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Information Cont’d
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 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
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 development and
the educational and social growth of a child. An audiologist
who is qualified by training and experience to assist in the
evaluation and rehabilitation of a child with hearing loss is
recommended.
