Hearing Aid Regulations and Trials

In the United States, hearing aids are monitored by two regulatory agencies.  The FTC, or Federal Trade Commission, regulates the business practices of hearing aid dispensers and vendors.  The FTC investigates misleading advertising practices or false information.  The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, regulates the manufacture and sale of hearing aids.  The states also have regulations that govern the advertising, manufacture and sale of hearing aids. To find out your state's regulations, search for your state attorney general's website for contact information.

Hearing Aid Trials and Refunds

Many states either recommend or require that consumers get at least a free 30-day trial period. Generally, there is a service fee of 5-20% of the purchase price if you return the hearing aid during the trial period. Many manufacturers will make adjustments during the trial period and allow returns within 60 to 90 days of purchase at no charge to the dispenser.

Buying a hearing aid through the mail or from a door-to-door salesperson can be risky.  If you buy a hearing aid from a location that is not at the salesperson's regular place of business, such as buying at your home,  you may the right to cancel any sale for $25 or more within three business days.

Because it is hard to get a proper fit, some states do not allow mail order sales of hearing aids.  Even if you can order your hearing aid by mail in your state, federal law requires companies to ship your purchase when promised and give you the option to cancel the order for a refund.