What is Hearing Aid Re-Branding?

What the consumer may not realize is that these names are proprietary private labels and can only be purchased, programmed and repaired by the offices that sell them. They are re-branded aids from other manufacturers. The problem is, you become tied to that office or franchise, for the life of the hearing aid (programming can only occur with the private label's proprietary software) and you lose the flexibility to use another office. If you have Beltone device, you have to go to a Beltone office, whereas if you have a Oticon, Signia or Unitron product, you may have more flexibility to go where you want if you move or are on vacation or perhaps do not like the dispenser.