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important notice for prospective hearing Aid Users (US only)
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. Li-
censed physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear are often referred to as otolaryngologists, otologists
or otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of the 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 dis-
pensers 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.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.
A hearing aid will not restore normal hearing and will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment resulting
from organic conditions.
The use of a hearing aid is only part of hearing rehabilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory
training and instructions in lip-reading.
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