Registered Hearing Aid Dispensers

In April 2010 the regulating body for Hearing Aid Dispensers transferred from the Hearing Aid Council (HAC) to the Health Professions Council (HPC).

All hearing aid dispensers must now be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC), a governmental body who govern the majority of healthcare professionals in the UK.

Registered Hearing Aid Dispensers are permitted to use the post nominal letters 'RHAD' to confirm their affiliation to the HPC.

In line with this transition the pre-qualifying training has also now changed. Prior to becoming registered with the HAC, dispensers had to undertake intensive training to pass theoretical and practical exams set out by the HAC. Following success in these exams a pre-registered dispenser had to then undergo a period of supervised work experience to ensure a high standard of competence was achieved. The HAC then approved RHAD certification accordingly. Now under the HPC those wishing to be RHAD must complete a foundation degree in Audiology.

Hearing Aid Dispensers are required to operate in accordance with a code of conduct and are obligated to undertake continued professional development throughout their career to maintain good standards.

[The HAC was a non-departmental public body established by the Hearing Aid Council Act (1968). The HAC was set up for the protection of persons purchasing hearing aids on the private market. It was a criminal offence for anyone not registered with the HAC to enter oral negotiations with a view to selling hearing aids]

More information:

Health Profession Council

Hearing Aid Council

BACK TO HOME PAGE

Hearing Aids / Siemens / Phonak / Oticon / Unitron / Widex / GN Resound / Starkey / Bernafon