I got my first aids from Hearing Planet (phonak), the price was cheaper than local audiologist quoted, and the provider was a licensed audiologist.
It was fine. But …
I’m in the 45 day trial on some replacements after 5 years, and am starting to get some odd vibes about the trial.
The Hearing Planet rep hasn’t answered my emails about end date of the trial when I emailed to ask.
The receptionist at the provider says it looks to her like it was billed, she didn’t know about any trial.
I have in writing, albeit email, details of risk free 45 day trail from the Hearing Plane rep.
Perhaps there’s just some miscommunication going on, maybe the rep is on vacation, etc.
But if they try to stick me with these HA’s that I’m not happy with then I want to come back hard.
Any advice?
I wonder what, if any, regulatory agency a dispute would fall under?
Thanks!
Avoid Hearing Planet and Miracle Ear at all costs. Try Costco or Hearing Revolutions as they are honest and offer good prices.
The tactics you mentioned are WELL known as ways to stick someone with hearing aids. Generally the trial starts the day you are fitted with them. If they agree to extend it verbally, maybe them put it in writing. Stonewalling and pretending the person you need is on vacation are common tactics to make you miss your return date.
As a first step I’d march into their office and return the hearing aids. Make sure you get them to give you something in writing with the date you returned them.
If they give you the run around write them a letter and send it certified mail. Then file a complaint with the BBB (better business bureau if they do not respond in a week). You state attorney general, consumer complaints is also a good place to file a complaint.
Document 45 day trial offer on their website – screen capture.
Get a receipt for returning them in that time.
Provide the info to your credit card company and dispute the charge.
Thanks for the advice.
I do have a copy of the email with the 45 days trial details.
Apparently the local audiologist talked with HearingPlanet and that’s extended another two weeks.
I’m waiting for email to confirm that. I was pretty frank that I’m not happy so far and that I fully expect them to live up to the bargain.
If I don’t get such confirmation in writing then I will return the aids within the 45 days, and if I get any static I’ll do as various posters suggested i.e. contact BBB, contest via credit card company, contact AG, etc.
To be fair to HearingPlanet, my first experience (my first HAs, some years ago) with them went fine.
But if they’re now trying to stick me with aids I don’t like (or simply aren’t adjusted well yet), then they’ll get a fight.
— Updated —
Thanks for the advice.
I do have a copy of the email with the 45 days trial details.
Apparently the local audiologist talked with HearingPlanet and that’s extended another two weeks.
I’m waiting for email to confirm that. I was pretty frank that I’m not happy so far and that I fully expect them to live up to the bargain.
If I don’t get such confirmation in writing then I will return the aids within the 45 days, and if I get any static I’ll do as various posters suggested i.e. contact BBB, contest via credit card company, contact AG, etc.
To be fair to HearingPlanet, my first experience (my first HAs, some years ago) with them went fine.
But if they’re now trying to stick me with aids I don’t like (or simply aren’t adjusted well yet), then they’ll get a fight.