Operation Manual

39
FDA Information
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 otorhynolaryngologists. The purpose of the medical
evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable
conditions which 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 affirming 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 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.