Arizona Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice
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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements
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Hearing Aid Dispenser License
Regular license to fit and dispense hearing aids, issued by examination or reciprocity.
Licensing authority: Arizona Department of Health Services · Application information
Initial licensure by examination
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Approval
- Obtain Department approval before testing; approval to test alone does not authorize practice.
- Competency attestation
- Before attending DHADE, provide the signed and dated competency attestation from an Arizona licensed hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist in good standing.
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
- Open designation
- R9-16-301(7)(b) permits a Department-provided or other-organization test; the current ADHS implementing page identifies the ILE and DHADE. No other named examination is resolved by that open designation.
- Score window
- The ADHS HAD Exam page requires both passing scores within the two-year approval period, including previously taken Arizona examinations and IHS score transfers.
- Sequence
- Pass the ILE before attending DHADE; ADHS schedules DHADE in the order candidates pass the ILE.
- Temporary option
- Applicants may pursue approval to test alone or obtain the separate temporary license while preparing for full licensure.
- Testing conduct
- Attend at the scheduled date and time, provide government-issued photographic identification on request, and exhibit ethical conduct.
Regular license renewal during the 30 day grace period
- Application
- Submit the Department renewal application, identifying and current-employment information, criminal and disciplinary disclosures, signed accuracy attestation, and renewal fee.
- Continuing education
- Complete 24 hours in the preceding 24 months, no more than eight from a single hearing aid manufacturer; at least eight must be in-person with hands-on dispensing techniques. Business or client-service content may comprise up to one-third. Director waivers of in-person hours are available for a declared public-health emergency or a qualifying individual emergency.
- Deadline
- Apply within 30 calendar days after expiration.
- Disciplinary records
- Provide records of license revocation or suspension during the preceding two years and disclose current licensing ineligibility.
- Existing license
- Renew an existing regular hearing aid dispenser license every two years.
- Late fee
- Pay the late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(B), regular renewal and grace period
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-308(B), renewal within 30 calendar days
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-309(A), continuing-education attestation
Regular license renewal under the military service extension
- Application
- Submit the Department renewal application, identifying and current-employment information, criminal and disciplinary disclosures, signed accuracy attestation, and renewal fee.
- Continuing education
- Complete 24 hours in the preceding 24 months, no more than eight from a single hearing aid manufacturer; at least eight must be in-person with hands-on dispensing techniques. Business or client-service content may comprise up to one-third. Director waivers of in-person hours are available for a declared public-health emergency or a qualifying individual emergency.
- Disciplinary records
- Provide records of license revocation or suspension during the preceding two years and disclose current licensing ineligibility.
- Existing license
- Renew an existing regular hearing aid dispenser license every two years.
- Military proof
- Before the extension ends, submit official military orders, a redacted military identification card, or written verification from the commanding officer.
- Military service
- Notify the Director of federal active duty. A National Guard or reserve license remains valid during federal active duty and is extended 180 days after return; a regular-component license is extended 180 days after its expiration.
- Renewal fees
- Renew during the applicable extension with normal renewal fees and activities, without late or delinquency fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(B), regular renewal and grace period
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(I), National Guard and reserves federal-active-duty extension
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(I), regular-component extension
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(I), renewal fees and official military proof
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-309(A), continuing-education attestation
Regular license renewal under the military injury extension
- Application
- Submit the Department renewal application, identifying and current-employment information, criminal and disciplinary disclosures, signed accuracy attestation, and renewal fee.
- Continuing education
- Complete 24 hours in the preceding 24 months, no more than eight from a single hearing aid manufacturer; at least eight must be in-person with hands-on dispensing techniques. Business or client-service content may comprise up to one-third. Director waivers of in-person hours are available for a declared public-health emergency or a qualifying individual emergency.
- Disciplinary records
- Provide records of license revocation or suspension during the preceding two years and disclose current licensing ineligibility.
- Existing license
- Renew an existing regular hearing aid dispenser license every two years.
- Military injury
- After release from active duty, an active-duty injury temporarily prevents necessary licensed activities. The license does not expire and is extended 180 days after the member becomes able to perform them.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(B), regular renewal and grace period
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(J), post-active-duty injury extension
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-309(A), continuing-education attestation
Reapplication more than one year after expiration
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Approval
- Obtain Department approval before testing; approval to test alone does not authorize practice.
- Competency attestation
- Before attending DHADE, provide the signed and dated competency attestation from an Arizona licensed hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist in good standing.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 24 continuing-education hours in the 24 months before reapplication under A.R.S. 36-1904(H).
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Expired license
- Apply for a new license after expiration; the examination exemption in A.R.S. 36-1904(G) is limited to applications received within one year.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
- Open designation
- R9-16-301(7)(b) permits a Department-provided or other-organization test; the current ADHS implementing page identifies the ILE and DHADE. No other named examination is resolved by that open designation.
- Score window
- The ADHS HAD Exam page requires both passing scores within the two-year approval period, including previously taken Arizona examinations and IHS score transfers.
- Sequence
- Pass the ILE before attending DHADE; ADHS schedules DHADE in the order candidates pass the ILE.
- Testing conduct
- Attend at the scheduled date and time, provide government-issued photographic identification on request, and exhibit ethical conduct.
Reapplication after the grace period and within one year
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Application form notice
- Use the initial application and pay applicable application and license fees. Its general checklist lists written and practical passing documentation, but the controlling one-year exemption in A.R.S. 36-1904(G) governs retesting.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 24 continuing-education hours completed in the 24 months before reapplication.
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Examination exemption
- A.R.S. 36-1904(G) expressly provides that an applicant within one year is not required to take an examination.
- Expired license
- The license is nonrenewable after the 30-day grace period; the new application must be received within one year of expiration.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(G), new application and one-year examination exemption
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(H), continuing education before reapplication
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-308(E), reapplication within one year
Initial licensure by reciprocity
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Current license
- Hold a current regular hearing aid dispenser license from another state or jurisdiction; the Director determines that its minimum requirements meet A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17.
- Director discretion
- A.R.S. 36-1922 permits the Director to grant reciprocity after investigating the current license; R9-16-304(B) and the reciprocity application implement issuance without the examination documentation in R9-16-304(A)(2).
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Education attestation
- Attest that minimum education requirements under A.R.S. 36-1923(A) have been met.
- Investigations
- Attest that no license or certification was voluntarily surrendered while under investigation and that no unprofessional-conduct complaint, allegation, or investigation is pending before another regulatory entity.
- License records
- Provide every current hearing aid dispenser license number and issuance date and documentation of every professional license or certification held.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
- Minimum duration
- Attest to at least one year of licensure or certification with a scope consistent with the requested Arizona scope, as required by R9-16-304(B)(3)(a).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1922(B), investigation of current license
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1922(A), minimum requirements and application
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-304(B), reciprocity substitutes for (A)(2)
- Hearing Aid Dispenser License Initial Reciprocity Application
Page 1, complete reciprocity checklist
Regular license renewal before expiration
- Application
- Submit the Department renewal application, identifying and current-employment information, criminal and disciplinary disclosures, signed accuracy attestation, and renewal fee.
- Continuing education
- Complete 24 hours in the preceding 24 months, no more than eight from a single hearing aid manufacturer; at least eight must be in-person with hands-on dispensing techniques. Business or client-service content may comprise up to one-third. Director waivers of in-person hours are available for a declared public-health emergency or a qualifying individual emergency.
- Disciplinary records
- Provide records of license revocation or suspension during the preceding two years and disclose current licensing ineligibility.
- Existing license
- Renew an existing regular hearing aid dispenser license every two years.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 17
A.R.S. 36-1904(B), regular renewal and grace period
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-308(A), regular renewal application
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-309(A), continuing-education attestation
Temporary Hearing Aid Dispenser License
Twelve-month sponsored license involving the written and Department-hosted examinations; renewable once.
Licensing authority: Department of Health Services · Application information
Initial sponsored temporary licensure
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Approval
- Obtain Department approval before testing; approval to test alone does not authorize practice.
- Competency attestation
- Before attending DHADE, provide the signed and dated competency attestation from an Arizona licensed hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist in good standing.
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
- Open designation
- R9-16-301(7)(b) permits a Department-provided or other-organization test; the current ADHS implementing page identifies the ILE and DHADE. No other named examination is resolved by that open designation.
- Score window
- The ADHS HAD Exam page requires both passing scores within the two-year approval period, including previously taken Arizona examinations and IHS score transfers.
- Sequence
- Pass the ILE before attending DHADE; ADHS schedules DHADE in the order candidates pass the ILE.
- Sponsorship
- Provide sponsor name, business address and telephone number, Arizona hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist license number, and a signed agreement to train, supervise, and be responsible for the temporary practice.
- Statutory exam deadline
- A.R.S. 36-1926(E) requires an examination within six months after issuance. The ADHS page and R9-16-302 also require both passing scores within the two-year approval period; record both time requirements.
- Testing conduct
- Attend at the scheduled date and time, provide government-issued photographic identification on request, and exhibit ethical conduct.
- Validity
- The temporary license permits 12 months of sponsored practice. It terminates when the Department receives sponsorship-termination notice.
New temporary license after sponsorship termination
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Approval
- Obtain Department approval before testing; approval to test alone does not authorize practice.
- Competency attestation
- Before attending DHADE, provide the signed and dated competency attestation from an Arizona licensed hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist in good standing.
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
- Open designation
- R9-16-301(7)(b) permits a Department-provided or other-organization test; the current ADHS implementing page identifies the ILE and DHADE. No other named examination is resolved by that open designation.
- Practice prohibition
- Do not practice after sponsorship termination until a new license is issued; submit a new sponsored application.
- Prior temporary history
- The Director may deny a temporary application if the applicant previously held and renewed a temporary license (A.R.S. 36-1926(G)).
- Score window
- The ADHS HAD Exam page requires both passing scores within the two-year approval period, including previously taken Arizona examinations and IHS score transfers.
- Sequence
- Pass the ILE before attending DHADE; ADHS schedules DHADE in the order candidates pass the ILE.
- Sponsorship
- Provide sponsor name, business address and telephone number, Arizona hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist license number, and a signed agreement to train, supervise, and be responsible for the temporary practice.
- Statutory exam deadline
- A.R.S. 36-1926(E) requires an examination within six months after issuance. The ADHS page and R9-16-302 also require both passing scores within the two-year approval period; record both time requirements.
- Testing conduct
- Attend at the scheduled date and time, provide government-issued photographic identification on request, and exhibit ethical conduct.
- Testing period election
- R9-16-305(E) allows completion of the previous two-year testing period or restarting it on new temporary-license approval. Restarting invalidates previous test results.
- Validity
- The temporary license permits 12 months of sponsored practice. It terminates when the Department receives sponsorship-termination notice.
One time renewal of the temporary license
- Application
- Submit the signed Department application, identifying and contact information, Social Security number, current employment information when applicable, citizenship or authorized-presence documentation, and the applicable application and license fees or a qualifying fee-waiver attestation.
- Approval
- Obtain Department approval before testing; approval to test alone does not authorize practice.
- Competency attestation
- Before attending DHADE, provide the signed and dated competency attestation from an Arizona licensed hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist in good standing.
- Disclosures
- Disclose criminal convictions, professional license revocations or suspensions, current licensing ineligibility, and disciplinary actions; provide dates, jurisdiction, explanations, court disposition and completion records, and applicable orders or settlement agreements as requested.
- Education
- Provide a high school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or higher degree. A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(1) also permits continuous fitting and dispensing practice during the three years preceding August 11, 1970.
- Eligibility
- A.R.S. 36-1926(E) allows one renewal before expiration after taking and failing the examination. Take the next examination following issuance of the renewal license.
- Existing scores
- Previously earned passing scores count only while valid within the Department approval period.
- Licensure eligibility
- No license revocation or suspension by a state within the preceding two years, and no present ineligibility for licensure due to prior revocation or suspension (A.R.S. 36-1923(A)(2)).
- Open designation
- R9-16-301(7)(b) permits a Department-provided or other-organization test; the current ADHS implementing page identifies the ILE and DHADE. No other named examination is resolved by that open designation.
- Renewal application
- Submit the paper renewal application at least 30 calendar days before expiration, sponsor details, signed sponsor agreement, identifying information and renewal fee (R9-16-308(F)); the renewal is valid one year.
- Score window
- The ADHS HAD Exam page requires both passing scores within the two-year approval period, including previously taken Arizona examinations and IHS score transfers.
- Sequence
- Pass the ILE before attending DHADE; ADHS schedules DHADE in the order candidates pass the ILE.
- Sponsorship
- Provide sponsor name, business address and telephone number, Arizona hearing aid dispenser or dispensing audiologist license number, and a signed agreement to train, supervise, and be responsible for the temporary practice.
- Statutory exam deadline
- A.R.S. 36-1926(E) requires an examination within six months after issuance. The ADHS page and R9-16-302 also require both passing scores within the two-year approval period; record both time requirements.
- Testing conduct
- Attend at the scheduled date and time, provide government-issued photographic identification on request, and exhibit ethical conduct.
- Validity
- The temporary license permits 12 months of sponsored practice. It terminates when the Department receives sponsorship-termination notice.
Department-hosted Hearing Aid Dispenser Exam (DHADE)
Examination outline
Test #1: Ear Impression Procedures
- Preparing the workspace
- Infection control and sanitation
- Patient communication- providing instructions and expectations throughout
- Otoscopic inspection
- Identifying contraindications to taking an ear impression
- Selection and placement of an otoblock (otodam)
- Impression materials and mixing techniques
- Syringe loading and impression techniques
- Proper bracing techniques
- Removal and inspection of the completed impression
- Patient education and follow-up
- Packaging and handling of ear impressions
- Safety considerations throughout the procedure
Test #2: Pure Tone and Speech Audiometry
- Audiometer performance checks
- Speech circuit calibration
- Purpose and rationale for calibration
- Consequences of improper calibration
- Pure-tone air conduction testing
- Bone conduction testing
- Speech reception threshold (SRT)
- Speech discrimination (word recognition)
- Uncomfortable Loudness Levels (ULL) or Threshold of Discomfort (TD)
- Patient instructions for audiometric testing
- Troubleshooting unexpected patient responses
- Masking principles
- Test reliability and validity
- Infection control during testing
Test #3: Counseling and Device Orientation
- Hearing aid battery replacement or charging procedures
- Telecoil technology, signage, and operation
- Hearing aid controls and features
- Realistic expectations for new hearing aid users
- Cleaning and routine maintenance
- Daily care and storage
- Troubleshooting common hearing aid concerns
- Communication strategies for hearing aid users and family members
- Assistive listening devices and other hearing resources
- Community resources and support services
Test #4: Audiogram Review
- Fitting candidacy
- Degree of hearing loss
- Type of hearing loss
- Symmetry versus asymmetry
- Air-bone gaps
- Masking
- Speech test interpretation
- Configuration of hearing loss
- Stenger method
- Appropriate next steps or medical referrals
- Identifying clinically significant findings
Test #5: Hearing Aid Data Sheet Review
- Frequency response
- Gain
- Output
- Compression characteristics
- Battery information
- Hearing aid features
- Performance specifications
- Comparison of hearing aid models
Test #6: Fitting Dynamics and Customization
- Hearing aid fittings
- Coupling systems
- Earmolds and domes
- Venting
- Tubing
- Receiver selection
- Physical fit and retention
- Acoustic modifications
- Feedback management
- Customization techniques
- Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 36, Chapter 17 and Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3: the statutes and rules governing hearing aid dispensers regarding bill of sale and client file requirements.
Examination sources
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Page 1, opening complete knowledge scope
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #1, content and topics, publication segment 1
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #2, content and topics, publication segment 1
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #2, content and topics, publication segment 2
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #3, content and topics, publication segment 1
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #4, content and topics, publication segment 1
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #5, content and topics, publication segment 1
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #6, content and topics, publication segment 1
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #6, scored-question format
- DHADE Candidate Preparation
Test #4, questions interpreting provided audiograms
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-302(E), Department determines passing proficiency
- ADHS Speech & Hearing Professionals - HAD Exam
DHADE - eligibility after ILE
- DHADE Candidate Competency Attestation
Candidate heading, DHADE identity and candidate boundary
- A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 3
R9-16-302(C)(1), approval after written examination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
- Provider
- International Hearing Society (IHS); scheduled and paid through the TestWise system at testing centers
- Format
- Practice-based computer-delivered multiple-choice examination; most questions present a scenario; a few questions require selecting two (or three) correct answers to earn one point; dichotomous right/wrong scoring
- Exam questions
- 105 multiple-choice questions: 80 scored and 25 unscored pilot questions
- Time limit
- 120 minutes (two hours)
- Passing score
- Pass/Fail on the overall raw score against the IHS-recommended passing score; the licensing agency makes the final decision
- Exam fee
- $260.00 (USD) per examination appointment, including re-takes, plus applicable taxes
Examination outline
Domain 1. Conduct Patient/Client Assessment (21%) (21%)
- Objective 1.1 Apply infection control protocols (5%). Includes but is not limited to choosing appropriate infection control processes for tools and equipment; observing universal precautions for infection control; distinguishing between single- and multiple-use items; differentiating among sanitization, disinfection and sterilization processes; and identifying personal protective equipment.
- Objective 1.2 Apply otoscopic inspection protocols (5%). Includes but is not limited to observing safety protocols during otoscopy; identifying anatomical structures; identifying abnormalities through otoscopic inspection; and recognizing the presence of referral criteria. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform otoscopy.
- Objective 1.3 Utilize audiometric testing protocols (11%). Includes but is not limited to performing air and bone conduction threshold and suprathreshold testing; performing speech audiometry; performing effective masking; and applying principles to include interpreting results of tympanometry/immittance audiometry. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform audiometric testing and application of tympanometry.
Domain 2. Interpret and Apply Assessment Results (22%) (22%)
- Objective 2.1 Interpret and explain audiometric results (11%). Includes but is not limited to demonstrating an understanding of referral criteria; interpreting pure tone and speech testing results; identifying the need for additional testing; identifying the degree and configuration of hearing loss; and identifying the type of hearing loss.
- Objective 2.2 Determine candidacy for amplification (11%). Includes but is not limited to interpreting the case history and outlining contraindications to hearing instrument use.
Domain 3. Select Hearing Devices (18%) (18%)
- Objective 3.1 Select style and type of hearing instruments (9%). Includes but is not limited to establishing fitting goals and selecting specific hearing instruments based on test results, case history, and individual patient/client preferences and lifestyle; selecting electroacoustic and physical properties; and evaluating the need for accessory devices.
- Objective 3.2 Select earmold or other acoustic coupler (9%). Includes but is not limited to assessing physical properties of the outer ear, taking ear impressions, critiquing ear impressions, and selecting coupler based on patient/client needs.
Domain 4. Fit and Dispense Hearing Devices (20%) (20%)
- Objective 4.1 Utilize protocols to fit hearing instruments and other devices (10%). Includes but is not limited to confirming physical and acoustic integrity of hearing devices; programming and adjusting hearing devices; verifying physical fit and acoustic comfort; orienting patient/client to hearing instruments; and orienting patient/client to assistive devices. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to program and dispense hearing instruments and other devices.
- Objective 4.2 Verify fitting (5%). Includes but is not limited to selecting verification method based on patient/client; assessing physical and acoustic integrity of hearing devices; interpreting and explaining verification results; and modifying physical and acoustic parameters of device. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform fitting verification (e.g., speech mapping, REM).
- Objective 4.3 Validate fitting (5%). Includes but is not limited to selecting validation method based on patient/client; interpreting and explaining validation results; and modifying physical and acoustic parameters of device. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform fitting validation (e.g., questionnaire, self-assessment).
Domain 5. Provide Continuing Care (19%) (19%)
- Objective 5.1 Implement aural rehabilitation and counseling (8%). Includes but is not limited to demonstrating an understanding of the psychology of the hearing impaired; defining and managing patient/client expectations for improved communication; defining and managing family/caregiver expectations for improved communication; and identifying communication strategies.
- Objective 5.2 Apply instrument maintenance and troubleshooting protocols (9%). Includes but is not limited to employing hearing instrument cleaning procedures; performing listening checks on hearing instruments; troubleshooting acoustic properties of hearing instruments; and adjusting based upon changes in patient/client hearing loss and/or listening needs. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to maintain and troubleshoot instrument performance.
- Objective 5.3 Interpret electroacoustic analysis results (2%). Includes but is not limited to identifying need for electroacoustic analysis and comparing electroacoustic analysis of patient’s/client’s hearing instruments to fitting specifications.
Examination sources
- IHS — Competency Model for the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Title block (p. 1)
- IHS — Competency Model for the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Structure key, item D (p. 1)
- IHS — Competency Model for the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Domain 1 heading (p. 2)
- IHS — Competency Model for the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Domain 5, Objective 5.3 (p. 4)
- IHS — International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE) web page
About the Exam
- IHS — International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE) web page
About the Exam
- IHS — ILE Study Guide (January 2026)
After the Examination, Examination Scoring (p. 31)
- IHS — ILE Study Guide (January 2026)
Taking the Examination (p. 28)
- IHS — ILE Exam Results & Score Transfer web page
Topic/Domain Feedback
- IHS — ILE Exam Results & Score Transfer web page
Results
- IHS — International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE) web page
Eligibility and Exam Scheduling
- IHS — ILE Study Guide (January 2026)
Before the Examination, Scheduling an Examination Appointment (p. 20)