Hearing Aid Company Charged With Unfair Practices

Edmonton, Sept. 28, 2001 - Alberta Government Services has charged a Saskatchewan-based hearing aid company with 20 counts of committing unfair practices. The first appearance is scheduled for a Drumheller courtroom today, Friday, Sept. 28.

The company, 848240 Alberta Ltd., operated under at least 12 names including: Calgary Hearing Associates, Edmonton Hearing Associates, Red Deer Hearing Associates, The Hearing Associates and The Hearing Associates Canada. The company’s principal director and shareholder, Curtis Malinowski, was also charged.

848240 Alberta Ltd. allegedly misled consumers, all of them seniors, into believing they required hearing aids when they did not and misled consumers into believing Alberta Health and Wellness endorsed the company’s product.

The company operated throughout Alberta, primarily in smaller communities. Some seniors received a notice advising them of an appointment for a hearing test and felt obligated to attend. After the test, the seniors were told they needed a hearing aid and the company’s product was sold to them. The company charged about $5,000 for each set of hearing aids.

Some of the invoices issued by the company indicated a refund from the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program, administered by Alberta Health and Wellness. However, no such refund was given. To access the AADL program, eligible clients must obtain medical clearance from a family physician.

Alberta Government Services received 23 written complaints from seniors who purchased a hearing aid from the company. Consumers considering buying a hearing aid should:

  • consult their family doctor;
  • determine whether the business has a permanent business location;
  • obtain references from friends and family; and
  • ask about the product’s warranty.

Consumers who have concerns or questions about this company are invited to call the province’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-877-427-4088.

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Media enquiries should be directed to:
Shannon Larkins
Alberta Government Services
780-415-6051