​South Carolina Academy of Audiology

Newsletters

Memo 4/17/2021


Fellow SCAA members, 

It truly is an honor to serve you. 

That sentiment is shared by many of you, as you have served this organization in various capacities in the past.  It is something we hold in high regard and work to ensure any of our actions reinforce that primary goal. 

We recognize and most appreciate that many members look to the SCAA board to answer questions, give guidance, and support various facets of our field.  It is with this in mind that we have drafted this memo to better outline the appropriate paths to be taken for addressing certain issues which impact our field and ability to practice in the state of South Carolina.  We have had many questions over the years about roles and responsibilities of the Academy. We would like to take this time to share our organization‘s bylaws and review the resources in our state which provide support for our field.


South Carolina Academy of Audiology (SCAA)

The South Carolina Academy of Audiology is the professional organization of audiologists dedicated to providing quality hearing and balance services to the public.  We enhance the ability of our members to achieve career and practice objectives through professional development, education, research, advocacy and increased public awareness of hearing disorders and audiologic services.  We plan educational events, provide an annual conference for continuing education, networking, and as a medium for ideas exchange.  We contract a lobbyist to monitor and inform membership on items of interest to our industry and bring to our attention any important initiatives or legislation in government, whether state or federal.

The is the mission statement from our organization’s bylaws (attached).  Aside from canceling a fellow’s membership for 1) non-payment of dues or 2) violation of the American Academy of Audiology’s Code of Ethics https://www.audiology.org/publications-resources/document-library/code-ethics (as noted in Article 2.8 Termination of Membership), SCAA cannot enforce anything, issue sanctions, etc. 

 

SC LLR Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiologyhttps://llr.sc.gov/aud/

The SC Board of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology licenses and regulates the practice of Speech Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Speech Language Pathologist Assistants.  SC LLR can assist you with examination information, continuing education requirements, licensure applications, renewals, board information, and any questions regarding licensure or scope of practice in SC. 

Contact.Speech@llr.sc.gov or the Board Administrator Mack Williams at mack.williams@llr.sc.gov

Tel: (803) 896-4655
110 Centerview Dr, Columbia SC

 

American Academy of Audiology (AAA)www.audiology.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) www.asha.org

Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) www.audiologist.org
 
These are all professional membership organizations that collect dues.  They each promote their value by creating a community of professional and providing resources to members related to best clinical and business practices, leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research.  Each organization has a code of conduct and “guidelines” they recommend their members follow.  If an audiologist is a member of one of these organizations, they must abide by that organization’s code of ethics and operate according to recommended guidelines.  Failure to do so could result in that professional being reported as being in violation to the organization to which they belong and losing affiliation or membership benefits.  Complaint or violation forms can be found on each organization’s website.


South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control – Hearing Aid Specialist (DHEC-HAS) - https://scdhec.gov/health-regulation/healthcare-facility-licensing/facility-specific-info/hearing-aid-specialist-0

This is the regulatory group for hearing aid specialists in SC.  DHEC licenses hearing aid specialists, defined as individuals who measure human hearing by an audiometer and by other established means solely for fitting, making selections, adaptations, or sale of hearing aids; this procedure includes the making of impressions for earmolds.  They may also issue a temporary permit to an individual who does not yet meet the experience qualifications and technical knowledge of a licensed hearing aid specialist, to allow him or her to engage in the fitting and selling of hearing aids for a period of one year under the supervision of a licensed hearing aid specialist.  Hearing aid specialist licenses are issued to those individuals who pass both the International Hearing Society (IHS) written and practical examinations.  Issues or complaints regarding the clinical or business practices of a licensed hearing aid specialist should be reported to that agency by calling (803) 545-4370.  Alternately, reporting can be done online at https://scdhec.gov/index.php/about-dhec/contact-us

 
Chamber of Commerce/Better Business Bureau

Most municipalities have a chamber of commerce or better business bureau.  Reports of violations for poor or questionable business practices, misrepresentation of services and care through action or advertising, etc. should be reported to chamber of commerce or better business bureau that serves that area. 

 
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

(SC LLR - for other licensed professions)

The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation licenses and monitors many professions in the state, from cosmetologists and real estate agents to dentists and medical doctors.  If, while in practice or during your business dealings, you have any issues with an individual that is licensed by SC LLR (or should be), you should contact SC LLR at ContactLLR@llr.sc.gov or:

Tel: (803) 896-4300
Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
110 Centerview Dr, Columbia SC
Columbia, SC 29210

We hope that this resource may assist you when needing resolution or proper support for you, your patients, and your place of business.  No matter what, you can always contact the SCAA board at scaudiology@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, or comments.


We appreciate you and all you do,
SCAA Board of Directors