Stay Informed: Avoiding Hearing Aid and Hearing Care Scams

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The internet and its myriad of online resources gives us access to almost any piece of information we might need in the modern world. Unfortunately, with that pile of knowledge comes swaths of misinformation.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality hearing diagnostic evaluations and treatment, and to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction with all hearing care needs.

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Our Location

San Luis Obispo

628 California Blvd., Suite D-1
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Those who seek out MK Larson Audiology, will find a dedicated and passionate staff, headed by San Luis Obispo Audiologist, Dr. Megan Larson.

Dr. Larson is a native of the Central Coast and for years envisioned opening a practice of her own in her home town. The dream of opening her own audiology clinic became reality in 2020.

Dr. Larson has experience in helping to provide a tailored and individually diagnosed solution for those suffering from hearing loss. Part of her motivation to pursue this field was learning about the effects that hearing loss can have on a person’s interaction with the world. This loss can effectively lock people out of much of the world, and isolate them. She understands how frustrating this can be, and takes great pride in the work that she does to correct these problems.

As a Doctor of Audiology, we are diagnosticians who understand the global implications of test findings. Procuring the correct diagnosis is essential, but the implementation of a treatment plan allows the patient to get better.  

We want to educate and guide you through every step of the way to acquire better hearing!

About the Doctor

For those who experience hearing loss or need to know more about hearing aids, getting the right diagnosis and correct information is vital for successful treatment and safe, effective hearing health care.

The Right Choices

When it comes to hearing aids, the internet is full of misinformation, false claims and phony news articles. That’s why we want to make sure you and your loved ones know what to look out for to make an educated decision and not get scammed.

The Federal Trade Commission website offers several suggestions to help individuals with hearing loss navigate the web with a more open mind. Some of the baseline suggestions on what to avoid are as follows:

Stay Mindful When Shopping for Hearing Aids

If you’re shopping around for hearing aids, assistive listening devices or other hearing technology, remember that many hearing aids offered directly through online marketplaces are often not legitimate hearing devices. They are often amplifiers that do not actually help treat hearing loss.

Purchasing hearing aids or devices directly from big box retailers may seem like a cheaper option, but you will not receive the care that you can get from a licensed audiologist. Furthermore, many direct-to-consumer retailers might also pack in hidden fees and upcharges that can catch you off guard.

The FTC also wants to know if you believe you’ve encountered any sort of illegitimate storefront or scams out in the wild. If you think you’ve spotted a person or store up to no good, tell your friends and family so they can protect themselves, then report it to the FTC. Your reports help law enforcement partners build cases and stop scammers.

ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the federal government’s website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices.

Audiologist and Dispensers: What’s the Difference?

It’s essential to remember that only a board-certified audiologist can completely treat your hearing loss. Licensed hearing aid dispensers can still prescribe or sell hearing aids in many cases, though this should still warrant an extensive evaluation from a medical professional.

While shopping around, you should remember the following:

• An audiologist is a board-certified expert who evaluates hearing levels and can fit hearing aids. An audiologist has at least a master's degree and specialized training. Several now even have a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) or Ph.D.
  
  
• Though still well-qualified to fit hearing aids, a hearing aid dispenser has not yet received a doctorate level of education or medical training, but is authorized by state law to measure hearing, fit and sell hearing aids. Hearing aid dispenser requirements can vary by state and commonly involves an apprenticeship with a certified dispenser and passing a hearing aids knowledge test. Retail and big box stores typically employ hearing aid dispensers.

Have more questions? The experts at MK Larson Audiology can also help you navigate the world of hearing aid technology and proper choices to make on your own hearing health care journey. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

• Never do business with any person or site that says “no prescription or audiogram needed”
• Don’t believe in any dramatic claims, such as products or devices that offer to “reverse” or “completely cure” hearing loss.
• Be weary of “limited time offers” from sites or stores that do not have licensed, accredited audiologists
• When in doubt, avoid all direct-to-consumer hearing aid sellers that don’t require a prescription