Audiologists should exempt from the Hearing Aid Specialist examination.

Audiologists go through a rigorous graduate-level education to obtain a Doctorate of Audiology (AuD).  The area of hearing aids receives thorough coverage in their education.  After completing 4 years of doctoral training, hundreds of hours of clinical experience in audiology clinics, and continuing education throughout their careers, it is clear that they are well versed in the areas of hearing aid evaluation, fitting, and management.  

Requiring Audiologists to take the HA Specialist examination is redundant and does not improve patient care in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Audiologists have training that should exempt them from a Hearing Aid Specialist examination.