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sidered 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 the availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program . Many hearing aid dis-
pensers 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 be-
liefs 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 .
Notice:
1 . A hearing aid will not restore normal hearing and will not prevent or improve a hearing
impairment resulting from organic conditions .
2 . Consistent use of the aid is recommended . In most cases, infrequent use does not
permit you to attain full benefit from it .
3 . The use of a hearing aid is only part of hearing rehabilitation and may need to be
supplemented by auditory training and instructions in lip-reading .
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 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 con-
