Confusing, Misleading

Peter Weaver’s Mind Your Money column of Aug. 23 (“Fixing Up Your Hearing Right Way”) is confusing and misleading in advice offered to hearing-impaired persons.

The beginning portion is very informative and correct. Weaver correctly states, “Before you can buy a hearing aid, the law states you have to get a written statement from your doctor that your impairment has been medically checked.” However, the balance of this article advises the hearing-impaired person to consult an audiologist.

Audiologists are laboratory technicians specialized in the function of hearing testing. Their test results are used by physicians in arriving at a diagnosis in cases of hearing loss. Audiologists are not prepared or responsible for dispensing medical advice or making diagnoses. In promulgating its resolution, quoted by Weaver, the Food and Drug Administration intended to advise the hearing impaired person to consult a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist, before seeking service from either an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser.

JOSEPH P. LINDEN JR. MD

Monterey Park