Practice and Advocacy
AAO-HNS StoreHearing Impairment
Hearing impairment is a medical condition requiring evaluation and diagnosis by a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeon. Hearing and balance testing may be conducted by a physician or appropriately trained personnel conducting such test or other acts under the physicians's supervision in order for the physician to make a medical diagnosis as well as prescribe treatment and rehabilitation. A medical diagnosis is made after a complete medical history, physical examination, and review of appropriate audiologic, laboratory, and imaging studies and should be reimbursed by third party payers.
Adopted June 2004
Adopted 5/9/86
Submitted for Review 4/13/95
Submitted for Review 3/1/98
Reaffirmed 3/1/98
Reaffirmed 9/19/07
Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.
Important Notice
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Policy Statements are guidelines only. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of an indicator for a procedure, and/or of the process or outcome criteria, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these guidelines will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. The AAO-HNS emphasizes that these policies should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.
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