A commonly asked question about hearing aids is whether they can be reused by someone else. There two main things to consider about used hearing aids: the physical fit and the technology available with the device.
There are many factors when trying to decide if used hearing aids might be right for you including: technology, style, features and fit.
The physical fit of the hearing aids can be described according to two basic styles: in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. ITE hearing aids are custom-fit, or made specifically to fit an individual’s ear canal. Because the shape of everyone’s ear canal is unique; this style of hearing aid cannot be worn by another person unless the custom shell is remade, which is not always possible and may be cost-prohibitive.
BTE hearing aids are coupled to the ear via custom earmolds or standard ear tips. While someone else’s custom earmolds cannot be re-worn, the hearing aids themselves may be reused by someone else, provided the device is reprogrammed by a practitioner to fit the second person’s hearing needs. The new wearer would simply need to pair the hearing aids with new custom earmolds or ear tips. Therefore, BTE hearing aids are more likely to be reusable, depending on the technology built into the hearing aids.
Technology encompasses many aspects of the hearing aids, like the power source, the programming capability, the age of the circuit and how well it’s working. A hearing care professional will need to evaluate the hearing aids to determine whether they will work for you. The practitioner may also need to send the hearing aids to the manufacturer for a thorough reconditioning or repair before it can be programmed for you to use.
The first step to determining if a used hearing aid will work for you is to see if they are appropriate for your type of hearing loss. Contact a hearing care professional near you for a complete hearing evaluation. Be sure to bring the hearing aids to the appointment. After quantifying your hearing ability, the practitioner will run electroacoustic tests to determine the amplification and programming capability of the hearing aids to determine if they might be appropriate for your hearing loss.
The second step is to have the hearing aids fully inspected and tested by the hearing care professional to ensure they are still in good working order. If there are concerns, they might need to be sent to the manufacturer for reconditioning or repair. After the hearing aids are approved for your use, find out whether they are covered under any existing manufacturer warranty. If they aren’t, consider whether you might want to purchase an extended warranty to cover any loss or damage.
Once the hearing aids are determined to be ready for you to wear, the practitioner will need to program them specifically for your hearing ability. Like any other hearing aid fitting, this programming may require more than one session to fine-tune the hearing aids to your specific hearing, preferences and lifestyle needs. You should expect to pay the professional for a testing and/or fitting fee, as well as any fees for reconditioning or repair that may be needed.
Mandy Mroz, director of Healthy Hearing