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Delaware Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

US-DE · License preparation

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Hearing Aid Dispenser

Delaware prescription hearing aid dispensing license. Delaware-licensed audiologists need no separate dispensing license under Rule 4.1.

Licensing authority: Delaware Board of Speech/Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers · Application information

Late renewal within one year of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Audit
Late-renewal licensees are audited for prior-period CE and annual calibration under Rule 7.2.10.
Continuing education
Normally 30 CE hours per biennium, including two ethics hours beginning the August 1, 2025–July 31, 2027 cycle; at least 20 clinical-skills hours and at most ten professional-growth hours. Licenses issued for less than one year have no CE requirement; more than one but less than two years requires 15 hours including two ethics hours. Dual specialties require 30 hours with 15 per specialty. Complete CE by July 31 of odd years and attest online.
Equipment calibration
Attest to annual calibration by a certified professional consistent with ANSI standards and provide evidence if audited. Retain CE documentation for three years after renewal.
Expired license
Apply within one year after the renewal due date and pay renewal and late fees. Do not practice while expired or before renewal to active status.
Hardship
Request a CE extension or total or partial waiver in writing before expiration upon a showing of hardship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Original licensure by examination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Ability to practice
Under §3708(b)(2), no excessive drug use or abuse or physician finding of mental incompetence limiting safe professional practice.
Application
Submit an electronic application and appropriate fee. Rule 1.6 makes submitted applications valid for one year; DELPROS instructions allow six months to submit after starting.
Criminal history
Disclose substantially related convictions and pending charges under §3708(b)(3); obtain state and federal fingerprint-based reports at applicant expense before licensure. The Board applies the statutory public-safety waiver; felony sexual offenses are not waivable.
Curriculum
Complete the IHS Distance Learning for Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences curriculum or Board-approved equivalent and supply the completion certificate.
Education
Verify a high school diploma or equivalent.
Ihs standards
Meet current International Hearing Society standards.
Licensed audiologist exception
§3708(a)(3)b exempts licensed audiologists from the diploma and six-month training requirements. Rule 4.1 allows Delaware-licensed audiologists to dispense without a separate dispensing license.
Passing score
Pass the IHS examination and arrange the testing service’s direct official score report. Passing before the permanent-license application is permitted.
Professional discipline
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements, probationary restrictions and voluntary surrender under §3708(b)(1); the Board decides whether they bar licensure. Revocation for nonpayment is excepted.
Rule exceptions
The Board may grant good-cause exceptions to regulation requirements only when consistent with Chapter 37 under Rule 1.4.
Temporary duration conflict
Rule 4.3.3 provides two years from issuance. The ordinary-license application page says: "The Temporary license is good for one year." Apply the regulation.
Training
Complete six months under a Delaware-licensed hearing aid dispenser or audiologist while holding an active temporary license. Direct on-site supervision is 100%, 50% and 25% during successive two-month periods. Unlicensed training does not count.
Training verification
Provide the Board-approved verification with notarized supervisor signature before Board authorization for examination.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide proof of CE required by Rule 7.2.2.2 completed within the preceding 24 months.
Inactive license
Inactive status is permitted for at most five years; no practice while inactive. Submit the reactivation request and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity from a substantially similar licensing jurisdiction
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Ability to practice
Under §3708(b)(2), no excessive drug use or abuse or physician finding of mental incompetence limiting safe professional practice.
Application
Submit an electronic application and appropriate fee. Rule 1.6 makes submitted applications valid for one year; DELPROS instructions allow six months to submit after starting.
Criminal history
Disclose substantially related convictions and pending charges under §3708(b)(3); obtain state and federal fingerprint-based reports at applicant expense before licensure. The Board applies the statutory public-safety waiver; felony sexual offenses are not waivable.
Current license
Hold current good-standing licensure in another U.S. state, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory with substantially similar licensing standards. Provide sworn good-standing evidence for every jurisdiction where licensed.
Equivalency review
If lacking five years of experience, submit the licensing law and rules from each current licensing jurisdiction for the Board’s substantial-similarity determination.
National score
§3706(a)(3) requires a passing score on all parts of the designated national examination. The registered ILE remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Pending discipline
Report the final disposition of pending discipline or an unresolved complaint within 20 days under §3710(d).
Professional discipline
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements, probationary restrictions and voluntary surrender under §3708(b)(1); the Board decides whether they bar licensure. Revocation for nonpayment is excepted.
Rule exceptions
The Board may grant good-cause exceptions to regulation requirements only when consistent with Chapter 37 under Rule 1.4.
Reciprocity based on five years of post licensure practice
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Ability to practice
Under §3708(b)(2), no excessive drug use or abuse or physician finding of mental incompetence limiting safe professional practice.
Application
Submit an electronic application and appropriate fee. Rule 1.6 makes submitted applications valid for one year; DELPROS instructions allow six months to submit after starting.
Criminal history
Disclose substantially related convictions and pending charges under §3708(b)(3); obtain state and federal fingerprint-based reports at applicant expense before licensure. The Board applies the statutory public-safety waiver; felony sexual offenses are not waivable.
Current license
Hold current good-standing licensure in another U.S. state, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory; provide sworn good-standing evidence for every jurisdiction where licensed.
Experience
When the other jurisdiction’s standards are less stringent, prove at least five years of post-licensure practice. Provide notarized employer statements detailing names, dates and kind of experience; provide Schedule C tax forms for self-employment.
National score
§3706(a)(3) requires a passing score on all parts of the designated national examination. The registered ILE remains a leaf even when passed before application.
Pending discipline
Report the final disposition of pending discipline or an unresolved complaint within 20 days under §3710(d).
Professional discipline
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements, probationary restrictions and voluntary surrender under §3708(b)(1); the Board decides whether they bar licensure. Revocation for nonpayment is excepted.
Rule exceptions
The Board may grant good-cause exceptions to regulation requirements only when consistent with Chapter 37 under Rule 1.4.
Reinstatement after suspension for inability to practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Pay fees and submit evidence that suspension conditions are satisfied; CE proof may be required.
Hearing
The Board must find after a hearing that the licensee can again perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation and no longer poses a significant risk of substantial harm.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension or removal from probation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Pay appropriate fees and provide Board-required documentation; CE proof may be required.
Hearing
The Board must find after a hearing that prescribed corrective actions and all suspension or probation conditions have been satisfied.
Individual order
Satisfy the individual suspension or probation order. §3716(d) authorizes disciplinary or corrective measures as reinstatement conditions but identifies no examination for this route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of an active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active license
Renew in DELPROS before July 31 of odd years and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing education
Normally 30 CE hours per biennium, including two ethics hours beginning the August 1, 2025–July 31, 2027 cycle; at least 20 clinical-skills hours and at most ten professional-growth hours. Licenses issued for less than one year have no CE requirement; more than one but less than two years requires 15 hours including two ethics hours. Dual specialties require 30 hours with 15 per specialty. Complete CE by July 31 of odd years and attest online.
Equipment calibration
Attest to annual calibration by a certified professional consistent with ANSI standards and provide evidence if audited. Retain CE documentation for three years after renewal.
Hardship
Request a CE extension or total or partial waiver in writing before expiration upon a showing of hardship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after termination for failure to renew
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Ability to practice
Under §3708(b)(2), no excessive drug use or abuse or physician finding of mental incompetence limiting safe professional practice.
Applicable issuance requirements
Meet original-licensure requirements (education, approved curriculum, active-temporary-license supervised training, IHS passing score, and licensed-audiologist statutory exemption) or reciprocity requirements (current other-jurisdiction good standing and substantially similar standards or five years of post-licensure practice). Both involve the IHS national passing score.
Application
Submit an electronic application and appropriate fee. Rule 1.6 makes submitted applications valid for one year; DELPROS instructions allow six months to submit after starting.
Criminal history
Disclose substantially related convictions and pending charges under §3708(b)(3); obtain state and federal fingerprint-based reports at applicant expense before licensure. The Board applies the statutory public-safety waiver; felony sexual offenses are not waivable.
Professional discipline
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements, probationary restrictions and voluntary surrender under §3708(b)(1); the Board decides whether they bar licensure. Revocation for nonpayment is excepted.
Rule exceptions
The Board may grant good-cause exceptions to regulation requirements only when consistent with Chapter 37 under Rule 1.4.
Terminated license
A license not renewed within one year terminates; the Board requires reapplication in DELPROS as a new applicant.
Application for unrestricted licensure after voluntary treatment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restricted license
After restrictions imposed under the Voluntary Treatment Option, apply for unrestricted licensure upon completing the treatment program.
Treatment agreement
Comply with the treatment agreement and practice restrictions under Rule 12.6.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Hearing Aid Dispenser

Delaware prescription hearing aid dispensing license for supervised practice pending examination.

Licensing authority: Delaware Board of Speech/Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers · Application information

One time temporary license extension
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Approval
The Board may approve one additional year for extenuating circumstances. Submit a written request at least 60 days before expiration through the Request Temporary License Extension service request.
Continuing education
Rule 7.2.2.5 waives CE for temporary licensees.
Existing license
Hold the supervised temporary license pending the IHS examination; no prior passing score is needed for extension.
Initial supervised temporary licensure pending examination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Ability to practice
Under §3708(b)(2), no excessive drug use or abuse or physician finding of mental incompetence limiting safe professional practice.
Application
Submit an electronic application and appropriate fee. Rule 1.6 makes submitted applications valid for one year; DELPROS instructions allow six months to submit after starting.
Continuing education
Rule 7.2.2.5 waives all CE requirements for temporary licensees.
Criminal history
Disclose substantially related convictions and pending charges under §3708(b)(3); obtain state and federal fingerprint-based reports at applicant expense before licensure. The Board applies the statutory public-safety waiver; felony sexual offenses are not waivable.
Duration
Rule 4.3.3 provides two years from issuance; the ordinary-license page instead says "The Temporary license is good for one year." Apply the rule.
Education
Provide a high school diploma or GED.
Examination timing
A passing score is not needed to issue the temporary license. Its purpose is supervised practice pending the IHS national examination, which remains a leaf under the before/with/after rule.
Prior application
The temporary-license page requires submitting the underlying Hearing Aid Dispenser application by examination or reciprocity before the temporary application.
Professional discipline
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements, probationary restrictions and voluntary surrender under §3708(b)(1); the Board decides whether they bar licensure. Revocation for nonpayment is excepted.
Retaking
After not passing within two years after application, wait six months after the last examination and complete another training period before retake authorization; after four years from the first temporary issuance, the supervisor must certify a second curriculum review.
Rule exceptions
The Board may grant good-cause exceptions to regulation requirements only when consistent with Chapter 37 under Rule 1.4.
Supervisor
Submit a sponsor statement and complete training plan signed by applicant and Delaware-licensed hearing aid dispenser or audiologist supervisor; replace the forms upon a supervisor change.
Training
Do not begin training before temporary issuance; complete the six-month supervised period and arrange the signed Supervisory Report before IHS examination authorization.

International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals

Provider
International Hearing Society (IHS); scheduled and paid through the TestWise system at testing centers
Format
Practice-based computer-delivered multiple-choice examination; most questions present a scenario; a few questions require selecting two (or three) correct answers to earn one point; dichotomous right/wrong scoring
Exam questions
105 multiple-choice questions: 80 scored and 25 unscored pilot questions
Time limit
120 minutes (two hours)
Passing score
Pass/Fail on the overall raw score against the IHS-recommended passing score; the licensing agency makes the final decision
Exam fee
$260.00 (USD) per examination appointment, including re-takes, plus applicable taxes
Examination outline
  • Domain 1. Conduct Patient/Client Assessment (21%) (21%)
    • Objective 1.1 Apply infection control protocols (5%). Includes but is not limited to choosing appropriate infection control processes for tools and equipment; observing universal precautions for infection control; distinguishing between single- and multiple-use items; differentiating among sanitization, disinfection and sterilization processes; and identifying personal protective equipment.
    • Objective 1.2 Apply otoscopic inspection protocols (5%). Includes but is not limited to observing safety protocols during otoscopy; identifying anatomical structures; identifying abnormalities through otoscopic inspection; and recognizing the presence of referral criteria. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform otoscopy.
    • Objective 1.3 Utilize audiometric testing protocols (11%). Includes but is not limited to performing air and bone conduction threshold and suprathreshold testing; performing speech audiometry; performing effective masking; and applying principles to include interpreting results of tympanometry/immittance audiometry. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform audiometric testing and application of tympanometry.
  • Domain 2. Interpret and Apply Assessment Results (22%) (22%)
    • Objective 2.1 Interpret and explain audiometric results (11%). Includes but is not limited to demonstrating an understanding of referral criteria; interpreting pure tone and speech testing results; identifying the need for additional testing; identifying the degree and configuration of hearing loss; and identifying the type of hearing loss.
    • Objective 2.2 Determine candidacy for amplification (11%). Includes but is not limited to interpreting the case history and outlining contraindications to hearing instrument use.
  • Domain 3. Select Hearing Devices (18%) (18%)
    • Objective 3.1 Select style and type of hearing instruments (9%). Includes but is not limited to establishing fitting goals and selecting specific hearing instruments based on test results, case history, and individual patient/client preferences and lifestyle; selecting electroacoustic and physical properties; and evaluating the need for accessory devices.
    • Objective 3.2 Select earmold or other acoustic coupler (9%). Includes but is not limited to assessing physical properties of the outer ear, taking ear impressions, critiquing ear impressions, and selecting coupler based on patient/client needs.
  • Domain 4. Fit and Dispense Hearing Devices (20%) (20%)
    • Objective 4.1 Utilize protocols to fit hearing instruments and other devices (10%). Includes but is not limited to confirming physical and acoustic integrity of hearing devices; programming and adjusting hearing devices; verifying physical fit and acoustic comfort; orienting patient/client to hearing instruments; and orienting patient/client to assistive devices. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to program and dispense hearing instruments and other devices.
    • Objective 4.2 Verify fitting (5%). Includes but is not limited to selecting verification method based on patient/client; assessing physical and acoustic integrity of hearing devices; interpreting and explaining verification results; and modifying physical and acoustic parameters of device. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform fitting verification (e.g., speech mapping, REM).
    • Objective 4.3 Validate fitting (5%). Includes but is not limited to selecting validation method based on patient/client; interpreting and explaining validation results; and modifying physical and acoustic parameters of device. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform fitting validation (e.g., questionnaire, self-assessment).
  • Domain 5. Provide Continuing Care (19%) (19%)
    • Objective 5.1 Implement aural rehabilitation and counseling (8%). Includes but is not limited to demonstrating an understanding of the psychology of the hearing impaired; defining and managing patient/client expectations for improved communication; defining and managing family/caregiver expectations for improved communication; and identifying communication strategies.
    • Objective 5.2 Apply instrument maintenance and troubleshooting protocols (9%). Includes but is not limited to employing hearing instrument cleaning procedures; performing listening checks on hearing instruments; troubleshooting acoustic properties of hearing instruments; and adjusting based upon changes in patient/client hearing loss and/or listening needs. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to maintain and troubleshoot instrument performance.
    • Objective 5.3 Interpret electroacoustic analysis results (2%). Includes but is not limited to identifying need for electroacoustic analysis and comparing electroacoustic analysis of patient’s/client’s hearing instruments to fitting specifications.
Examination sources