Hearing aids: beware of the risk of fraud

Géraldine Zamansky, a journalist for Health magazine at France 5, talks to us today about the warning issued by Health Insurance regarding all risks related to hearing aid fraud. It has updated its information messages to protect patients from fraud.

franceinfo: What does this warning from Health Insurance highlight?

Geraldine Zamansky: Health insurance just explained, quote, “correct reflexes in the face of fraudulent practices”in the field of hearing aids. This is in response to the increase in these scams since the introduction of the 100% health reform in 2021. This reform, by providing access to fully reimbursed devices, has attracted unscrupulous players to the sector.

At a financial, but above all human, cost for people who have not received good devices, as Professor Jérôme Nevoux, an otolaryngologist at the Bicêtre Hospital in the Paris region, regularly observes. He regrets those months, even those lost years, when he still hears poorly. Because time then works against the brain, which finds it increasingly difficult to get used to these devices.

Did these people receive faulty hearing aids?

There can actually be several types of failure. What Professor Nevoux most often points out is the complete lack of support. First in the test month, mandatory before any purchase. Each device must be adjusted, ear by ear, gradually to gently restore lost sounds. He often discovers dentures “from the factory”, without any adaptation.

How to notice it quickly? Professor Nevoux is categorical: in 90% of cases, even if the device is returned 100%, there must be improvement already from the first days and, of course, the first month. Otherwise, don’t take these devices with you in the first place.

So you need to choose your hearing care professional carefully?

If the ENT specialist does not recommend it, there must be at least a recommendation from a satisfied person, with regular follow-up, also mandatory. Health insurance also emphasizes the importance of a quote that spells it all out. And above all, it condemns the illegality of even the smallest agitation via text messages or, even worse, at home. Or even rapid screening, encouraging people to ask their GP for a prescription

Everything must start with a real audiogram and a prescription issued by a specialist. Luis Godinho, vice-president of the hearing care professional’s union, fully agrees with these warnings. He calls for stronger regulation of his profession, which would be placed on the desk of the Ministry of Health. In the meantime, everyone really should remain vigilant.

A list of all the reflexes you should use when faced with fraudulent practices