Hearing
Aids : Sound Advice
If you
suffer from a hearing impairment like 21 million other Americans,
you may consider buying a hearing aid. Before you do, determine
whether a hearing aid will work for you and
what to look for when shopping for one.
How
does a hearing aid work?
Hearing aids, an electronic device with a
small microphone that amplifies weak sounds through a small
speaker. You must have some ability to hear for the device
to work. And because hearing loss affects people in different
ways, you need to get the right device for you.
Why
do people lose their hearing?
Medically, there are two major types of hearing loss. Conductive
hearing loss involves the outer and middle ear. It usually
results from a wax blockage, a punctured eardrum, birth defects,
ear infections, or it may be genetic. Conductive hearing loss
generally can be corrected surgically.
Sensorineural—or
"nerve"—hearing loss involves damage to the
inner ear. It can be caused by aging, prenatal and birth-related
problems, viral and bacterial infections, genetics, trauma
(such as a severe blow to the head), exposure to loud noises,
the use of certain drugs, or fluid buildup or a benign tumor
in the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss usually can't
be repaired surgically; it's usually corrected with a hearing
aid.
Where
can I buy a hearing aid?
"Dispensers"—merchants or audiologists—sell
hearing aids. Ask friends or family for referrals.
You also can check out prospective dispensers with your local
Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency, or state
Attorney General. Your state or local consumer protection
office may have records of complaints against dispensers or
physicians, and can tell you how they responded to the complaints.
Consumer protection officials also can tell you whether dispensers
or audiologists must be licensed or certified by the state.
How
can I tell whether I need a hearing aid?
Get an ear examination from a licensed physician. An examination
will insure that there are no underlying illnesses or medical
problems associated with the hearing loss: sometimes a hearing
loss can be a symptom of a medical condition. As a result,
you'll want to be wary of advertisements for hearing aids
that dismiss the need for an examination—the distributor
may be selling inadequate products. In addition, don't feel
pressured into buying a hearing aid —ask
for more information or a second opinion.
You also
should get a hearing evaluation from a dispenser or an audiologist.
The cause and severity of hearing loss varies from person
to person. An evaluation will help a dispenser or audiologist
select and fit you with an appropriate hearing aid.
Can
I get a trial period?
Many states recommend or require that consumers get at least
a free 30-day trial period. There usually is a service fee—five
to 20 percent of the purchase price—if you return the
hearing aid during that time. In fact, many manufacturers
will make adjustments during the trial period, and allow returns
within 60 to 90 days of purchase at no charge to the dispenser.
Buying
hearing aids from a door-to-door salesperson
or through the mail is risky. If you buy from a door-to-door
salesperson at any location that is not the salesperson's
regular place of business, you have the right to cancel any
sale for $25 or more within three business days.
Some states
don't allow hearing aids to be sold through
the mail. That's because it's hard to get a proper fit. If
your state does allow mail-order sales, federal law requires
companies to ship your purchase when promised and give you
the option to cancel the order for a refund.
What
about purchase agreements?
The hearing aid purchase agreement—or contract—should
include all terms of the transaction, including a clear explanation
of all verbal promises. In reviewing your agreement, consider
the following:
- Is
the warranty honored by the manufacturer or by the dispenser?
In some cases, a manufacturer may not honor its warranty
unless the hearing aid is purchased from a seller authorized
by the manufacturer.
- What
services—if any—will be provided free of charge,
and how long will they be provided?
- Will
I get a "loaner" if my hearing aid needs repair?
What
are the federal standards for hearing aid sales?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for monitoring
the business practices of hearing aid dispensers and vendors.
The FTC can take action against companies that mislead or
deceive consumers. Such companies may use misleading sales
and advertising practices—giving inaccurate information
about hearing loss, hearing aid performance, refund policies,
or warranty coverage. The law further requires companies offering
warranties to fully disclose all terms and conditions of their
warranties.
The Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces regulations that deal
specifically with the manufacture and sale of hearing
aids. According to the FDA, the following conditions
must be met by all dispensers before selling a hearing aid:
- Dispensers
must obtain a written statement from the patient, signed
by a licensed physician. The statement must be dated within
the previous six months, state that the patient's ears have
been medically evaluated, and that the patient is cleared
for fitting with a hearing aid.
- A patient
age 18 years or older can sign a waiver for a medical examination,
but dispensers must avoid encouraging the patient to waive
the medical evaluation requirement. Dispensers also must
advise the patient that waiving the examination is not in
his best health interest.
- Dispensers
must advise patients who appear to have a hearing problem
to consult promptly with a physician.
- The
FDA regulations also require that an instruction brochure
be provided with the hearing aid that illustrates and describes
its operation, use, and care. The brochure must list sources
for repair and maintenance, and include a statement that
the use of a hearing aid may be only part of a rehabilitative
program.
What
are the state standards for hearing aid sales?
Many states have laws governing sales of hearing aids.
Most states license hearing aid dispensers. You also may be
protected by implied warranties created by state law. Your
state Attorney General's office can tell you what laws apply
to hearing aid sales in your state.
source:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/hearing.htm
An FTC
Report.
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