Regulating the Online Sale of Hearing Aids
S.167 is a reintroduction of last sessions S.1056 which stalled in the house Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs committee. S.167 effectively prevents non-licensed hearing aid specialists from selling hearing aids through the mail, internet, or ‘other means’. The bill also adds in language that will require licensed hearing aid specialists to provide for the fitting, sale, and delivery of all hearing aids. In addition, the bill establishes that if a person wants to purchase hearing aids from a non-licensed seller, they can only do so by obtaining a prescribed recommendation from a licensed hearing aid specialist. This bill violates both the economic liberty and well-being of all South Carolinians, as it prevents individuals from choosing, for themselves, among the many, and often times cheaper, alternatives to hearing aids purchased through licensed hearing aid specialists. This is a classic example of licensing laws run amok, as it serves to protect the economic interests of licensed hearing aid sellers, at the expense of non-licensed sellers and those who purchase hearing aids.