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availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program.
Many hearing instrument dispensers now offer
programs that permit you to wear a hearing instrument
for a period of time for a nominal fee after which you
may decide if you want to purchase the hearing
instrument. Federal law restricts the sale of hearing
instruments 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 is qualified by training
and experience to assist in the evaluation and
rehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.