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Important Notice for Prospective Hearing
Instrument 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 device.
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 device 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 device. The
physician will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing
device dispenser, as appropriate, for a hearing device
evaluation. The audiologist or hearing device dispenser
will conduct a hearing device evaluation to assess your
ability to hear with and without a hearing device. The
hearing device evaluation will enable the audiologist or
dispenser to select and fit a hearing device 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 device dispensers now offer
