The marketplace of hearing aids is growing rapidly, and scammers are paying attention. Almost 30 million Americans now have such devices, and experts say the number of adults who could benefit from them is actually much higher. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a major step to expand consumer choice by allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter. The idea was that increased competition would lower prices and spark innovation. Yet the introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids had an unintended side effect. It raised the risk of elder fraud, attracting unscrupulous vendors and scammers into a marketplace that many consumers do not fully understand. Age-related hearing loss is extremely common, affecting an estimated 65% of Americans age 71 and over, with the percentage increasing at more advanced ages. Those numbers add up to millions of potential targets for scammers. That in mind, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has posted a list of seven warning signs consumers should watch for when they are shopping for hearing aids:

1. Unknown brand names. If a company’s name is invisible online, that is a reason to be cautious about making a purchase. Established, reputable companies can typically be found – and researched – in reviews and consumer websites.
2. Vague or misleading labels. If you are shopping for a hearing aid, the product should be specifically identified as a hearing aid. [Under FDA rules, an over-the-counter hearing aid should be marked “OTC hearing aid.”] Products known as “personal sound amplification devices,” which are sometimes used by hunters and birdwatchers, among others, are not intended to address hearing loss.
3. Fake FDA registration certificates. Don’t be fooled by official-looking paper. The FDA does not provide such certificates for medical devices. These are phony documents meant to impress you.
4. Surprisingly low prices. We all like a good deal, but be aware of typical market rates – and be wary of a product that costs much less. If you are buying a hearing aid, the NCOA advises consumers to spend enough money to ensure that the device fits properly.
5. No trial period or warranty. It can take time to get used to a hearing aid and learn how to use it properly. That makes it important to have a trial period. States commonly require trial periods of at least 30 days so buyers can return a device if need be.
6. Lack of customer support. It should be easy to find contact information on a company’s website. Just look for “customer support” or “contact us.” If this information is hard to find, something may be amiss.
7. Rosy, unsubstantiated promises. Watch out for claims that a product will “cure” hearing loss or that it features the same technology as devices that cost a great deal more. Hearing aids often make it much easier to hear, but they are not a cure for hearing loss.

Under FDA rules, you do not have to get a hearing exam to buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Nonetheless, consumers may benefit from consulting with a licensed hearing professional such as an audiologist, according to the NCOA. This enables you to gain important information about your hearing needs and what exactly to look for in a potentially confusing marketplace. For a variety of health and safety reasons, it is important for people with hearing loss to take care of it – if possible. Awareness of the Seven Warning Signs can help you achieve this goal safely and effectively.