Important Notice for Prospective Hearing device 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 device.
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 device 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 device. The physician
will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing device dispenser, as appropriate,
for a hearing device evaluation.
The audiologist or hearing device dispenser will conduct a hearing device
evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and without a hearing device.
The hearing device evaluation will enable the audiologist or dispenser to
select and fit a hearing device 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 device dispensers now offer programs that permit you
to wear a hearing device for a period of time for a nominal fee after which
you may decide if you want to purchase the hearing device.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing devices 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.
Important Notices
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Rev 08122019.02
