Minnesota Seniors Online


Keeping You Informed:

New Laws To Protect Consumers

The Minnesota Department of Health passed several laws which you should be aware of as you shop for a hearing aid:

State law requires hearing-aid sellers to offer consumers a 45 day written money-back guarantee.  The guarantee permits the buyer to cancel the purchase for any reason during the 45 day period.  Sellers may keep a $250.00 cancellation fee.  If the aid needs to be repaired, remade, or adjusted during the 45 day period, the running of the guarantee period is suspended by one day for each 24 hour period that the hearing aid is not in the buyer's possession.

Hearing aid sellers need a state issued certification and pass an examination in order to conduct business in Minnesota.  A seller may be a hearing-aid dealer, a hearing instrument dispenser, an audiologist, a medical doctor or a person using other names or titles.  Sellers are required to place their certification number on all contracts, bills of sale, and receipts used in the sale of hearing aids.

State law prohibits sellers from obtaining money, property, or services from consumers through the use of undue influence, high pressure sales tactics, harassment, duress, and fraud.

State law prohibits sellers from presenting false or misleading advertising.

Federal law requires sellers to provide prospective hearing-aid buyers with a brochure describing the use of the aid that is being considered for purchase.  The brochure must contain a statement advising prospective hearing aid users to consult promptly with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) before purchasing an aid.

Federal law requires sellers to provide a medical waiver form to adults who decide not to have a medical evaluation of their hearing before purchasing a hearing-aid.  Hearing-aid dispensers are required to advise consumers that signing such a waiver is not in the buyer's best health interest and that its use is strongly discouraged.

THE BBB ALSO PROVIDES A PAMPHLET ON HEARING AIDS THAT CAN BE MAILED OUT TO YOU AT YOUR REQUEST.  If you're in the Twin Cities and would like a pamphlet sent to you, call 651-699-1111.  If you're in outstate Minnesota, call 1-800-646-6222.


Hearing Aid Tax Credit Bill Reintroduced In Congress

The tax credit has been reintroduced in the House and will shortly be reintroduced in the Senate. With healthcare reform on the horizon, there has been no better time to make your voice heard in support of these bills. Please help us make the hearing aid tax credit a reality once and for all!

The legislation would provide a tax credit up to $1000 for two hearing aids for dependents and adults 55+; the Senate is considering a bill which would cover all age groups. One in four households in America has at least one person with a hearing loss and 2/3 cannot afford hearing healthcare.

Make your voice heard again at www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org to help make hearing aids more affordable for you, your family, and your friends. Communicate with your Representative and Senators with the click of a mouse; it only takes 3-4 minutes to send your letter to Washington.