S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-3.II.II.201

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

Section 61-3.II.II.201 - Procedures/Equipment

1. The following procedure shall be used in the fitting and selling of hearing aids where applicable:

(a) Pure tone audiometric testing by air and bone conduction to determine the level of hearing impairment.

(b) Speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, sound pressure measurement of the speech frequency range for the purpose of determining the best ear(s) for maximal hearing aid benefit and comfort. Selection of the best instrument to compensate for degree of loss.

(c) Only when the above procedures are clearly impractical, then the selection of the best instrument to compensate the loss may be made by trial of several instruments.

The following minimal equipment shall be used in the fitting and selling of hearing aids:

(a) Pure tone audiometer which shall meet with the latest specification standards as determined by the Department.

(b) Speech audiometer or a master hearing aid in order to determine the most comfortable listening level and speech discrimination.

(c) Ear light or an otoscope, for revealing any obstruction of the auditory canal, shall be free of cerumen and maintained in an aseptic manner at all times.

(d) Audiometers shall be checked for proper calibration as often as deemed necessary but not less than once each year. Evidence of calibration shall be furnished with the license renewal application and a copy maintained on file in the office.

1. Calibration shall be conducted by person, or an institution of higher learning equipped with proper instruments for calibrating as determined by the Department.

(e) Maintain or have access to facilities for making ear molds.

(f) A hearing aid office or place of business must have available or access to a selection of hearing aids and supplies and offer services complete enough to accommodate within reasonable limits the various needs of the clientele.

(g) The testing room shall be sufficient in dimensions to accommodate all equipment necessary for the proper testing and evaluation of the client.

(h) Every person who fits and sells hearing aids shall transmit to each person supplied with a hearing aid a receipt which shall contain the licensee's signature, show his business address and the license or temporary permit number together with the make, model and serial number of the hearing aid furnished and full terms of the sale clearly stated thereon. In the event of a used or rebuilt, reconditioned hearing aid, it shall be so specified on said receipt and shall indicate the length of time of the guarantee and by whom guaranteed.

1. The licensee shall advise the purchaser prior to any sale, testing or evaluation by the hearing aid dealer that any examination or representation is not to be construed as a diagnosis, a medical opinion or that such examination imparts to the purchaser a prescription by a person licensed to practice medicine in this State.

2. Any person engaging in the fitting and sale of hearing aids will, when dealing with a child twelve years of age or under, ascertain whether the child has been examined by an otolaryngologist for his recommendation within ninety days prior to the fitting. If such not be the case, a recommendation to do so must be made and this fact noted on the receipt.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-3.II.II.201