18availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program.Many hearing instrument dispensers now offerprograms that permit you to wear a hearing instrumentfor a period of time for a nominal fee after which youmay decide if you want to purchase the hearinginstrument. Federal law restricts the sale of hearinginstruments to those individuals who have obtained amedical evaluation from a licensed physician. Federallaw permits a fully informed adult to sign a waiverstatement declining the medical evaluation for religiousor personal beliefs that preclude consultation with aphysician. The exercise of such a waiver is not in yourbest health interest and its use is strongly discouraged.Children With Hearing LossIn addition to seeing a physician for a medicalevaluation, a child with a hearing loss should bedirected to an audiologist for evaluation andrehabilitation since hearing loss may cause problems inlanguage development and the educational and socialgrowth of a child. An audiologist is qualified by trainingand experience to assist in the evaluation andrehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.