User's Guide

66
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 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

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.