IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR
PROSPECTIVE HEARING AID USERS (cont’d):
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 is
qualified by training and experience to assist in the
evaluation and rehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.
- 22 -
