This is to warn about the unprofessional approach and requirements for potential customers of Miracle Ear services. In summary, go to a local hearing professional and avoid anything to do with this company.
Bait-and-switch is a common ploy in my 2 dealings with this company. My first was in response to a full-page ad that announced some huge savings. I responded and set up an appointment. Upon arrival, I received an initial screening that identified my range of hearing loss. I was told that to proceed to the next step, my wife would be required to attend with me. I told the representative that this was not at all convenient or necessary. The rep insisted. I could only guess that it was to try to 1) sell my wife as a new customer, and/or 2) pressure me into buying the devices with her influence. Smelling something fishy, I said goodbye and went to a local professional who tested me completely and fitted me in one session with LYRIC (CIC) Completely in Canal devices. This was done without my wife being present, and I have had the LYRIC devices for 6 months with total satisfaction. The price is very competitive with Miracle Ear ($3200 for both ears per year). It includes complete replacement of both devices when the battery dies or there is any issue.
Recently I have been barraged with phone calls and mail from the Miracle Ear office, so today I decided to call and see what, if anything, has changed in 2 years. I inquired about the must-have-spouse-present requirement. The rep said, "Yes, we like to have the spouse there in case the technical consultant is not being understood in the human speech testing." I said I don't think that is necessary, as I have since been fitted professionally for LYRIC devices in both ears and they are working perfectly without my wife being there. I asked for a comparison price with the Miracle Ear MIRAGE-TM device. It took several attempts to get her to give me a price range, and then she did. Wow.
Miracle Ear's "Mirage"TM brand is over $4000 per device and you are stuck with it. The technology improves on these devices monthly, so why get stuck with something that will become obsolete in 6-12 months, especially when they do not honor a satisfaction guarantee?
I asked the rep if I could be removed from any further marketing and phone calls. She said yes and abruptly hung up the phone. Quality customer service is severely lacking with this company.
My advice: don't bother with Miracle Ear. As someone else put it, if they claim to work miracles, beware. Go to a qualified hearing professional and check out LYRIC-TM. Completely invisible, high-tech and customizable to the specific hearing loss you have.
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