Our team of audiologists is committed to working with you to solve your hearing problems in a comfortable, caring environment. All of our audiologists hold a Masters or Doctorate degree in Audiology and are licensed by the state of Pennsylvania. Each audiologist is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology and the American Academy of Audiology. We have been serving Bucks and Montgomery counties for over 30 years.
What is the difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Aid Dispenser?
The short answer is: training. An Audiologist is a degreed professional who is extensively trained in the science of hearing; while a hearing aid dispenser applies for a license after meeting some basic requirements.
Audiologist Training: Since 2007, the minimum standard of education for Audiologists entering the profession is a clinical doctorate (Au.D.). Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of college and 4 years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, Audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination in order to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met in order for an Audiologist to maintain state licensure.
Hearing Aid Dispenser License: In order to obtain a license, hearing aid dispensers are required to pass an exam. Prior to taking the exam, certain requirements must be met, which vary from state to state. In most states, hearing aid dispensers are only required to have a high school diploma or have passed a high school equivalency course.
An Audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, tinnitus, cochlear implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation. They have the capacity to test, diagnose, and make recommendations based on their findings. This includes administering sophisticated tests that assess the nature and characteristics of your unique hearing loss. Unlike dispensers, Audiologists can interpret these tests properly, prescribe specific devices, and continue to be a resource for you as your hearing evolves. A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to perform hearing testing for the sole purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids. A hearing aid dispenser CANNOT make a diagnosis based on results.
Audiologists are highly trained degreed professionals who receive extensive training in assessment of hearing, diagnosis, fitting and adjustment of hearing aids that helps to ensure an accurate diagnosis, an appropriate treatment plan of intervention, and a positive outcome from the hearing aid.
At Intercounty Audiology you will only see an Audiologist.