It is the position of the American Academy of Audiology that every person seeking treatment of hearing disorders through the use of amplification devices receive a comprehensive audiological evaluation prior to purchase. This evaluation must include any and all necessary procedures to determine: (a) thorough history of hearing loss, (b) auditory sensitivity (thresholds), (c) speech recognition capabilities, (d) type of hearing loss, (e) need for referral to a physician, (f) need for referral to other professionals or agencies, and (g) candidacy for amplification devices.

The comprehensive audiological evaluation must be performed by an audiologist who is licensed or registered in the state wherein the evaluation is completed. The diagnostic evaluation is not conducted for the purposes of selecting or fitting a hearing aid, but to rather assess the functional status of the auditory system, and to assure that amplification or other assistive listening devices are an appropriate treatment strategy.

The American Academy of Audiology recommends a comprehensive hearing assessment by an audiologist prior to the purchase of a hearing aid.

Originally published in Audiology Today, Volume 12, Number 3, May–June, 2000, p. 39.