459.20 Definitions. In this subchapter:

(1) “Audiologist" means an individual engaged in the practice of audiology.

(2) “Audiology" means all of the following:

(a) Applying principles, methods or procedures of prevention, identification, evaluation, consultation, intervention, instruction or research related to hearing, vestibular function, or any abnormal condition related to tinnitus, auditory sensitivity, acuity, function or processing, speech, language or other aberrant behavior resulting from hearing loss.

(b) Engaging in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids.

(3) “Examining board" means the hearing and speech examining board.

(3g) “Hearing aid" means any wearable or implantable instrument or device designed for or offered for the purpose of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing and any parts, attachments or accessories of such an instrument or device, except batteries and cords.

(3m) “Licensee" means an individual licensed under this subchapter.

(3p) “Practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids" means the measurement of human hearing by means of an audiometer or by any other means accepted by the examining board for the purpose of making selections, adaptations or sales of hearing aids intended to compensate for impaired hearing, and includes making impressions for ear molds.

(3t) “Sell" or “sale" means a transfer for a consideration of title or of the right to use.

(4) “Speech-language pathologist" means an individual engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology.

(5) “Speech-language pathology" means applying principles, methods or procedures of prevention, identification, evaluation, consultation, intervention, instruction or research related to speech, language, cognition or swallowing or any abnormal condition involving speech, articulation, fluency, voice, verbal or written language, auditory comprehension, cognition or communication or oral, pharyngeal or laryngeal sensorimotor competencies.

History: 1989 a. 316; 1997 a. 49.