Consumers have the right to return hearing aids

Recently I witnessed a family friend go through a difficult process when returning hearing aids in Thousand Oaks because he didn't know his rights as a consumer.

Although I don't sell hearing aids, I am a licensed hearing aid dispenser and audiologist. I feel it's my duty to inform the people in our community of those rights, and how to protect themselves from sellers who don't follow the laws for the sale of hearing aids.

California law states that consumers can return the hearing aid for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

By law, the dispenser cannot charge any "restocking" fee nor charge sales tax. In fact, hearing aid manufacturers generally give a dispenser 90 days to return a hearing aid and get their costs back. If a dispenser won't give your money back or if they keep any "fee," they should be reported to the California Hearing Aid Dispensing Bureau.

Remember, the dispenser can always get their money back, so don't let them tell you otherwise.

The fact that you can try a hearing aid for 30 days and are entitled to a full refund if you return it within 30 days should be printed on your contract.

If it's not, it's an illegal contract. Put your wallet away and run! Better yet, take that contract and report them to California Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau. The phone number is (916) 5747950. You can pull up the complaint form at www.dca.ca.gov, print the form, fill it out and fax it to them.

If you don't have access to the Internet make a phone complaint. Please also call Assemblymember Audra Strickland's office in Westlake Village with your complaint at (805)230-9167. Sandee Saurman Thousand Oaks