User's Guide
69Warnings to hearing care professionals and hearing aid users (US only)
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 the medical evaluation is to assure that all
medically treatable conditions that may aect hearing are identied 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 t a hearing aid to your individual needs.
If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to amplication, you should inquire about the
availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program. Many hearing aid dispensers now oer
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.