BATON ROUGE, LA – Attorney General Jeff Landry is
cautioning Louisiana consumers to watch out for misleading sales tactics from
companies selling over-the-counter hearing aids.
Hearing aids are critical medical devices that benefit
people of all ages. However, since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
relaxed restrictions on hearing aid sales, dozens of companies have entered the
over-the-counter hearing aid market. The problem is many are selling poor sound
amplifiers not FDA-approved medical devices.
“Technological innovations can be a great thing for
consumers, especially when it comes to improving their quality of life while
lowering their costs,” said Attorney General Landry. “However, Louisiana patients
in the marketplace should be mindful that some sellers pushing ‘innovations’
may not have the best of intentions."
Companies may market their
products as being “FDA registered” to
imply approval or endorsement; but, a
registered product does not equate to being an FDA-approved product. The
FDA recently issued a bulletin warning firms that are
misrepresenting their products in such ways. The best way to ensure your hearing
aid is legitimate is to seek guidance from a medical professional.
Attorney General Landry also offered the following tips for Louisiana patients
looking to purchase
an over-the-counter hearing device:
- Know that the FDA has not approved any over-the-counter hearing
aids.
- Research the seller on the Better Business Bureau website or another objective consumer
review site.
- Consider
getting a screening and opinion from a hearing specialist.
- Remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.