According to Audiology Talk and its sources, during the week of October 31, Best Buy removed all personal amplification products from their online store only weeks after shocking the audiology community by offering devices that were very similar to hearing instruments. This action was performed without notice or comment from the electronics chain.
The devices, manufactured by internet company "Focus Ear," were only available for about a month on Best Buy's web site and, according to product details, in select stores. Adding these devices to Best Buy's product selection created a huge uproar within the audiology community. Listservs were filled with posts against the practice and state and national organizations moved quickly to release statements about the potential hazards to patients.
When reached for more information, Best Buy declined to comment on the removal of PSAPs from their Web offerings and did not indicate whether the devices will return.
FocusEar could not be reached for comment regarding Best Buy ceasing sales of their product.
This article was republished with permission from Audiology Talk.