Choosing the right hearing aid and provider can be difficult. Before you buy a hearing aid, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Do your research
- Be aware the clinic is a business
- Before your appointment
- During your appointment
- After your appointment
- Speak up if something goes wrong
During your appointment
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Ask the clinician to explain your audiogram so that you understand your hearing loss.
- Ask the clinician to discuss the range of hearing aids and devices available and what the different prices
- Ask the clinician about the different features of the hearing While some hearing aids may have more features or functions than others, you may not need or want them.
- If a clinician recommends a hearing aid, ask why. If you don’t understand anything, ask the clinician to repeat or clarify the information until you do understand. You have the right to ask the practitioner if they are paid more to sell particular hearing aids, or why they only sell certain brands or types of hearing
- Take notes if you think you may have trouble remembering important details (or ask your support person to take notes for you).
- Ask for a copy of your hearing test results, including the audiogram. Having copies of test results will make it easier to shop around to find the best
- Ask for a quote, including the type and cost of any recommended hearing
- Find out if the hearing clinic offers a free trial period. Be sure to ask for the conditions of any free trial period, including its end
- Take your time to make a decision and remember it’s ok to say no. You should never feel pressured or rushed into making a decision and you do not have to agree to anything on the
After your appointment
Shop around for the best deal, compare the offer you are looking at with others, and choose what’s right for you. You may also want to ask about the rehabilitation and support services offered by the clinic.
If you don’t feel comfortable with the information and recommendations from a clinician, get a second opinion from a different hearing clinic.
Keep all the paperwork. Whenever you buy something, keep a copy of the receipts and anything you sign. Make sure you keep any paperwork in a safe place where you can find it again. You have the right to ask for a receipt for anything you buy or pay for.
You have the right to expect that what you buy does or performs as it is supposed to. If a problem arises with your hearing aid or it does not perform as promised, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.
Speak up if something goes wrong
Contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at https://www.accc.gov.au/contact- us/contact-the-accc