On 12-14-98 I was evaluated for hearing aids in my home by Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist L. Wayne Wilson, representing Miracle-Ear at Sears, Battlefield Mall in Springfield, MO. I agreed to purchase hearing aids at a cost of $3,547 and paid in full on the same date.
The hearing aids were delivered to me on 12-31-98 at my office by Mr. Wilson. When I installed them they worked very well and fit extremely well. So well that I was able to wear them all day every day from the very first day. I heard sounds in my office never before heard, such as the clock ticking. Mr. Wilson then followed me home to see if they worked as well in a different environment. When talking to my wife, she no longer had to speak loudly or repeat herself. I asked her to set the TV volume to a comfortable level for her, and I was able to hear perfectly. She said it was the best Christmas present she ever had.
During the warranty period the left hearing aid had to be returned 3 different times for repairs, being returned twice not repaired. Since the last repair it has remained in good working order to date.
On 9-2-02 the right hearing aid malfunctioned, cutting in and out, and when operating it had severe static. I returned it to the factory through the Springfield office, where they sent it back to the factory after I paid an additional $193. It was returned to me on 9-14-02 in exactly the same condition in which I turned it in. On 9-19-02 I again went to Springfield (230 miles round trip). It was again sent to the factory for repair. I vented my frustration and anger on the Specialist about the quality control section, or lack of one, at the factory. I was assured that this time the entire works would be replaced. I will see in about 10 days when I make another trip to Springfield (another 230 miles) to pick it up.
The office in Springfield must have a high turnover in personnel. On my numerous trips there I have never seen the same Specialist twice. When I inquire about the previous Specialist, the answer is always the same: "He is no longer with us." This leads me to believe they must have a lot of angry customers such as myself.
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