The AARP Bulletin Vol 46 No 5 suggests buying hearing aids from the
internet because of their high costs elswhere, but warns to be
cautious, and suggest several url's such as the better busines bureau,
but that does not direct me to internet vendors. Does anybody know
where and how hearing aids can be bought from the internet and any
other information relating to this topic.

















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b

Hello,

While I wouldn't recommend buying a hearing aid off the internet for
the simple reason you should be fitted and followed up with by a
Doctor for the best result, I have found 1 site that meets your needs.

Hearing Planet has clinics in all 50 states that match their pricing
to buy online. It?s the best of both worlds. They?re a member of the
BBB Online.

They Say:

?HearingPlanet Local Clinics must meet the following criteria:
?	Be in business for 5 or more years
?	Carry valid State Hearing Professional Licensure and Insurance Coverage
?	Complete no less than 10 hours of Continuing Education each year
?	Have signed our contract ? agreeing to our pricing and policies
?	Be certified to fit hearing instruments with at least 2 Top Manufacturers
?	Have ZERO unresolved complaints from our patients -- HearingPlanet
follows up with every patient after each fitting to gather your
feedback
HearingPlanet clinics are reimbursed a fixed fee for their services
regardless of the recommended hearing aid.
This structure ensures the hearing aid recommendation or prescription
you receive is based upon what is best for you and not profit.
In addition, if you are not pleased during your 45-day trial period
and return your hearing aids ? The clinic is paid a substantially
reduced amount.
This way the clinic is highly motivated to make sure you receive the
best of service.?

Please peruse their site at:
http://www.hearingplanet.com/hearing-aids-list.html

Once again, I do recommend seeing a Doctor about this before you make
any decisions to buy online.

If this answer requires further explanation, please request
clarification before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into this
further.

Nenna-GA
Google Answers Researcher

Thanks, NennaGa, for your answer and advice. Folloing it I am
scheduled to get a Sumo made by Auticon at the reccomandation of the
audiologist of a reputable doctor for $ 900.00. But the mention of
HearingPlanet was not useless since contacting them revealed that
their "reduced" price is over $1400.00. There might be a correlation
between the price difference and Norton's attempt to try to block me
from contacting HearingPlanet. I also wonder how reliable AARP is if
they recommend buying from the internet for a "cheaper" price.

This article may be useful:

http://deafness.about.com/od/buyinghearingaids/a/buyingaids.htm

I don't see how this saving would be in return for a not properly fit
hearing aid and adjustment. They have to make a cast or your ear and
to fine tune the equipement to your ear as no 2 ears are alike. I
would shop arround for hearing specialists in your area. Without a
proper fit/adjustment it will not be worth your hard earnned money to
spend online.

aNoNim

Hi again Vaac-ga,

I'm glad I was able to point you in the right direction and you came
out of this happy. AARP is pretty reliable, however, we always don't
have all the information when we make a suggestion. You found what's
best for you, by hearing an option, having it researched, and
makinging an informed decision, and that's all we can do as humans,
right? Thanks for the wonderful rating!

Nenna-GA