Are you a senior citizen concerned about your hearing? Perhaps you’ve encouraged an elderly friend or family member to to get their hearing checked. Take heed. A couple in Pennsylvania are currently facing a civil suit for allegedly selling hearing aids to people who don’t need them.

According to State Attorney General Tom Corbett’s office, 50 complaints have been received about the couple, James and Catherine Kocher, and their business,  Digital Hearing Solutions.  Corbett said they  “(used) high-pressure tactics to convince consumers to buy products that they may not have needed” and could be found screening individuals at community centers and senior citizen residential complexes.

In addition, the couple is accused of testing with equipment that was not properly calibrated and neglecting to conduct state-required tests prior to selling hearing aids. Both accusations are in violation of Pennsylvania’s Hearing Aid Law and Consumer Protection Law. If found guilty, the couple faces paying full restitution to customers who suffered losses and fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.

How can you avoid being scammed into high-priced or unnecessary hearing aids? The following tips are from “A Consumer Reference Guide for Seniors: How to Avoid Scams and Fraud“, published by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General:

1. Obtain a medical examination from a licensed otolaryngologist or doctor of audiology to determine if you can benefit from a hearing aid. Not all hearing loss can be remedied by a hearing aid.
2. Do not sign anything without reading it carefully. You might be signing an agreement to waive the need for a medical examination before you buy a hearing aid.
3. Be sure you deal with a seller who will take the time to resolve fitting and volume adjustment problems and teach you how to use the device.
4. Get a written estimate of the cost of the hearing aid, including extra charges for molds, accessories, follow-up checkups, warranties, etc. Also, make sure to get the detailed disclosure agreement and the user instructional brochure for the hearing aid.
5. Never pay cash. Use a check (payable to the company – not a salesperson) or credit card so you can stop payment, if necessary.
6. Make sure you receive the 30-day money back written guarantee.

SOURCES: Pittsburgh Review-Tribune, A Consumer Reference Guide for Seniors: How to Avoid Being Scams and Fraud