Watch Ann talk about Over the Counter (OTC) hearing aids.
CONSUMER ALERT:
Exercise extreme caution when purchasing direct-to-consumer hearing products over the counter (OTC) or online.
The Attorney General’s office urges that consumers cautiously consider the following Do’s & Don’ts before purchasing an OTC hearing device or online:
DO's
DONT's
Get a professional hearing test from our audiologists to know your degree of hearing loss and reduce the potential of increased future hearing loss.
Don’t purchase hearing aids online or over-the-counter without consulting our audiologists.
Consult with our audiologist before buying hearing aids to ensure you are using the correct technology for your specific hearing loss.
Never rely on online hearing screenings to diagnose hearing loss. Seek professional guidance to correctly diagnose your hearing loss and prescribe the correct best solution.
Research your options and know what is safe for you. Seek the help of our audiologists to maximize your potential.
It is unrealistic to expect the same quality care that you receive from our audiologists.
Have questions about your hearing health? Reach out to our team of professionals at 949-667-9818. We would be happy to schedule a FREE consultation to discuss your options and help determine what is right for you.
“New” Over the Counter Hearing Aids – Nothing “New!”
There’s been a lot of news lately about over the counter (OTC) hearing aids as approved by the federal government, and what a “good thing” this is for consumers.
But like the old saying, the devil is in the details. OTC hearing aids have been around for about 20 years. President Trump signed the OTC bill over 5 years ago, now the FDA is just “finalizing” the details under the Biden Administration. So, what affect will this have on you, a current hearing aid user – probably none. Why? OTC devices are like “peeper glasses” to help with the first signs of needing help. They are not made for people with significant hearing loss, rather they are to encourage people to get started with hearing help. OTC aids are purchased in stores which require:
- Self-referral
- Self-diagnosis
- Self-selection
- Self-fitting
- Self-adjustment
- Self-maintenance
Unfortunately, most people under diagnosis their hearing condition. By the time they investigate OTC devices, they are out of their fitting range.
The best place to start is with a comprehensive hearing test from a licensed audiologist. With 6-8 years of education in hearing science, our audiologists can correctly assess and prescribe the correct treatment for your hearing condition. Call us today at 949-667-9818 for a baseline evaluation.
Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Hearing Aids Sold Online or Over-the-Counter
- Press Release
- Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Hearing Aids…
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert today warning Californians to exercise caution when purchasing direct-to-consumer hearing products, such as hearing aids, over-the-counter or online. With the growing popularity, availability, and confusion about these products, the Attorney General urges the public to educate themselves about their options, and consider whether a hearing aid sold online or over-the-counter, rather than prescribed by a doctor, will address their needs.
“Healthcare costs can add up, which is why many of us seek out more affordable options that make sense for our families,” said Attorney General Bonta. “While hearing aids sold online or over-the-counter may appear to be more cost-effective than traditional hearing aids, they may not properly address your particular hearing loss needs or may be outright scams. As you explore your options, know your rights, beware of false claims, and exercise caution if you choose to purchase from an unlicensed seller.”
As federal administrators draft proposed regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids, California law requires all hearing aid sellers, including online and over-the-counter sellers, to be licensed with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Please consider the following before purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid from an online or over-the-counter seller:
- Get checked by a licensed hearing professional. Hearing loss may be caused by a variety of factors – from simple ear wax build up to more serious complications. While online or app-based hearing tests may be convenient, they may fail to detect individualized or serious hearing loss issues. If you need a hearing aid, a licensed hearing professional, who is authorized to test your hearing, can prescribe one that is individualized to your needs or refer you to someone who can, including a licensed seller of over-the-counter devices. You should be aware that some over-the-counter devices are limited in their ability to fine-tune adjustments to your specific needs.
- Beware of misleading claims. Over-the-counter hearing aids are meant to treat mild to moderate hearing loss and may not be able to treat severe hearing loss. Hearing aids advertised as “FDA registered” are not necessarily “FDA approved.” “FDA registered” merely means the company has registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does not mean that the FDA has reviewed or approved a specific product. The FDA recently issued cease and desist notices to companies advertising their products as “FDA registered.”
- Know your rights: If you are unhappy with your hearing aids, California law (Civil Code section 1793.02) allows you to return them within 45 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange without any additional fees. The seller must provide you with a written statement with this information and the date of expiration for the return period. If a seller offers a longer return period, they must honor it.
Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers are licensed by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. For more resources regarding hearing loss, to look up a license, or to file a complaint against a hearing aid dispenser, visit www.speechandhearing.ca.gov.
If you believe you have purchased an over-the-counter hearing aid from a business that misrepresented its claims, please file a complaint at www.oag.ca.gov/report.
Today’s consumer alert was issued by the Healthcare Rights and Access (HRA) Section of the California Department of Justice. HRA works proactively to increase and protect the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in California. HRA’s attorneys monitor and contribute to various areas of the Attorney General’s healthcare work, including consumer rights; anticompetitive consolidation in the healthcare market; anticompetitive drug pricing; nonprofit healthcare transactions; privacy issues; civil rights, such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ healthcare-related rights; and public health work on tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other products.