Ask your audiologist...

What do I do when the office I bought a hearing aid from closes?

Unfortunately, statistics show that many new businesses go out of business within the first 1-3 years. When this happens within the hearing aid industry, it can become rather problematic for a hearing aid patient. They trusted that the provider they bought the aid from would take care of them. When that provider closes a local office what is the patient supposed to do? Where do they turn?

My recommendation is to make some phone calls to local hearing aid offices to find someone that has an account with the brand of the hearing aid manufacturer that you purchased. Someone may ask, "Why can't any office take care of any hearing aid?" Most offices would be able to clean the aid and provide some small maintenance. Major repairs could even be sent in to an all make repair lab.

The problem is when the aid needs to be reprogrammed (most aids are digital and programmed by computer software). There is no way one provider could be proficient on every brand of manufacturer's software. Most providers are only proficient on one to three manufacturers software. This is because hearing aid technology is rapidly changing. We get new software updates every 60 to 90 days, and it can be difficult to keep up with more than a few.

Fly by night offices are a real disservice to hearing aid patients. I feel sorry for anyone that this has happened to. Some patients are being required to drive long distances for the care they were promised or left out in the cold all together. I won't name any names, but there is a manufacturer that has a record of offering to provide equipment or other incentives to a start-up provider/office for a fee of units ordered. This can become quite a burden to the new provider that can start them off upside down and deep in debt from which they may not recover.

I am committed to retire out of my office (I probably won't retire for another 10-15 years). I provide tried and true brands, so that if something happens to me another local provider could help you. Remember hearing aids need follow-up care so take your time finding your provider. If you don't get help from me please get help for your hearing somewhere.

Word of mouth is the best advertisement. If you know someone that has had a good experience with their hearing needs follow their example and go where they went. Try not to be suckered into large ads or gimmicks. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

What the consumer really wants and needs is: A local office with everyday low prices and excellent follow-up care. Let me pose a question for you to ponder: what is more important? Is it the price of the aid, or the provider that takes care of you and the hearing aids for years to come?

Answer: The provider. The provider is the one who is going to make the hearing aid work for you. If the provider does not have the experience to program and adjust your aids properly what does it matter how much your hearing aids cost you?

The important thing is maintaining a properly fit hearing aid that helps you hear. If you saved some money on a hearing aid that doesn't help you hear you have wasted that money and have not gained better hearing. There are many reputable hearing health care providers in the area to go to if you need help. Just ask your friends where they received help for their hearing.

Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist who has been in business for more than 15 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, she provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com to watch helpful videos and take an online hearing test.