35
Special care should be exercised in selecting and
fitting a hearing aid whose maximum sound
pressure level exceeds 132 decibels because
there may be risk of impairing the remaining
hearing of the hearing aid user. (This provision is
required only for those hearing aids with a
maximum sound pressure capability greater than
132 decibels [dB SPL].)
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 care professional, as
appropriate, for a hearing aid evaluation.
