28amplification, you should inquire about the availabilityof a trial-rental or purchase-option program. Manyhearing instrument dispensers now offer programsthat permit you to wear a hearing instrument for aperiod of time for a nominal fee after which you maydecide 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 forreligious or personal beliefs that precludeconsultation with a physician. The exercise of such awaiver is not in your best health interest and its use isstrongly 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 problemsin language development and the educational andsocial growth of a child. An audiologist is qualified bytraining and experience to assist in the evaluation andrehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.