If you need a hearing aid, here’s how to protect yourself from the proliferation of scams that are ruining the sector.
- The union of audiologists (SDA) provides advice to protect patients from scams which are increasing in this sector.
- The SDA points out in particular that any canvassing is prohibited and that audiologists do not consult at home.
- Worldwide, 1.5 billion people today suffer from more or less pronounced hearing loss.
Faced with the proliferation of scams, the union of hearing aid professionals (SDA) provides advice on how to protect yourself from this type of sometimes very costly mishap.
Responsible for rehabilitating the hearing of French people in difficulty using devices, “the profession of audioprosthetist is regulated by law, with decrees and obligations. Their job is to support you to allow you to access your new situation in the best conditions, to follow you throughout your life a once you are equipped and ensure the maintenance of the installed equipment”, first specifies the SDA in a press release.
Hearing aid: 7 tips to protect yourself from scams
Thus, the federation recalls that:
– the right information regarding hearing aids can be found on official, institutional and professional sites.
– Any canvassing is prohibited. “Health Insurance, WHO, etc., do not telephone to offer you appointments with a hearing aid specialist”, health professionals specify.
– A hearing care professional only works in an identified hearing center. “Any proposal to visit your home or workplace is a sign of fraud, or even a scam,” they also insist.
– The hearing care professional must be easily identified by wearing a badge with his or her name corresponding to that of the diploma required to be displayed and to that written on the estimate.
– The hearing care professional is required to present you with a quote, at least one of which is fully covered under the 100% Health system (950 euros per ear).
– A 30-day adaptation phase to the fitting without commitment is mandatory.
– Follow-up must be offered to you and must be done at least two to three times a year.
“The union of audiologists can receive complaints or testimonies from victims and try to unravel the reports which, if they become numerous and plausible, are transmitted to the competent administrations”, concludes the organization.
Hearing aid: 700 million patients will need them in 2050
Worldwide, 1.5 billion people today suffer from more or less pronounced hearing loss. “By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will be too, and at least 700 million of them will need rehabilitation services.” completes the WHO.
Hearing loss can be due to genetic causes, birth complications, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, exposure to loud sounds, ototoxic medications or even aging.
