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Policy

The dispensing of hearing aids is very important to the Department of Communicative Disorders for two main reasons. First, learning how to dispense and fit hearing aids provides a practical experience for the graduate students and it augments material taught in the Aural Rehabilitation (466) and Clinical Practicum (772) courses. The dispensing of hearing aids is an important part of instruction and research in speech-language and hearing programs. Second, the dispensing of hearing aids is consistent with the UW-River Falls select mission of serving the citizens of the Greater St. Croix Valley; specifically: "The university provides public service by using its resources to address problems and concerns throughout the state and region. Special emphasis is placed on cooperative extension, extension and economic development outreach."

Authority

The UW-River Falls Chancellor issues this policy in accordance with the Administrative Policy process.
The VCAF is responsible for the administration of this policy. Request an exception to this policy by writing to administrative-policy@uwrf.edu.

Sanctions and Appeals Process

Failure to adhere to the provisions of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action as provided under existing procedures applicable to students, faculty, and staff, and/or civil or criminal prosecution.

Procedure

1. The testing and dispensing of hearing aids will be administered by a Wisconsin licensed audiologist within the Department of Communicative Disorders.
   
2. The clinic will dispense a maximum of 75 hearing aids annually.
   
3. Fees charged to patients for purchase will approximate those of area dispensers.
   
4. The patients will be told to explore other options regarding purchasing of a hearing aid by contacting other dispensers. They will also be told that they can purchase the hearing aid form the dispenser of their choice.
   
5. The clinic will not advertise the sale of hearing aids.

Below is a link for the current Department of Communicative Disorders Hearing Aid Purchase Agreement and Hearing Aid Price List and Payment Policy forms. The prices for hearing aids are subject to change as per section 5.0 #5.3. 

Hearing Aid Purchase Agreement and Hearing Aid Price List

University Responsibilities

University Chief of Police

Department/Unit Responsibilities

Communicative Disorders

1. To insure an ethical dispensing practice by abiding by the following federal laws and the University of Wisconsin Administration – General Administrative Policy Paper #3, March 10, 1987.
   
   Federal Trade Commission 1977 law states that any person under 18 years of age must have medical clearance from a licensed physician before they can be fitted with a hearing aid. Any person over the age of 18 has the option of signing a medical clearance waiver statement.
   
   Federal Communication Commission 1977 that any patient who purchases a hearing aid is entitled to try the hearing aid for 30 days and the patient may cancel the purchase agreement any time during that 30-day trial period.
   
   The University of Wisconsin System Administration – General Administrative Policy Paper #37, March 10, 1987 II. Policy portion A-d will be adhered to and the components of that policy are found in section Procedure above.

Background

1. Statutes
2. System Policies – General Administrative Policy Paper #37
3. Past Practice

Contact

Please direct questions about this policy to administrative-policy@uwrf.edu.