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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 con-
sultation 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 hear-
ing loss should be directed to an audiologist for evaluation and rehabilita-
tion 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 .