Before purchasing hearing aids for clients the counselor/teacher should arrange for an otological assessment by an otologist and an audiological assessment by an audiologist with a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) to determine the appropriateness of the device or devices for the client. These exams may not be necessary if the client has been recently examined and the information is available.

Insurance coverage should be investigated prior to providing these services. Medicare will usually pay for an otological assessment, but not for an audiological assessment. Medicaid will sometimes pay for an audiological assessment and one new aid every three years. Sometimes the Michigan Commission for the Blind can pay for the other one, if needed.

Generally, the otological assessment is done first and that information is forwarded to the audiologist prior to the audiological assessment. If this is not convenient to the client, arrangements may be made otherwise. If ear molds are necessary they should be authorized as part of a hearing aid assessment and purchase of aids.

The report of the audiological assessment should contain a prescription for a specific hearing aid or hearing aids.

The counselor/teacher should secure the aids at the lowest cost possible on the recommended aid or aids. Many audiologists will provide three prices with or, at least, indicate potential vendors with their reports. If three price are not obtainable the counselor/teacher should always secure the lowest cost for the purchase of hearing aids. Unless a client has a substantial reason for not selecting the lowest cost, the aid should be purchased from the vendor with the lowest price. Hearing aids should not be purchased from the same vendor that does the audiological assessment, otological assessment and hearing aid assessment in an effort to avoid a conflict of interest. The vendor should be notified that the payment will not be processed until the audiologist completes a satisfactory 30-day follow up exam.

A telephone coil should be considered for ease of using phones and other assistive devices of amplification. In some instances digital and programmable hearing aids are being prescribed. Although, they are not widely used, they may be appropriate for some clients and may be purchased if appropriate.

Devices should be shipped directly to the audiologist performing the assessment. This is so that the device can be checked to make sure it is appropriate and that it is functioning properly. If the device is satisfactory, the client should then be fitted. However, the bill for the aid/aids should not be paid until there has been a satisfactory follow-up visit with the audiologist.

A follow-up visit with an audiologist should be arranged, 30 days after the fitting of the device or devices, to make sure it is functioning properly. If the client agrees that the aid or aids are satisfactory, then the bill for the aids should be paid.