Doug Hudson, founder of Hearing Planet, says, "Many people who could benefit from wearing hearing aids simply don't know where to start."

He offers the following key tips that consumers should consider when shopping for hearing aids:

- Get your hearing tested. Testing is usually covered by your insurance plan. Be sure to request a written copy of your test results, known as an audiogram.

- Keep your options open. Make sure that the hearing care professional you work with offers a variety of different brands of hearing aids.

- Make sure that you are allowed a trial period. You should get at least a 45-day home trial period to ensure that your new hearing aids are helping you. Be sure to understand whether there is a cancellation fee and its amount.

- Write down the recommended hearing aid and price. Be sure to write the brand and model. This will allow you to compare apples to apples when you are comparing prices.

- Compare pricing before you purchase. Consider what is included in your plan, such as batteries and length of service. Call around for prices. Use Internet resources to make sure that you are not overpaying.

- Beware of mail-order hearing aids. Most of these do not provide service, which are necessary if you want to receive hearing aids that fit and are programmed properly.

- Use a 12-month, same-as-cash payment plan. This will spread out the payments.

- Choose a company or professional that has earned your trust. You are purchasing more than a hearing aid — you are purchasing service after sale.

- Purchase an extended warranty. Since hearing aids are worn every day and are exposed to humidity and a variety of temperatures, extended warranties help insure your investment.

- Take advantage of any tax breaks. Find out if you can deduct it as a medical expense. This could potentially lower the cost of your hearing aid by as much as 30 percent.

Hearing Planet representatives will connect patients with local clinics or hearing aid fittings and provide one-on-one support through the buying process. They can be reached at http://www.hearingplanet.com, or call 1-800-432-7669.

Some good news. Many are aware of the atrocities that are conducted by some people who are conservators. The requirements needed for this work are an application and a $385 fee. Many enter this lucrative field and neglect the people they have promised to help. Courts take basic freedoms from the elderly if they can be shown that they cannot take care of themselves or if they have family who do not want to become involved.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous conservators abound. Some have taken their ward's life savings and bought cars for themselves or paid their taxes. Another bought a restaurant, leaving the elderly woman penniless.

Those of us in the field of gerontology have long realized that some effort has to be made at the legislative level to correct this. Assembly Bill 1363 would set up a board under the state Department of Consumer Affairs to approve licenses and mete out discipline when necessary. The reforms would cost about $20 million a year, including money for probate judges and staff. This bill is likely to win Senate approval. Please, let's take care of our most vulnerable — the elderly.

By Margaret Nesbitt
http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/county_news/article/0,1375,VCS_226_4699148,00.html