants must pass a state written and practical proficiency test for the apprentice license. The apprentice licensee shall function under the direct supervision of the sponsoring licensed hearing instrument specialist for a period of at least three months after passage of the council proficiency test, and during such three month period, the sponsoring licensed dispenser must make the final selection and fitting of the hearing instrument.
    During the apprentice period, the apprentice licensee shall complete 60 classroom hours of prescribed coursework. The apprentice license will remain in effect no longer than one year and cannot be renewed.
    Continuing Education

    • Each licensee registered with the Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists is required to successfully complete 20 hours of continuing education during the two calendar years (January 1–December 31) that precede the licensure renewal year.
    • Two hours of the 20-hour requirement shall pertain to Tennessee statutes and rules concerning hearing instrument specialists.
    Audiologist Dispensing

    Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.
    Trial Period

    30 days from date of delivery
    Mail Order/Internet Sales

    Mail order dispensing and Internet sales are not addressed in the law/regulations.
    Board Oversight

    Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists41
    Resources

    For further information on laws and regulations for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, please visit these websites:

    • [Hearing Instrument Specialists Law](http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/tncode/)
    • [Hearing Instrument Specialist Regulations](http://share.tn.gov/sos/rules/1370/1370.htm)
    Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team

    https://www.tn.gov/health/topic/HIS-board30

    Thank you Doc Jake. I have actually looked this same information over several times. But it doesn’t resolve my issue.

    I can get the textbook and study for the writing exam, no problem. The main issue is that I don’t really have a way of practicing for the practical exam. As I said before, I’ve viewed some YouTube videos on the subjects how issues with parts of the practical exam would probably come in on the interpreting section or the trouble shooting and programing of a hearing aid portion.

    What I really need help on is the practical aspect. Thank you!

    Um bongo, thanks for the idea, this happens to be something I have also tried. As it turns out, or at least to my findings, there aren’t any in Tennessee.

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