The qualifying examination in § 40-25-110 must be designated to demonstrate the applicant’s adequate technical qualifications by:

(1) tests of knowledge in the following areas as they pertain to the practice of specializing in hearing aids:

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 40-25-130

  • Hearing aid: means an acceptable wearable instrument or device designated or offered to aid or compensate for impaired human hearing and parts, attachments, or accessories, including earmold, but excluding batteries and cords. See South Carolina Code 40-25-20
  • Practice of specializing in hearing aids: means the measurement of human hearing by an audiometer and by other established means solely for fitting, making selections, adaptations, or sale of hearing aids. See South Carolina Code 40-25-20

(a) basic physics of sound;

(b) anatomy and physiology of the ear;

(c) function of hearing aids;

(2) practical tests of proficiency in the following techniques as they pertain to the fitting of hearing aids:

(a) pure tone audiometry, including air conduction testing and bone conduction testing;

(b) live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing;

(c) masking when indicated;

(d) recording and evaluation of audiograms and speech audiometry to determine proper selection and adaptation of a hearing aid;

(e) taking earmold impressions.