User Guide

38 39
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 who is qualified by training and
experience to assist in the evaluation and rehabilitation of a child
with hearing loss is recommended.
Cell phone
Some hearing aid users have reported a buzzing sound in their
hearing aids when they are using cell phones. According to the ANSI
C63.19 standard, the compatibility of a particular hearing aid and
cell phone can be predicted by adding the rating for the hearing aid
immunity to the rating for the cell phone emissions. The sum of the
hearing aid rating (e.g. M2/T2 = 2) and the telephone rating (e.g.
M3/T3 = 3) is 5, and any combination that equals 5 will provide
‘normal use’. A sum of 6 or greater indicates ‘excellent performance’.
The equipment performance, measurements, categories and system
classifications are based upon the best information available but
cannot guarantee that all users will be satisfied.
The rating of this hearing aid is at least M2/T2. Your hearing
healthcare professional can provide the actual rating for this
hearing aid.
Note: The performance of the individual hearing aids may vary
with individual cell phones. Therefore, please try the hearing
aid with your cell phone or, if you are purchasing a new phone,
please be sure to try it with your hearing aid prior to purchase.
For additional guidance, please ask your hearing healthcare
professional for the booklet entitled “Hearing aid compatibility
with digital wireless cell phones.”