I have invented two high frequency hearing aids and two related devices (tinnitus and mobility) and after securing four patents, FDA pre-market approval, I could not fit my devices to patients without a hearing aid specialist license in Virginia.  Hold two doctoral degrees is meaningless in that regard.  I am both a engineer and clinician and have the needed skills, based on my training alone, to dispense hearing aids. 

Audiologist are required to hold doctoral degrees and have the necessary training to fit and dispense hearing aids.  The need, if there was any, of a hearing aid specialist license in long past gone.  The public interest is not served by this requirement and it should be eliminated.

Martin Lenhardt

President