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New Mexico Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NM · License preparation

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Expedited Hearing Aid Dispenser License

Provisional hearing aid dispensing license for qualified licensees from other jurisdictions, including the military pathway; converts to a regular license at renewal.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board · Application information

Expedited licensure based on a license from an eligible jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Fee
Pay the required application fee.
Application Guide Conflict
The current Hearing Aid Dispenser Application User Guide applies its reciprocity/military pre-screening and still instructs: "If you have not passed, you will receive a Warning and not be able to continue the application." The guide therefore demands jurisprudence at submission even though § 61-14B-16.1(A) issues the expedited license without examination; the statute controls issuance and 16.26.10.12 requires jurisprudence at renewal.
Complete Application
Provide the completed signed application and third-party license documentation; the usual processing period is 30 days from a complete application.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal conviction and no pending disciplinary action in New Mexico. Potentially disqualifying matters may be referred to the Board rather than processed in 30 days.
Duration
Under § 61-1-31.1(B) the expedited license is provisionally one year unless a Board rule allows a longer initial term; 16.26.10.12(A) makes its length the same as an ordinary initial license.
Eligible Jurisdiction
16.26.10.8(C) excludes licenses from Alaska, California, District of Columbia, Idaho, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 16.26.10.9 lists no approved foreign jurisdiction. This is the New Mexico rule, not an investigation of those jurisdictions.
Existing License
Hold a current, unrestricted license in good standing in the relevant profession in another licensing jurisdiction.
Renewal Conversion
Before the expedited term ends, apply to renew into an ordinary license and pass New Mexico jurisprudence under 16.26.10.12(B)(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Discretionary extension of the expedited provisional term
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Section 61-1-31.1(B) permits the Board to extend an expedited license upon a showing of extenuating circumstances; an extension is discretionary.
Extenuating Circumstances
Show the circumstances supporting extension. The provision specifies no examination for extending the existing term; ordinary conversion requirements still apply at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Expedited licensure for military service members, spouses, dependents and veterans
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Guide Conflict
The current Hearing Aid Dispenser Application User Guide applies its reciprocity/military pre-screening and still instructs: "If you have not passed, you will receive a Warning and not be able to continue the application." The guide therefore demands jurisprudence at submission even though § 61-14B-16.1(A) issues the expedited license without examination; the statute controls issuance and 16.26.10.12 requires jurisprudence at renewal.
Complete Application
Provide the completed signed application and third-party license documentation; the usual processing period is 30 days from a complete application.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal conviction and no pending disciplinary action in New Mexico. Potentially disqualifying matters may be referred to the Board rather than processed in 30 days.
Duration
Under § 61-1-31.1(B) the expedited license is provisionally one year unless a Board rule allows a longer initial term; 16.26.10.12(A) makes its length the same as an ordinary initial license.
Existing License
Hold a current, unrestricted license in good standing in the relevant profession in another licensing jurisdiction.
Fee Waiver
Initial and renewal licensing fees are waived for the first three years under § 61-1-34(C); the waiver does not cover examinations, late fees or document charges.
Military Eligibility
Military service members include qualifying spouses, surviving spouses and dependent children; veterans must have an honorable discharge. Provide the applicable orders, marriage/dependency record or honorable-discharge evidence specified by 16.26.10.11(A)(3). A current license in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the armed forces, is acceptable without the civilian eligible-jurisdiction restriction.
Renewal Conversion
Before the expedited term ends, apply to renew into an ordinary license and pass New Mexico jurisprudence under 16.26.10.12(B)(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Hearing Aid Dispenser License

Ordinary authorization to practice hearing aid dispensing in New Mexico.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board · Application information

Regular license issuance through renewal of an expedited license
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination
Existing License
Hold the expedited hearing aid dispenser license and apply before its term ends.
Jurisprudence
Pass New Mexico jurisprudence. The additional national-examination clauses in 16.26.10.12(B)(2)–(3) address speech-language pathologists and audiologists; they do not add a national exam for the hearing aid dispenser route.
Renewal Documents
Submit the ordinary renewal documents, applicable fees and continuing education evidence. Military fee waivers continue for the first three years where applicable.
Result
The Board issues a regular license on renewal under 16.26.10.12(C).
Reinstatement after the renewal grace period
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Complete and sign the Board application, pay applicable fees, provide relevant documentation and the conduct/criminal-history certifications required by 16.26.2.10 NMAC.
Board Other Exam Authority
NMSA 1978 § 61-14B-14(C)(4) allows the Board to accept examination scores used for national certification or another approved examination; it names no additional currently offered examination. The current implementing rule specifically requires the IHS ILE.
Business Location
A business location in New Mexico is required.
Discipline
No disciplinary actions against a professional license the applicant holds in any jurisdiction, under 16.26.2.14(H) NMAC.
Education
High school education or equivalent.
Expired License
After the grace period the licensee must reapply as a new applicant, meet all applicable requirements and continuing education requirements, and pay the application and renewal fees under 16.26.4.8(G) NMAC.
Ile Score Age
The current IHS-administered ILE must have been passed within the previous 24 months; taking it before application does not remove it from this route.
Passing Scores
At least 70 percent on each of the Board practical and jurisprudence examinations.
Practical Registration
After acceptance of the 320-hour training log, candidates may take the ILE and Board practical examination. Register for the quarterly practical examination at least 30 days before its scheduled date; failure or unexcused absence requires the reapplication/fee steps in 16.26.2.16 NMAC.
Training
Provide a notarized qualified-sponsor letter verifying the temporary trainee training requirements: at least 320 logged and certified directly supervised hours within three consecutive months, followed by five continuous months of full-time work reviewed and approved by the sponsor. NMSA 1978 § 61-14B-14(A)(4) states no less than seven months under a training permit; 16.26.2.15 NMAC implements the specific training sequence.
Renewal during the expired license grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Normally 20 hours in the field of licensure or a justified related field every two years; prorating, records and audit requirements follow 16.26.5 NMAC.
Deadline
Ordinary hearing aid dispensing credentials expire January 30 of the renewal year.
Existing Credential
Hold this Board credential; these are subsequent ordinary renewals, excluding first conversion of an expedited license.
Grace Period
Section 61-14B-19(B) allows 60 days; 16.26.4.8(E)–(F) implements renewal through March 31 with a late fee. The credential is expired and practice must stop during the grace period.
Renewal Application
Submit the Board renewal form and applicable renewal fee. Maintain a current mailing address and email.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Normally 20 hours in the field of licensure or a justified related field every two years; prorating, records and audit requirements follow 16.26.5 NMAC.
Deadline
Ordinary hearing aid dispensing credentials expire January 30 of the renewal year.
Existing Credential
Hold this Board credential; these are subsequent ordinary renewals, excluding first conversion of an expedited license.
Renewal Application
Submit the Board renewal form and applicable renewal fee. Maintain a current mailing address and email.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Complete and sign the Board application, pay applicable fees, provide relevant documentation and the conduct/criminal-history certifications required by 16.26.2.10 NMAC.
Board Other Exam Authority
NMSA 1978 § 61-14B-14(C)(4) allows the Board to accept examination scores used for national certification or another approved examination; it names no additional currently offered examination. The current implementing rule specifically requires the IHS ILE.
Business Location
A business location in New Mexico is required.
Discipline
No disciplinary actions against a professional license the applicant holds in any jurisdiction, under 16.26.2.14(H) NMAC.
Education
High school education or equivalent.
Ile Score Age
The current IHS-administered ILE must have been passed within the previous 24 months; taking it before application does not remove it from this route.
Passing Scores
At least 70 percent on each of the Board practical and jurisprudence examinations.
Practical Registration
After acceptance of the 320-hour training log, candidates may take the ILE and Board practical examination. Register for the quarterly practical examination at least 30 days before its scheduled date; failure or unexcused absence requires the reapplication/fee steps in 16.26.2.16 NMAC.
Training
Provide a notarized qualified-sponsor letter verifying the temporary trainee training requirements: at least 320 logged and certified directly supervised hours within three consecutive months, followed by five continuous months of full-time work reviewed and approved by the sponsor. NMSA 1978 § 61-14B-14(A)(4) states no less than seven months under a training permit; 16.26.2.15 NMAC implements the specific training sequence.
Licensure without examination for a supervised audiologist or otolaryngologist trainee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Section 61-14B-17(D) says the applicant may be eligible for licensure without examination after this supervision.
Implementing Jurisprudence Demand
16.26.1.7(Q) describes jurisprudence as "given as a requirement for licensure to all applicants." That general implementing demand is retained here as a condition; the specific statutory authorization in § 61-14B-17(D) is expressly without examination.
Professional License
Applicant is an audiologist or otolaryngologist holding a temporary trainee permit; the professional credential is a condition, not an examination of this profession.
Supervision
Sponsor directly supervises all fittings, adjustments, modifications and repairs to hearing aids and earmolds for at least three months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Endorsement to Dispense Hearing Aids as an Otolaryngologist

Board-issued authorization specifically to dispense hearing aids for a qualified licensed otolaryngologist.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board · Application information

Initial hearing aid dispensing endorsement for an otolaryngologist

All of the following:

Application And Conduct
Submit the completed application, fee, relevant documentation and required conduct certifications.
Business Location
Maintain or occupy a New Mexico business location, hospital, medical practice or other facility where hearing aids are regularly dispensed.
Experience Evidence
Section 61-14B-13(A) accepts at least six months dispensing experience through practical examination or another Board-determined method. 16.26.2.13(C) requires a notarized employer/training-supervisor letter and specifies 320 directly supervised hours within the six-month experience. The practical leaf records the currently offered examination accepted by the statute, while this evidence alternative can excuse sitting it.
Jurisprudence
Pass Board jurisprudence with at least 70 percent.
Professional Status
A licensed New Mexico physician certified, or eligible for certification, by the American Board of Otolaryngology; provide New Mexico Medical Board license verification. That medical qualification is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of hearing aid dispensing.
Reapplication for hearing aid dispensing endorsement after the grace period

All of the following:

Application And Conduct
Submit the completed application, fee, relevant documentation and required conduct certifications.
Business Location
Maintain or occupy a New Mexico business location, hospital, medical practice or other facility where hearing aids are regularly dispensed.
Experience Evidence
Section 61-14B-13(A) accepts at least six months dispensing experience through practical examination or another Board-determined method. 16.26.2.13(C) requires a notarized employer/training-supervisor letter and specifies 320 directly supervised hours within the six-month experience. The practical leaf records the currently offered examination accepted by the statute, while this evidence alternative can excuse sitting it.
Expired Endorsement
Reapply as a new applicant after the renewal grace period, meet the endorsement and continuing education requirements, and pay application and renewal fees.
Jurisprudence
Pass Board jurisprudence with at least 70 percent.
Professional Status
A licensed New Mexico physician certified, or eligible for certification, by the American Board of Otolaryngology; provide New Mexico Medical Board license verification. That medical qualification is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of hearing aid dispensing.
Renewal during the expired license grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Normally 20 hours in the field of licensure or a justified related field every two years; prorating, records and audit requirements follow 16.26.5 NMAC.
Deadline
Ordinary hearing aid dispensing credentials expire January 30 of the renewal year.
Existing Credential
Hold this Board credential; these are subsequent ordinary renewals, excluding first conversion of an expedited license.
Grace Period
Section 61-14B-19(B) allows 60 days; 16.26.4.8(E)–(F) implements renewal through March 31 with a late fee. The credential is expired and practice must stop during the grace period.
Renewal Application
Submit the Board renewal form and applicable renewal fee. Maintain a current mailing address and email.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Normally 20 hours in the field of licensure or a justified related field every two years; prorating, records and audit requirements follow 16.26.5 NMAC.
Deadline
Ordinary hearing aid dispensing credentials expire January 30 of the renewal year.
Existing Credential
Hold this Board credential; these are subsequent ordinary renewals, excluding first conversion of an expedited license.
Renewal Application
Submit the Board renewal form and applicable renewal fee. Maintain a current mailing address and email.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-01-08.

Temporary Hearing Aid Dispensing Trainee Permit

One-year supervised hearing aid dispensing permit; later permit issuance is subject to the waiting period and examination-failure limit.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board · Application information

Initial temporary trainee permit
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Conduct
Certify no disqualifying activities under § 61-14B-21 and satisfy Board application documentation and fees.
Education
High school education or equivalent.
Jurisprudence
Pass the jurisprudence examination with at least 70 percent.
Permit Duration
Valid for one year; nonrenewable. A subsequent permit is possible only after the specified one-calendar-year waiting period and subject to the examination-failure limit.
Qualified Sponsor
Identify a sponsor who has been licensed as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser under the Act, or as a New Mexico otolaryngologist, for at least three of the previous five calendar years, has no current disciplinary actions, and sponsors no more than two trainee permits at once.
Training Plan
A signed sponsor training plan and supervised work apply; the trainee may fit and dispense only under the qualified sponsor.
Training Progression
The 320 directly supervised hours within three months precede ILE/practical eligibility; five additional continuous months of sponsor-approved full-time dispensing complete the training for the ordinary license. The ILE and practical examinations are ordinary-license requirements, not additional requirements to issue the trainee permit.
Subsequent temporary trainee permit after the waiting period
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Conduct
Certify no disqualifying activities under § 61-14B-21 and satisfy Board application documentation and fees.
Education
High school education or equivalent.
Jurisprudence
Pass the jurisprudence examination with at least 70 percent.
Permit Duration
Valid for one year; nonrenewable. A subsequent permit is possible only after the specified one-calendar-year waiting period and subject to the examination-failure limit.
Previous Permit
No new permit for one calendar year following expiration of the previous permit, or if the applicant has failed the examination twice within a five-year period, under 16.26.2.15(D) NMAC.
Qualified Sponsor
Identify a sponsor who has been licensed as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser under the Act, or as a New Mexico otolaryngologist, for at least three of the previous five calendar years, has no current disciplinary actions, and sponsors no more than two trainee permits at once.
Training Plan
A signed sponsor training plan and supervised work apply; the trainee may fit and dispense only under the qualified sponsor.
Training Progression
The 320 directly supervised hours within three months precede ILE/practical eligibility; five additional continuous months of sponsor-approved full-time dispensing complete the training for the ordinary license. The ILE and practical examinations are ordinary-license requirements, not additional requirements to issue the trainee permit.

New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board
Format
Online jurisprudence examination within the license application
Passing score
At least 70 percent; repeated attempts are permitted
Examination outline
  • Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Act
  • 16.26.1 NMAC — General Provisions
  • 16.26.2 NMAC — Licensure Requirements
  • 16.26.4 NMAC — Renewal of Licenses
  • 16.26.5 NMAC — Continuing Education
  • 16.26.7 NMAC — Grounds for Disciplinary Action
  • 16.26.8 NMAC — Procedures for Disciplinary Action
  • 16.26.9 NMAC — Code of Ethics
  • 16.26.10 NMAC — Expedited Licensure
Examination sources

Hearing Aid Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board
Format
Board-administered practical proficiency assessment
Passing score
At least 70 percent
Examination outline
  • Puretone audiometry including air conduction and bone conduction
  • recorded voice speech audiometry
  • masking when indicated
  • recording and evaluation of audiograms and speech audiometry
  • determining proper selection and adjustment of hearing aids
  • verification of efficacy of hearing aids
  • taking earmold impressions
Examination sources

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