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Following the medical evaluation, the physician will give you a written statement that states that your hear-
ing 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 evalua-
tion. 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 programme. Many
hearing aid dispensers now offer programmes 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.
Children with hearing loss (US Only)
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 develop-
ment 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.
Eight steps towards better hearing
You need to get used to your new hearing instrument. Sounds seem new and different. That is because you
grew accustomed to your diminished hearing. Therefore, familiar sounds seem strange or unnatural at first.
Every first-time user of a hearing instrument responds differently to this. Some can wear the new instrument
a whole day right from the start while others find it hard to get used to.
After a while, you will notice you appreciate hearing with a hearing instrument and that you will find it quite
normal. Below, eight steps are described that will guide you through the initial period. If you are not satisfied
or keep experiencing problems, please consult your hearing care practitioner.
1. Get used to familiar sounds at home
Try to get used to the new sounds from a familiar environment. Listen to the different (background) sounds
and try to recognise them. When you are tired from listening, remove your instrument and pause for a while.
Talk or read aloud for a while. In that way you will familiarise yourself with the sound of your own voice.
Gradually, you will learn to use the instrument for longer and become more comfortable with it.
