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Question: How long is too long to wait for hearing aids to arrive. grandma has waited 4 months?

(Posted by: Missymae on 2010-06-11 07:23:24)

In february I took my 78 yr old grandmother to the ENT because she was having difficulty hearing. After exam and cleaning her ears it out was deemed that she needs hearing aides. FIne. Her insurance was poor. It covered 250.00 for both hearing aids. which left and outstanding amount of $1037.00. Grandma was really reluctant to spend that kid of money because she didn't have it. (these were the cheapest) so we opted for 1 hearing aid. and she pay 400.00 out of pocket. We started the process, Every other week we were canceled (appt) because the authorization had not come through yet. I started getting upset because she was/ is becoming more and more depressed. I started calling the hearing aid company (EPIC) they told me they didn't know what was taking so long...with the reply I will call you back. this was early feb. i am still waiting!! So the audiologist started feeling bad for grandma and in april signed grandma up for CHAP (community hearing aid Program). If qualified she can receive 2 hearing aids for 150.00. We went that route, sent a cashiers check with application as directed.The beginning of May we received a letter of acceptance. And it stated that her check has been cashed and thank you for the NON REFUNDABLE donation. Make apt with ENT to have moldings done. We were a step ahead already so the ENT sent everything away. We were told the end of may everything was a go. then was told wow we don't have any openings until june 21. SERIOUSLY your going to make her wait that long? They found an opening at their other clinic on June 10 (yesterday) at 11:00 am. This clinic is 20 miles away, but if it meant for her to get her hearing aids. i was taking her. At 10:15 yester I received a call stating that the appt was canceled again because THEY STILL WERENT IN! this is old. I want retribution or something for her. She cant get her money back because they said it was a charitable donation. What do we do?

Posted by: doncrisp99 on 2010-06-12, 17:40:09

Your grandmother has waited far, far too long, and she has already paid too much. Contact your nearest public health office and inquire as to what they can do.

Posted by: C on 2010-06-13, 19:28:40

Your audiologist is your hearing "lawyer ". Find out what kind of clearance they were waiting for- was it medical clearance from the ENT? Was it clearance for the $250 insurance claim? After finding out WHY- you have a "trial period " from the day the patient is delivered with the hearing aids. Since she hasn't been delivered yet, you have the power to "return " what is ordered and go with another audiologist. They are REQUIRED by law to return your money. The trial period is different in each state but every state has one. It doesn't start until grandma has the hearing aid. Go to another audiologist- they can help you get the money back from the previous too. It should take no longer than 2 -3 weeks for a fitting.