AN ACT relating to the practice of audiology.

HB 444 clarifies the scope of audiology practice in Kentucky by redefining "practice of audiology" to explicitly include evaluating hearing/vestibular conditions, fitting hearing aids, and externally fitting sound processors for hearing implants (like cochlear implants or bone-anchored devices). It defines "sound processor" as the external device attached to these implants and specifies that audiologists cannot perform surgeries, diagnose serious ear cancers (which must be referred to physicians), or remove impacted ear wax requiring anesthesia. This directly affects licensed audiologists by defining their permitted services and ensures patients understand the boundaries of audiology care. The bill focuses solely on regulatory definitions, with no changes to licensing requirements or fees.