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those hearing instruments with a maximum sound
pressure capability greater than 132 decibels (dB).]
Important Notice for Prospective Hearing
Instrument 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
instrument.
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 instrument 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 instrument. The physician will refer you to an
audiologist or a hearing instrument dispenser, as
appropriate, for a hearing instrument evaluation. The
audiologist or hearing instrument dispenser will
conduct a hearing instrument evaluation to assess
your ability to hear with and without a hearing
instrument. The hearing instrument evaluation will
enable the audiologist or dispenser to select and fit a
