Are those hearing aids you found online worth buying?
The other day, one of my patients came in with a print out for a company in Nevada that would sell her the same hearing aids I was recommending for a great price. It sounded wonderful to her, but it was very misleading.
It is illegal to mail order hearing aids in the United States. All 50 states prohibit this. I also knew that this hearing aid manufacturer does not participate with any third-party sellers. When I called the manufacturer to get more information, I was told that the hearing aids were being sold from South Korea. Mail order hearing aids are not illegal there. Still sounds like it might be a good way to purchase hearing aids, doesn’t it?
There are several reasons not to purchase this way. First, once you get the hearing aids, then what? Who is going to program them and show you how to use them? The hearing aids usually require multiple programming and counseling sessions in the beginning. This costs money. By the time you pay for all of the services required, you haven’t saved a penny.
If hearing aids are purchased internationally, there is a different warranty. Instead of having a two or three-year warranty, you would have a one-year warranty. Today’s hearing aids are very reliable. But, do you really want to take that chance?
If you have a problem with these aids, you have no recourse. Since they were an out-of-state purchase, you cannot file a complaint with the state. You are stuck. Did you know that hearing aids are medical devices that can actually harm you and that hearing aids cannot be reused without being refurbished? If you have purchased a hearing aid online and have been injured, please report it to the FDA here: https://fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ucm059315.htm
As an audiologist, my goal for all of my patient’s is to improve their hearing and quality of life. I have worked hard to improve my skills and keep up with the latest in technology. If you want to be successful and get the most out of your hearing aids, an audiologist is the key to success.
If you would like more information, give us a call at 727-323-2471.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help if you have any questions about your hearing feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471