A hearing aid seller is required by federal law to inform you that it is in your best interest to have a medical exam by a licensed physician. In fact, your hearing must be evaluated by a doctor before you buy a hearing aid, unless you sign a statement saying you've waived that protection. Don't sign it. It's always wise to have a doctor test your hearing so you can find out what's causing your hearing loss and exactly what your hearing needs are. If you're under 18, your right to a medical evaluation cannot waived.
Hearing aids can be difficult to fit, often requiring several adjustments.
Fitting involves careful testing of hearing loss and selecting the right aid. That's why it's important to find a seller who will promptly respond to your concerns and work with you to resolve fitting and volume adjustment problems. Also look for a seller who will teach you how to use the device, and will be available to service it. Get a referral from your doctor - or friends who were happy with the services they received. Under Maryland law, audiologists, hearing aid dispensers and physicians may fit hearing aids.