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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 hear-
ing 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 consulta-
tion with a physician. The exercise of such a waiver
is not in your best health interest and its use is
strongly discouraged.
