(a) Whenever any of the following conditions are found to exist either from observations by the licensed audiologist or on the basis of information furnished by the prospective hearing aid user, a licensed audiologist shall, prior to fitting or selling a hearing aid to any individual, suggest to that individual in writing that the individual’s best interests would be served if they consult a licensed physician and surgeon specializing in diseases of the ear or, if none are available in the community, a duly licensed physician and surgeon:

1. (1) Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
2. (2) History of, or active, drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.
3. (3) History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days.
4. (4) Acute or chronic dizziness.
5. (5) Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days.
6. (6) Significant air-bone gap (when generally acceptable standards have been established).
7. (7) Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.
8. (8) Pain or discomfort in the ear.