Hearing Instrument Specialist

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​​License Information

Per Wisconsin State Statutes 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Hearing Instrument Specialist credential is 01/31/odd years.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Candidates must have a high school education or education equivalent to a 4-year course in an accredited high school.
• Complete and submit the Application for Hearing Instrument Specialist, including all required documentation.
• Pass required examinations. (Your DSPS application must be completed 30 days prior to the examination date.)

An applicant who meets all requirements for examination may be granted a temporary trainee permit to practice fitting of hearing aids for a period of one (1) year. The practical examination must be taken and passed prior to the expiration of this permit.

It is highly recommended that all exam candidates contact the Department for a temporary trainee permit.  A temporary trainee permit allows candidates to practice fitting hearing instruments, make ear impressions and measurements of human hearing for the purpose of fitting hearing instruments for a period of one year while under the direct supervision of a of a hearing instrument specialist or an audiologist who holds a license issued under Wis. Stat. ch.​ 459. Candidates who have not had a temporary trainee permit and experience will be at a significant disadvantage in being prepared to take the practical and written examinations for licensure.  A person holding a valid Hearing Instrument Specialist license shall be responsible for the direct supervision and training of the applicant and shall be liable for all negligent acts and omissions of the trainee in the fitting of hearing aids.  Please note that the name of the licensee who will be supervising the trainee must appear on the face of the temporary permit.

Application for Licensure

Renewal Information

Requirements

• FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
• SIG (Signature regarding the completion of Continuing Education, included in on-line renewal and paper form see Continuing Education Information for details)
• EQU (Attestation regarding the calibration of audiometric equipment)
• If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States has changed since the issuance of your credential or your last renewal, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.
  

Renewal Methods

• Online Log In: License Renewal Online
• Request a Paper Renewal Form: (608) 266-2112

Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship.  Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form #R210.