§ 3281. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Audiologist” means a person licensed to practice audiology under this chapter.

(2) “Audiology” means the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to hearing and the disorders of hearing, and to related language and speech disorders, which includes all conditions that impede the normal process of human communication, including disorders of auditory sensitivity, acuity, function, or processing.

(3) “Director” means the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation.

(4) “Disciplinary action” includes any action taken by an administrative law officer established by 3 V.S.A. § 129(j) against a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser or an applicant premised on a finding that the licensee or applicant has engaged in unprofessional conduct. “Disciplinary action” includes all appropriate remedies, including obtaining injunctions, refusing to grant or renew a license, suspending or revoking a license, or issuing warnings.

(5) “Hearing aid” means an amplifying device to be worn by a person who is hard of hearing to improve hearing, including any accessories specifically used in connection with such a device, but excluding theater- or auditorium-wide-area listening devices, telephone amplifiers, or other devices designed to replace a hearing aid for restricted situations.

(6) “Hearing aid dispenser” means a person licensed under this chapter to dispense hearing aids.

(7) “Practice of audiology” includes the following services, which may be provided to persons of all ages:

(A) facilitating the conservation of auditory system function, and developing and implementing environmental and occupational hearing conservation programs;

(B) screening, identifying, assessing, and interpreting, diagnosing, preventing, and rehabilitating peripheral and central auditory system dysfunctions;

(C) providing and interpreting behavioral and electro-physiological measurements of auditory, vestibular, and facial nerve functions;

(D) selecting, fitting, and dispensing of hearing aids, amplification, assistive listening and alerting devices, implantable devices, and other systems, and providing training in their use;

(E) dispensing hearing aids, including conducting and interpreting hearing tests for the purpose of selecting suitable hearing aids;

(F) making ear molds or impressions;

(G) providing instruction to patients on the care and use of hearing aids, auditory system functions, and hearing conservation;

(H) all acts pertaining to selling, renting, leasing, pricing, delivering, and giving warranties for hearing aids;

(I) providing aural rehabilitation and related counseling services to individuals who are hard of hearing and their families;

(J) screening of speech-language and other factors affecting communication function for the purposes of an audiologic evaluation, or initial identification of individuals with other communication disorders; and

(K) management of cerumen.

(8) “Practice of dispensing hearing aids” includes the following services, which may only be provided to persons 18 years of age or older:

(A) the measurement of the sensitivity of human hearing by means of appropriate behavioral testing for the sole purpose of fitting air-conduction hearing aids;

(B) the otoscopic observation of the outer ear in connection with the measurement of hearing and the fitting of hearing aids and for the purpose of referral to other professionals;

(C) the production of ear impressions for earmolds for the purpose of selecting and fitting hearing aids;

(D) the analysis of hearing aid function by means of the appropriate testing equipment;

(E) the selection and fitting of hearing aids with appropriate instruction, orientation, counseling, and management regarding the use and maintenance of these devices and other accessories; and

(F) the modification and general servicing of hearing aids.

(9) “Secretary” means the Secretary of State. (Added 1989, No. 60, § 1; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(b), (d); 1997, No. 40, § 49(a); 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 178; 2015, No. 38, § 34, eff. Sept. 1, 2015.)