There
has been a lot of recent publicity about buying hearing aids on-line. Though this
practice has existed for years, the recent move by United Health Care and hi HealthInnovations
to provide a hearing aid benefit to their subscribers on-line has brought this
issue to the forefront. In fact, it has led to a cease and desist order from
the FDA, as the company did not adhere to regulations governing the fitting of
hearing aids designed to protect the general public.
It is critical that a
thorough diagnostic and physical evaluation be completed to rule out any
medical issues that may be addressed. An audiologist is able to refer to a physician when necessary and be a resource for information so that good decisions about how to proceed may be made. The choice and programming of instruments
are tailored to the individual as is the programming and adjustment, goals difficult if not impossible to achieve without face to face contact. Though it
may appear on the surface that such policies are cost effective and convenient,
there are potential health risks and no way to ensure that fittings are appropriate.
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