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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
instrument.
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 instrument 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 instrument. The
physician will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing
instrument dispenser, as appropriate, for a hearing
instrument evaluation. The audiologist or hearing
instrument dispenser will conduct a hearing instrument
evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and
without a hearing instrument. The hearing instrument
evaluation will enable the audiologist or dispenser to
select and fit a hearing instrument to your individual
needs. If you have reservations about your ability to
adapt to amplification, you should inquire about the
