Professional, Ethical, and Regulatory Practice
Scope and standards
Practice within scope of licensure and certification. Follow professional codes of ethics: beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Disclose conflicts of interest and avoid misleading marketing. Maintain accurate records and continuing education.
Regulation
Hearing aid dispensing is regulated at the state level (licensure, dispensing laws) and federally (FDA hearing aid regulation; FTC advertising rules). Know the difference between a hearing aid and a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) - PSAPs are not intended for hearing loss. The FDA's over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid category (established 2022) allows adults 18+ to purchase hearing aids without a prescription; it does not replace professional fitting for complex needs.
Traps
Questions may blur state vs federal authority, or imply OTC devices eliminate the need for audiologic evaluation. Another trap: confusing PSAPs with hearing aids, or overlooking informed consent and confidentiality obligations.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt: document, obtain informed consent, stay within scope, and refer when the case exceeds your competence.