Guides · Published November 13, 2026

Audiologist or hearing aid fitter? How Texas licenses the people who fit hearing aids

In Texas, two kinds of licensed professionals can fit prescription hearing aids: audiologists and hearing instrument fitters and dispensers (often called hearing aid fitters or hearing aid specialists). Both are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and you can check either one online in a minute. The big difference is training. An audiologist needs a doctoral degree in audiology or a related hearing science. A master’s in audiology earned by the end of 2007 also counts. A fitter qualifies through supervised training, written and practical tests, and an apprentice permit.

What the law means by “fitting and dispensing”

Texas law has a definition for fitting and dispensing hearing aids. It means testing a person’s hearing, with an audiometer or other means, to pick, adjust, or sell hearing aids. It also covers ordering the hearing aid, making ear-mold impressions, and follow-up counseling after the fitting.

TDLR states it plainly: “Anyone who fits and dispenses hearing instruments in Texas must be licensed by TDLR.”

The two licenses side by side

	Hearing instrument fitter and dispenser	Audiologist
Licensed by	TDLR	TDLR
Education	Set by TDLR’s permit and training requirements	Doctoral degree in audiology or a related hearing science (or a master’s in audiology conferred on or before December 31, 2007)
Path to license	Temporary Training Permit (supervised training hours, then written and practical tests), then an Apprentice Permit	Degree, plus the exam and other requirements on TDLR’s audiology application page
Trainee status	Apprentice permit	Audiology intern license
Active in Texas (TDLR files, Nov. 13, 2026)	825 licenses, plus 87 apprentice permits	1,748 licenses, plus 67 interns

Texas’s fitter law is Occupations Code Chapter 402. Except for a few listed sections, it does not apply to licensed audiologists or audiology interns. So an audiologist doesn’t need a second fitter license to fit hearing aids.

Which one should you see?

That depends on what you need, and it’s a question for your doctor. Both can test hearing for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid. Audiologists have more years of clinical education. Either way, the license is what matters. Don’t assume someone is licensed because of a title on a sign or a business name.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are different

The FDA created a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. TDLR says a license is not needed to sell them. If you buy an OTC hearing aid at a store or online, no one is fitting it for you under a Texas license. If you want a prescription hearing aid fitted to your hearing, the person fitting it needs a TDLR license.

Your 30-day trial in Texas

Texas law requires TDLR to set rules for a 30-day trial period. During it, a buyer may cancel the purchase of a prescription hearing aid. TDLR can order a licensee to refund a buyer who returns one during that time. Ask for the trial terms in writing before you pay, and keep your contract.

How to check a license

Ask for the full name of the person who will test your hearing and fit your hearing aids.
Search that name on TDLR License Search. Choose the hearing instrument fitter or the audiology license type.
Confirm the license is current and active, and note whether it is a full license or an apprentice permit or intern license. Trainees work under supervision.
If something is wrong, TDLR’s program page links to how to file a complaint.

TDLR’s public files also keep expired licenses: 90 expired fitter licenses and 248 expired audiologist licenses were in the November 13, 2026 files. A name on a list is not enough. Check the status.

How to use this directory

Our listings come from the federal NPI registry. It records where audiology practices, hearing aid specialists, and hearing aid suppliers do business. An NPI is a billing ID, not a license. Use our city and county pages to find businesses near you, then check the license of the person who will fit you. Our Texas licenses page shows how many active licenses each county has.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Rules can change; check TDLR for current requirements.