In India, where hearing loss is still a sensitive topic for many, people often rush into buying a
hearing aid without checking whether the seller is authorised by the hearing aid brand.
This can lead to many problems such as fake products, poor fitting, and no after-sales
support.
In this blog, we will help you understand:
● What a brand-authorised hearing aid provider means
● Why you should only buy from an authorised provider
● How to check if your provider is genuinely authorised
● Common red flags to avoid
● And why SFL Hearing Solutions is a trusted, brand-authorised clinic in India
Let’s take a closer look.
What Does “Brand-Authorised Provider” Really
Mean?
Choosing the right hearing aid provider is just as important as choosing the right hearing aid.
When a provider is brand-authorised, it means that the hearing aid manufacturer (such as
Signia, Phonak, Widex, Starkey, ReSound, etc.) has officially partnered with or certified the
provider to sell, fit, and service their products.
Being brand-authorised involves:
● The audiologists are given brand sponsored training on a regular basis.
● Access to brand-certified brand-approved programming and diagnostic tools
● Receiving original hearing aid devices directly from the company
● Authorisation to offer official brand warranties and after-sales services
● Compliance to brand guidelines for product handling and customer services
In other words, authorised providers are an extension of the brand’s service and support
system. They are trained and trusted to give you the best possible hearing experience.
Why Is It Important to Choose a Brand-Authorised
Provider?
You may think that all clinics selling hearing aids are the same. But, that is untrue. In India,
many unverified providers sell hearing aids at discounted prices, however these products are
often fake, used, or imported without warranty.
Given below are some of the reasons why you should only choose a brand-authorised
provider:
1.Genuine Products Only
Authorised providers get hearing aids directly from the brand’s official supply chain. This
means the device is new, unused, and authentic.
Unauthorised dealers may sell:
● Fake or imitation products
● Second-hand or refurbished hearing aids
● Devices with removed or forged serial numbers
Wearing a fake or malfunctioning hearing aid can worsen your hearing condition over time
2. Proper Programming and Fitting
Each ear is unique. Special software that fits your individual hearing profile must be used to
program your hearing aids.
Unlicensed dealers typically lack the brand-specific fitting software, calibration equipment,
and real ear measurement (REM) systems used by authorised suppliers.
● This shows that the equipment is working as it should and that your hearing is more
comfortable and clear.
● You don’t have to return for adjustments all the time.
3. Warranty You Can Trust
All branded aids come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which usually lasts between two to
four years. But this warranty is only valid if the hearing aid is sold and registered by an
authorised provider.
If you buy from an unauthorised seller:
● The warranty may be missing or fake
● The brand will refuse to repair or replace the product under warranty
● You will have to pay for all repairs, even for manufacturing defects
4. Brand Service Centre Access
If your hearing aid needs repairing or maintenance, authorised providers can send it to the
brand’s official service centre.
You are guaranteed:
● Original replacement components
● Proper diagnostics and repairs
● Minimal downtime and no risk of additional damage
5. Brand Promotions and Exchange Offers
Only authorised clinics can give you access to official:
● Trial programs
● Exchange offers
● Loyalty benefits
● Software upgrades and firmware updates
Buying from unauthorized places may appear cheaper at first, but may cost you more in the
long run.
How to Check If a Provider Is Brand-Authorised
As a consumer, you have the right to request evidence of brand approval. The following are
some doable actions you can take:
✅ 1. Check the Brand’s Website
Most international hearing aid brands have a “Find a Provider” or “Clinic Locator” feature on
their websites. Just type in your city or PIN code, and you’ll see a list of authorised clinics in
your area.
Most international hearing aid brands have a “Find a Provider” or “Clinic Locator” feature on
their websites. Just type in your city or PIN code, and you’ll see a list of authorised clinics in
your area.
Some links:
● Signia India – https://www.signia.net/en/store-locator/
● Phonak India – https://www.phonak.com/en-in/find-a-provider
If the clinic is not listed, it’s likely not authorised.
✅ 2. Ask for a Brand Authorisation Certificate
The brand issues a certificate to each approved supplier. Request a copy. The certificate has
to be:
● Valid and dated.
● Have the provider’s name and address
● Be issued on the brand’s official letterhead
✅ 3. Check the Hearing Aid Warranty Card
Every branded hearing aid comes with a warranty card that should be:
● Properly stamped by the provider
● Include the hearing aid’s serial number
● Mention the brand name and model
A missing or incomplete warranty card is a major red flag.
✅ 4. Check for the Official Branding of the Clinic
When you visit a provider’s clinic, look for:
● Official posters and product displays from the brand
● Branded materials like brochures and user manuals
● Trained audiologists wearing brand name tags
● Authorised clinics will proudly showcase their brand affiliations.
✅ 5. Speak with the Brand Straight
Contact the brand’s customer service by phone or email if you’re still not sure. Ask if they are
listed as an approved partner and provide them the provider’s name and address.
Warning Signs: How to Spot an Unauthorised Seller
Here are some red flags that indicate a provider is not authorised:
🚩 They refuse to provide a bill or GST invoice
🚩 No valid warranty card or blank cards are given
🚩 They claim “big discounts” that seem unrealistic
🚩 They have no visible branding at the clinic
🚩 They cannot show any brand-authorisation certificate
🚩 They pressure you into buying on the first visit
🚩 Their contact information is not listed on the brand’s website
Remember, a genuine provider focuses on your hearing health—not just making a sale.
The Risk of Buying from Unauthorised Sellers
Let’s examine some typical issues that consumers have brought up following purchases from
unapproved vendors:
❌ After three months, the hearing aid ceased functioning; there was no warranty support.
❌ The product that was provided did not match what was displayed in the clinic.
❌ Fitting or altering the gadget is difficult.
❌ Repairs are expensive and there are no spare parts.
❌ Absence of follow-up calls and inadequate client service
You may become dissatisfied and lose faith in hearing aid therapy in general as a result of
such events.
Why SFL Hearing Solutions Is a Trusted, Authorised
Provider
At SFL Hearing Solutions, we take your hearing health seriously. We are proud to be an
authorised partner for world-class hearing aid brands including:
● Phonak
● Signia
● ReSound
● Widex
When you come to us, you get:
✅ Genuine hearing aids with brand-backed warranties
✅ Expert audiologists trained by the brand teams
✅ Advanced fitting and programming tools
✅ Free hearing tests and trial sessions
✅ On-site repairs and branded accessories
✅ Transparent pricing and EMI options
Whether you’re buying your first hearing aid or replacing an older one, we make sure the
process is smooth, ethical, and focused on your comfort.
Choose Wisely, Hear Better
Hearing aids are not a one-time buy; they are medical devices that need to be properly fitted,
maintained, and cared for. That’s why it is essential to choose a brand-authorised provider
who can guide you not just during the purchase, but for years to come.
When you choose an authorised provider, you are choosing:
● Peace of mind
● Product quality
● Professional support
● Long-term value
Don’t fall for shortcuts or deep discounts from unknown sellers. Your hearing is priceless.
Book a Free Consultation with a Brand-Authorised
Expert
Call SFL Hearing Solutions
Visit our clinic near you
Or book your free appointment online
Let’s make sure you get the right hearing aid, from the right provider, at the right time.