Description of BS ISO 21388:2020 2020
This document applies to hearing aid fitting management (HAFM)
services offered by hearing aid professionals (HAP) when providing
benefit for their clients. The provision of hearing aids relies on
the knowledge and practices of a hearing aid professional, to
ensure the proper fitting and adequate service in the interest of
the client with hearing loss.
This document specifies general processes of HAFM from the
client profile to the follow-up through administering, organising
and controlling hearing aid fitting through all stages. It also
specifies important preconditions such as education, facilities and
systems that are required to ensure proper services.
The focus of this document is the services offered to the
majority of adult clients with hearing impairment. It is recognized
that certain populations with hearing loss such as children,
persons with other disabilities or persons with implantable devices
can require services outside the scope of this document. This
document generally applies to air conduction hearing aids and for
the most part also to bone conduction devices.
Hearing loss can be a consequence of serious medical conditions.
Hearing aid professionals are not in a position to diagnose or
treat such conditions. When assisting clients seeking hearing
rehabilitation without prior medical examination, hearing aid
professionals are expected to be observant of symptoms of such
conditions and refer to proper medical care.
Further to the main body of the document, which specifies the
HAFM requirements and processes, several informative annexes are
provided. Appropriate education of hearing aid professionals is
vital for exercising HAFM. Annex A defines the competencies required
for the HAFM processes. Annex B offers a recommended curriculum
for the education of hearing aid professionals. Annex C is an example of an appropriate
fitting room. Annex D gives guidance on the referral of
clients for medical or other specialist examination and treatment. Annex E is a recommendation for important
information to be exchanged with the client during the process of
HAFM. Annex F is a comprehensive terminology
list offering definitions of the most current terms related to
HAFM.
It is the intention that these annexes be helpful to those who
wish to deliver HAFM of the highest quality.
About BSI
BSI Group, also known as the British Standards Institution is the national standards body of the United Kingdom. BSI produces technical standards on a wide range of products and services and also supplies certification and standards-related services to businesses.