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Important Notice for Prospective Hearing Aid Users
Good health practice requires that a person with a 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
assure 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 or 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.
