Can Hearing Aids be Reused?

Hearing aids are usually designed with a specific patient in mind. So, although it is technically possible to reuse a hearing aid, it probably isn’t a good idea to do so, because you will need to have it recalibrated to fit and function better for you and your level of hearing loss. Below are some of the biggest hurdles you are likely to face if you want to reuse a hearing aid.

A Poor Fit

Although it is not true for all hearing aids, many hearing devices are custom-made to ensure they fit the patient’s ear like a glove. This means that were you to purchase a second-hand hearing aid, and if not impossible, you try to make it fit your ear. Sure, you could put the hearing aid through the re-casing process where it will be remolded to fit your ear, but that could be just be out of your budget buying a new hearing aid, which means that there is no real benefit to doing so.

If you really do need to buy a reused hearing aid, then at least look at a behind-the-ear model as these will be a little easier to remold for a better fit, but it may still be a lengthy process.

Obsolete Technology

Depending on its age, a reused hearing aid may not be equipped with the latest hearing instrument technology. In the 21st Century, technology changes and evolves at a rapid pace, and hearing aid technology is no exception. Buying a hearing aid that is even just a few years old could, then put you at a disadvantage and prevent you from having the level of hearing that would otherwise be possible with a new hearing aid.

It Will Need to Be Reprogrammed

When you buy a new hearing aid, your audiologist will calibrate it specifically to your hearing needs. If you buy a used one, it will be calibrated to the person who owned it originally, which means you will need an audiologist to reprogram it so that it is able to support your hearing health as effectively as possible. This will take time so again, it is perhaps better to buy a new one after all.

Can I Donate Used Hearing Aids?

Despite all we have said here, you should definitely think about donating it to a charity that re-cases them for someone else. This is a really nice thing to do and much better than simply tossing them in the trash.

Although it is technically possible to reuse hearing aids, it is probably not a good idea to do so, even if you are trying to save money, unless you have no other option but to do so.

The fact of the matter is that hearing aids are designed for the person buying them and that means that they will not be an exact match for you. The process of having them reprogrammed and re-cased to meet your needs will be a lengthy but if you do not go through this process, it is unlikely that your hearing aids will be as effective as they should be, and this could make communicating with loved ones, watching TV or simply going about your life, much harder than it needs to be.

Not only that, but your hearing loss could worsen if you are not using the right hearing aids to support your hearing health. If you need a hearing aid, but you are on a tight budget, there is almost always a solution that can be found that will work better for you than reusing an old one, and a good audiologist will be able to talk through those options for you.

Speak to an Audiologist Today

If you are still unsure about the pros and cons of reusing hearing aids, then you should definitely speak to an audiologist who will be able to talk you through them and possibly suggest more affordable options that do not require you to purchase a used hearing aid.

If you want to learn more about hearing aids at Grusecki Audiology & Hearing Aid Services, we are experts in all things hearing aids related, so do not hesitate to get in touch with us at 623-583-1737 today.