Thanks to new federal regulations which require hearing aid manufacturers to adhere to strict standards of manufacturing, labeling and dispensing, millions of Americans are now receiving better protection from poor auditory care than ever before.

According to the new regulations from the Food and Drug Administration, all requests for a hearing instrument must be coupled with a physicians statement that the person actually needs one.

According to the FDA, over 10 million of those afflicted with hearing loss have not received a physician’s review of their situation. The medical evaluation has to have taken place within the last six months before the purchase of a hearing device.

It is however possible for those of 18 years old or more to sign a waiver and avoid a medical examination, although the hearing aid dispenser is required by law to advise against this. Today, there are an estimated 1200 different hearing aid models available on the market.

Approximately 60 percent of hearing-enhancing devices users are the elderly, 13 percent are children and the remainder of the market is made up of individuals between the ages of 18 and 65.

New regulations also specify that the Levitra Professional manufacturers must include a pamphlet with each device that thoroughly explains what it will and will not do, how it functions and proper usage.

Each pamphlet must clearly state that hearing aids are amplifiers and will not either restore hearing or prevent any future hearing loss. The customer must receive this information before the sale is completed.

These brochures will each advise you to consult an ear specialist if you suffer from any issues such as ear deformity, dizziness, pain and fluid damage, hearing loss being rapid or if you have any strange growths in the ear.

After providing somebody with a hearing aid the retailers are obligated to hold onto all documentation of the transaction for at least 3 years, this includes the medical forms and waivers.

The new rules stem partially from a 1975 Department of Health, Education and Welfare report concerning hearing aid usage and sales.

The Federal Trade Commission has also proposed some regulations aimed at hearing aid purchase plans and forms of advertising, all of which are compatible with the FDA regulations.

There are many afflictions that can cause hearing loss of which a hearing aid would be of no use.

The regulations are supposed to protect people from getting hearing aids that are ultimately useless, and instead spur them on to see a medical professional concerning their problem.

The big picture goal here is to give information to consumers that they can use to protect themselves from purchasing a hearing device that they don’t really need.

It also ensures that people who have a medically treatable cause behind their loss of hearing will see a doctor for treatment instead of being sold a hearing aid that might not help them.

They will have access to the complete and accurate information before they buy.

Though the new regulations are tough and designed for your protection, you are still responsible for making that final decision.

Everybody who suffers from hearing loss should first see a doctor instead of simply buying a hearing aid. This is needed because hearing loss is usually the symptom of something more.

There could be ways to alleviate your hearing loss with surgery, drugs or maybe even a change in your diet. Further testing may be advised or you could simply be told you do need a hearing aid.

It is important that the consumer compare prices and warranties with hearing aids just as with any other item.

Be certain to investigate warranty options as well. Most manufacturers provide a guarantee that encompasses breakdowns due to factory defects in manufacturing for up to two years and hearing aid sellers often include a trial period for refunds.

You may wish to lease a hearing aid with rentals added to the eventual purchase, or simply rent one. Give each hearing aid a quick self test before you decide.

Make sure you can hear well in quiet rooms. When you are in loud environments, does the hearing aid cause any discomfort? Can you understand the controls? Become familiar with the variations in cost and available features.

High-quality hearing aids can cost around $350, however you can find deals and programs that will get you the same device for somewhere between $195 and $250.

Author Bio: As a person looking for hearing aids you should visit that site. Learn more on the topic of hearing aid.

Category: Health
Keywords: hearing aids, Hearing test, hearing loss, hearing care, ear problem, hearing problem, hearing