Federal law restricts the sale of hearing aids to those individuals who have
obtained a
medical evaluation from a licensed physician. Federal law permits a fully
informed
adult to sign a waiver statement declining the medical evaluation for religious
or
personal beliefs that preclude consultation with a physician. The exercise of
such a
waiver is not in your best health interest and its use is strongly discouraged.
Children with hearing loss
In addition to seeing a physician for a medical evaluation, a child with a
hearing loss
should be directed to an audiologist for evaluation and rehabilitation since
hearing loss
may cause problems in language development and the educational and social
growth
of a child. An audiologist is qualified by training and experience to assist in the
evaluation and rehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.
Important Notice for Prospective Hearing Aid Users
Good health practice requires a person with hearing loss have a medical
evaluation by a licensed physician (preferably a physician who specializes in
diseases of the ear) before purchasing a hearing aid. Licensed physicians who
specialize in diseases of the ear are often referred to as otolaryngologists,
otologists, or otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of medical evaluation is to
ensure that all medically treatable conditions that may affect hearing are
identified and treated before the hearing aid is purchased.
Following the medical evaluation, the physician will give you a written
statement that states that your hearing loss has been medically evaluated and
that you may be considered a candidate for a hearing aid. The physician will
refer you to an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser, as appropriate, for a
hearing aid evaluation.
The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will conduct a hearing aid evaluation
to assess your ability to hear with and without a hearing aid. The hearing aid
evaluation will enable the audiologist dispenser to select and fit a hearing aid
to your individual needs.
If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to amplification, you should
inquire about the availability of a trial rental or purchase-option program. Many
hearing aid dispensers now offer programs that permit you to wear a hearing
aid for a period of time for a nominal fee, after which you may decide if you
want to purchase the hearing aid.
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