Hearing Aid Dispenser Vs Audiologist
Hearing aid dispenser vs audiologist
“Understanding the key differences in a hearing aid dispenser vs audiologist can help you choose the right expert for your hearing care needs
What is a hearing aid dispenser?
According to the International Hearing Society, a hearing instrument specialist is a state-licensed hearing healthcare professional who is trained to assess common types of hearing loss in adults and fit hearing aids. Their scope of practice typically includes tasks such as programming hearing devices and taking ear mold impressions.
In Michigan specifically, hearing aid dispensers are licensed under the Occupational Code Act 299 of 1980 under two categories: Hearing Aid Dealer and Hearing Aid Salesperson. Getting licensed requires passing a state exam — but it does not require a college degree in audiology, clinical healthcare training, or supervised patient care hours.
Hearing instrument specialists are not qualified to diagnose hearing loss or related disorders. They are also not trained to evaluate or manage conditions such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, auditory processing disorders, or balance function disorders.
What is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are primary healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders across all age groups—from infants and children to adults and older adults.
They are trained to assess auditory function and provide advanced hearing solutions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone-anchored devices, and other assistive listening technologies. Audiologists are also uniquely qualified to diagnose conditions such as auditory processing disorder (“hidden hearing loss”).
Audiologists practice in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, ENT offices, universities, schools, government agencies, military facilities, and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.
Most audiologists hold a Master’s degree, or a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, while some pursue research-focused degrees such as a PhD or ScD in hearing and balance sciences. They are licensed or registered to practice in all U.S. states and territories and are required to complete continuing education to stay current with advancements in the field.
Audiologists are required to have a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from ASHA or a Board Certification from American Board of Audiology.
Hearing aid dispenser vs audiologist — at a glance
- Not sure which one you’ve been seeing? Here’s the clearest side-by-side:
| What matters to patient? | 🎓 Audiologist | 🛒 Hearing Aid Dispenser |
| Education | Master’s or Doctoral degree (6–8 years) | High school diploma + state exam |
| Clinical training hours | 350–1,820+ supervised hours | No minimum required |
| Diagnoses cause of hearing loss | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Diagnoses &Treats tinnitus & balance issues | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Sees children under 18 | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Bills Medicare & insurance | ✔ Yes | ✘ Generally no |
| Fits and sells hearing aids | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Cochlear implant evaluation | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
What to expect at Excel Audiology
- At Excel Audiology in Royal Oak, MI, every evaluation is performed personally by Smita Singh, M.S. CCC-A — a Master’s-level audiologist who has been in practice since 2002. Not a technician, not a sales associate -The audiologist.
- Our diagnostic workup includes otoscopy, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), pure-tone audiometry, and speech testing. Balance function testing is also carried out, for patients suffering from vertigo or imbalance.
- We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans, and we see patients of all ages — from infants to seniors. We serve Royal Oak, Birmingham, Clawson, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding areas.
If you’ve been putting off getting your hearing checked because you weren’t sure where to start, give us a call. We’ll walk you through what a real hearing evaluation looks like — no pressure, no sales pitch.