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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 evalu-
ation. 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
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.
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