Australians “conned” into buying expensive hearing aids
People with hearing problems are being sold hearing aids that cost up to $14,000 that they may not need.
News Corp reports the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating the industry after being alerted to issues concerning the sale of hearing aids by audiology clinics.
“The concerns raised are that a patient’s interest to obtain professional independent advice from an audiology clinic may be compromised in circumstances where there is commercial pressure on health professionals to sell hearing aids, in particular more expensive hearing aids,” a spokesman for the ACCC said.
Many people don’t realise the hearing industry isn’t regulated by the government. A number of audiologists told News Corp how commission and sales targets drive sales of expensive hearing aids, which they don’t have to disclose to customers. Some audiologists will recommend a more expensive hearing aid when the free government hearing aid is acceptable.
Audiology Australia, the peak body representing audiologists, said “there is no requirement for members to declare remuneration (including salary, wages, commissions, allowances, bonuses or profits) under Audiology Australia’s Code of Conduct”.
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