Is this a hearing aid rip off?

I just don't understand how a hearing aid that was just worked on two years ago, and costs several hundred then, could need a total makeover? We didn't sign anything and I do think that maybe the BBB or maybe the Attorney General office. I could get a used one for about $200 so that would still be less than what they want for this hearing aid. Every time I asked her if she was having any problems hearing with the aid, she said that she could hear ok. They told me that their policy is to just completely refurbish any aids that are over five years old. Only they didn't tell me that until AFTER they had done it!

If the HA was worked on two years ago I'm assuming it is already several years old? It is unfortunate that there was a misunderstanding about getting the work done, BUT, $600 is a bargain when you consider the cost of a new one, and presumably a totally rebuilt aid will be good for a long time. If they had told you the price up front or that the HA was not fixable, what would you have done? I struggled with mom's malfunctioning hearing aids for years because the manufacturer would not even look at them, apparently anything beyond 5 years old is too old and mom's were over 10 when they finally quit completely. Fortunately mom can still hear one-on-one conversations pretty well so we've been able to cope without any at this stage of her life. Maybe you could ask about a payment plan, or you could try some of the personal amplifiers - not nearly as good but perhaps better than nothing.

I'm so sorry this happened, and at the holidays. Can you check with the Better Business Bureau after Christmas? Perhaps filing a complaint with them would help resolve the issue. Or -- this is perhaps not practical but just an idea -- maybe your local news station has a like "consumer watchdog" division that you could contact? Also, was anything signed when you gave them the aid to repair it? I wonder if there is anything in writing that could justify them keeping your mom's property.

I certainly hope you can get the aid back and for a reasonable price.

When you think you are being had, you probably are.... small claims court, state attorney general's office, legal aid....  must be somebody to help?

Is there some type of organization that would be over hearing aid centers? This hearing aid was just worked on two years ago to the tune of $400 and it was working fine. I feel like we were taken advantage of.

What a mess.. and what a crock! My mother sees her hearing aid guy every few months for something,,lol and he never charges us for any adjustments or small repairs. The aids have a warrenty for up to 5 years ( at least mom's do) so I'd look into that.