CONSUMER NEWS RECALLS COMPLAINT FORM SCAM ALERTS

Small Claims Guide \| Class Actions \| Lemon Law \| FAQ \| Resources \| Newsletters \| Spanish
Automotive Education Electronics Family Finance Health Homeowners Shopping Travel

Massachusetts Hearing Aid Dealer Ordered to Pay Restitution

August 25, 2004
A Massachusetts hearing aid company has been ordered to pay restitution to its customers after being accused of deceptive practices. The firm, and its principle, agreed to $40,000 in restitution to settle action brought by state attorney general Tom Reilly.

Hearing Aids

• Hearing Loss Affects One in Three Over 60
• Pennsylvania Sues Hearing Aid Firm For Elder Abuse
• Oregon Hearing Aid Fitters Settle State Charges
• Pennsylvania Sues Two Hearing Aid Dealers
• PA Fines Hearing Aid Company $190,000
• MA Hearing Aid Dealer Ordered to Pay Restitution
• Hearing Aids Getting Cheaper
---
• Consumer Complaints about Hearing Aids
---

The settlement stems from a lawsuit Reilly filed in 2003 against Debra Arnett, who previously owned and operated two stores, Affordable Hearing Aid Technology, Inc, of Chelmsford and Custom Care Hearing Aid Center, Inc. of Lexington. The settlement, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, also bars Arnett from dispensing hearing aids without a license and from committing further deceptive practices against consumers.

"Protecting consumers, especially elderly and those with disabilities, is first and foremost with my office," Reilly said. "Hearing aids are not a luxury, they are essential and make an enormous difference in the lives of many."

Reilly's complaint alleged that Arnett committed multiple violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act including: misrepresenting professional qualifications and engaging in false advertising; failing to properly size hearing aids; misrepresenting the type of hearing aids being sold; failing to honor warranties or 30-day money back guarantees; failing to provide required information on sales/delivery receipts; and failing to conduct business in a professional manner.

Reilly said hearing aids vary widely in both style and price, so consumers should shop around and compare the different makes and models of hearing aids and their prices before making a decision. He also urged consumers to read the terms of purchase carefully and before signing a contract make sure that it accurately reflects any verbal representations the sales representative made.

Under Massachusetts law, consumers who are not satisfied with their hearing aids may return them directly to the dispenser within 30 days of the purchase for a refund. The dispenser is entitled to retain up to 20 percent of the sale price for actual services rendered not covered by warranty.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

May 17 2008

READER SERVICES

Print, Email & More

Free consumer newsletters
Sign up now!

Back to the top |

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof.