Hearing Aid Dispenser
Also written as: HAD — Hearing Aid Dispenser
A regulated professional qualified to select, fit, and sell hearing aids, with a scope of practice narrower than that of an audiologist.
Full Definition
A hearing aid dispenser (HAD) is a regulated professional whose practice centres on the assessment of hearing for the purpose of selecting and fitting hearing instruments. In the UK, hearing aid dispensers are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under the protected title. Editors must not use 'audiologist' and 'hearing aid dispenser' interchangeably, as they represent distinct professional roles with different training requirements and scopes of practice. In the United States, the comparable title is 'hearing instrument specialist' (HIS). Documents intended for international audiences should clarify jurisdiction-specific titles. Avoid the informal shortening 'dispenser' without context in formal copy.
Usage
Usage note: Protected title in the UK under HCPC registration. Do not use interchangeably with 'audiologist.' Expand 'HAD' on first use.
In Context
- "The patient was seen by a hearing aid dispenser at a private clinic following discharge from the audiology department." — Discharge summary
- "Do not substitute 'audiologist' for 'hearing aid dispenser' unless the professional's specific qualification has been confirmed." — Editorial policy note