65
66
Licensed physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear
are often referred to as otolaryngologists, otologists or
otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of 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
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 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 is qualified by training
and experience to assist in the evaluation and
rehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.
Содержание Sky V 50
Страница 34: ...67 68 Notes...