‘Cowboys’ preying on elderly in their homes

Vulnerable elderly people are being preyed upon in their homes by hearing aid companies, cowboy builders and landscapers who see them as a debt-free market with life savings to target.

The Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists has warned that the country’s audiology sector must be regulated urgently, as untrained staff are carrying out hearing aid tests in the homes of elderly people and then charging sky-high prices for aids or offering aids where none are required.

Elderly people are waiting up to two years to have hearing aids fitted in the public health service and therefore many are open to speeding up this process. Hearing aids cost about €1,000, but some private companies are charging over €2,000.