Good health practice requires that a person with hearing loss has 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 a 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 fee after which you may decide if you want to purchase the hearing aid.
Important Notice For Users
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