| The right hearing aid can make a profound | | | | means that your doctor will need to sign a |
| difference in the life of a hard of hearing person. | | | | document stating that there is no other medical |
| The bad news, however, is that finding the | | | | treatment that would be more effective in |
| correct device can entail a long search. Even when | | | | treating your condition. |
| there are no unexpected complications, the | | | | Needs assessment - This will be another |
| selection and fitting process contains multiple | | | | appointment with your audiologist to discuss your |
| stages and will take time. Anyone who is looking | | | | medical needs and available options. He or she will |
| for this kind of treatment will need to be patient, | | | | go over the different kinds of treatments |
| as will the friends and family assisting them. | | | | available, including their pros and cons. Ideally, the |
| If you are looking for an assistive listening device, | | | | two of you should work together to decide what |
| the steps you will likely be going through include: | | | | model and features would work best for your |
| Full evaluation - If you or your doctor suspects | | | | lifestyle. This is also the time to be fitted for an |
| you have an ear condition, you will need a more | | | | earpiece, which is achieved by using a soft |
| in-depth exam than the standard hearing test | | | | substance to create a mold of your inner ear. |
| administered during routine check-ups. An | | | | This mold will be used to design and shape your |
| audiologist will fully evaluate your range of hearing, | | | | new purchase. |
| including both frequency (pitch) and amplitude | | | | Evaluation and adjustment - After your product |
| (volume). He or she may also administer a | | | | arrives in the mail, you will have another |
| physical examination if the underlying cause of | | | | appointment to try it on, experiment with the |
| your condition is still unknown. All of this | | | | settings, and learn about daily use of it. You may |
| information will be useful in determining the best | | | | need some adjustments to the ear piece or |
| course of action for you. | | | | settings in order to maximize the device's |
| Obtaining medical clearance - In the US, it is illegal | | | | comfort and usability. Make sure to try your |
| to sell a hearing device to a customer unless he | | | | purchase in different settings - for example, both |
| or she has a doctor's clearance or has signed a | | | | indoors and outdoors - to ensure that you are |
| waiver accepting responsibility for any | | | | satisfied with its functioning. |
| complications caused by the treatment. (If you | | | | All in all, the process can take a month or longer. |
| are under the age of 18, you do not have the | | | | For many, however, it is certainly worth it. |
| option of signing a waiver.) In this case, clearance | | | | |