Used hearing aids: a guide to buy, sell and donate them
Whether you no longer need your hearing aids or are looking for a more affordable option, the used hearing aid market can be a valuable solution: instead of throwing away a device you’ve replaced, or one inherited from a family member, you may be able to sell it, donate it, or help someone else gain access to better hearing.
What to do with old hearing aids?
A used hearing aid doesn’t necessarily have to remain unused. Depending on the conditions, you can sell, donate or recycle hearing aids responsibly:
- Selling can give someone else access to affordable technology.
- Donation programs can help people in need and is useful if your device has little market value.
- Recycling ensures that older devices are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
In some cases, used hearing aids can also be purchased through resale or refurbishment programs, offering a lower-cost alternative to new devices.
Let's find out everything you need to know.
How to buy used hearing aids?
Before buying any used or refurbished hearing aid, it’s strongly recommended to start with a medical hearing evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT). It helps rule out any treatable medical causes of hearing loss before moving on to a hearing aid fitting with an audiologist or hearing care professional.
However, many second-hand devices can be purchased online without seeing a doctor first, although it is recommended. For this reason, some sellers include FDA warning statements in their listings, recommending that buyers complete a medical exam or sign a written waiver before purchase.
Even if a pre-owned device is easy to access, buying one without professional guidance comes with risks: a hearing care specialist should confirm that the device is suitable for your level of hearing loss, falls within the correct fitting range, and can still be reprogrammed.
Moreover, at a minimum, second-hand hearing aids should be professionally cleaned, disinfected, and fitted with new earmolds or domes, since previous components may carry bacteria or no longer fit correctly. Proper programming by a hearing specialist is also essential to ensure safe, effective performance.
Where to find used hearing aids for sale?
The age of the hearing device - a key feature
Before deciding on a pair of used hearing aids, you first need to find out how old they are because the technology is considered obsolete if they are more than five years old. While a hearing healthcare expert will need to reprogram the hearing aid, the programming restrictions of an older hearing aid may make it inadequate for your prescription.
Hearing aid technology is regularly upgraded, and once the new technology is implemented, many older versions are rendered useless.
Types of used hearing aid and fitting
ITE, ITC, CIC hearing aids
Used ITE, ITC, and CIC hearing aids are highly personalized devices, which means they usually won’t fit another person’s ear correctly. Because these styles are custom-molded to the original user’s ear canal, wearing someone else’s device may feel uncomfortable, fit poorly or not stay securely in place.
In some cases, these devices can be re-cased: this process involves taking a new earmold impression, sending the device back to the manufacturer, and rebuilding the shell so it matches the new user’s ear anatomy. Once the hearing aid is returned, a hearing care professional must also reprogram it to the new hearing prescription.
While this makes reuse possible, the combined cost of re-casing - that allows to increase used hearing aid values - professional fitting and reprogramming can be significant: the hearing aid manufacturer, as well as the hearing healthcare practitioner, will charge for the re-casing and reprogramming. For this reason, in these situations, buying a new hearing aid may be the more cost-effective option.
BTE hearing aids
Typically, a BTE model is a "one-size-fits-all" hearing aid type. However, the earmold, which attaches to the hearing aid, is not one-size-fits-all and must be purchased separately to use the hearing aid.
A hearing healthcare practitioner can order an earmold after obtaining an earmold impression. Similar to ITE models, a hearing healthcare expert will need to adjust the hearing aid to your hearing loss prescription after the earmold is complete.
While buying a new earmold is typically less expensive than having to recase a hearing aid, you will still have to pay for the used hearing aid to be reprogrammed to match your hearing needs. A second-hand Behind-The-Ear hearing aid may only save you a small amount of money.
The fitting limits of hearing aids
A "fitting range" is the range of hearing loss that a hearing aid can tolerate with programming. In specific cases, an audiologist cannot reprogram used hearing aids to match your hearing needs if your hearing loss is outside the fitting range of the device you're using. This factor needs to be accounted for when contemplating the usage of used hearing aids. Your hearing healthcare expert should be able to inform you if the hearing aid you're using is appropriate for your condition.
Additionally, the fitting range can vary depending on the brand, model, and technology level of the hearing aid, so it’s important to compare these specifications carefully. Your hearing healthcare professional can measure your hearing profile and determine whether a particular used hearing aid will provide the support you need.
Can old hearing aids be repaired and resold?
Old hearing aids can often be repaired and resold, provided the device is still supported by the manufacturer and the internal components are in good condition. Common repairs may include replacing microphones, battery doors, tubing, receivers, or worn earmolds. After repair, the hearing aid should be professionally cleaned, disinfected, and reprogrammed to match the new user’s hearing profile. However, if the device is > 5 years old, outdated software or limited compatibility may reduce its resale value, making recycling or donation a better option.
So, how to sell used hearing aids?
First of all, checking the brand, model, and age can help you determine the fair market value of used hearing aids, therefore what price to set.
Hearing aids that are less than five years old, fully functional, and sold with accessories such as chargers, cases, or original receivers usually have the strongest resale value.
The best place to sell hearing aids depends on whether you want the highest return or the easiest process. Online marketplaces as eBay may attract more buyers and better offers, so, they may offer higher returns, while local platforms, as Craigslist, can make the process faster and easier. Specialist hearing aid resellers or clinic trade-in programs may also provide a safer alternative with less effort, even if the resale price is slightly lower.
From a legal standpoint, used or refurbished hearing aids must be clearly labeled as previously owned or rebuilt. Moreover, according to Title 21, Section 801.420 of the Code of Federal Regulations, prescription hearing aids should only be sold to adults who have had a recent medical evaluation, unless they choose to sign a written waiver declining the exam.
For safety and buyer confidence, it’s also best to disclose whether the device can still be reprogrammed, if it has been professionally cleaned, and whether any warranty or refurbishment certificate is included.
Disclaimer: the information provided is based on publicly available third-party sources; it is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice.
Donating used hearing aids
You can also donate your pair of hearing aids: it is a meaningful way to give back and improve the lives of those who cannot afford new devices. Many nonprofit organizations and clinics accept second-hand hearing aids, refurbish them, and distribute them to people in need. One of the most impactful options is to donate used hearing aids to veterans, as hearing loss is one of the most common health issues among former service members due to prolonged exposure to loud environments. By donating, you not only extend the life of valuable technology but also help veterans and others regain better communication, independence, and overall quality of life.
Where to donate used hearing aid?
National hearing aid donation program
Several trusted organizations across the United States make it easy to donate used hearing aids:
- The Lions Club Hearing Aid Recycling Program is one of the most recognized options, collecting devices through local Lions clubs, community drop boxes, and partner vision centers. Donated hearing aids are cleaned, tested, refurbished, and redistributed through local support networks, making it one of the easiest ways to donate hearing aids near you.
- The Hearing Aid Project by Hearing Charities of America is another leading option, which accepts hearing aids of nearly any brand, age, or condition. Functional devices are refurbished and matched with children and adults in need, while unusable units may be responsibly recycled for parts and electronic waste reduction.
- The Starkey Cares Program for Starkey devices and accessories, that supports hearing aid recycling and refurbishment efforts, helping extend access to affordable hearing care through community partners.
Local donation options
Many local audiology clinics, ENT offices, hospitals, university hearing centers, and senior support organizations accept used hearing aids for donation. These local options can be especially valuable because they may also offer professional cleaning, earmold replacement, and reprogramming services, helping ensure the donated device can safely benefit its next user.
If you would like to donate used hearing aids to veterans, local support programs, VA-affiliated community initiatives, and nonprofit hearing clinics can be excellent places to start. Many of these organizations also partner with larger national groups such as Lions Club or Hearing Charities of America to expand access to refurbished devices for former service members.
If you’re unsure where to start, contacting your local audiologist is often the fastest way to find a trusted donation site near you.
Who buys used hearing aids?
Millions of people have hearing loss across America and may benefit from donated or used hearing aids. To help those in need, numerous organizations have been established to collect and distribute used hearing devices.
While hearing loss is commonly associated with the elderly, the diversity and demographic of people that can benefit from hearing aids is staggering. Here are some figures that may shed light on the usefulness of used hearing aids:
- Hearing loss affects around 14% of the general population.
- 91 percent of individuals who have hearing loss are above the age of 50.
- 15% of school-aged children suffer from some form of hearing loss.
- Only 16 percent of the nearly 29 million people in need of hearing aids use them.
While the average age of first-time hearing aid users is 70, only about a third of people over the age of 70 who require hearing aids have ever used them.
These figures are exceptionally concerning because undiagnosed hearing loss has been linked to health concerns such as cognitive deterioration, a higher risk of falling, and depression. In fact, studies are regularly published and continually demonstrate the importance of hearing to your overall health.
Many people leave their hearing issues untreated due to financial constraints. Your used hearing aids can make a huge difference in someone's financial well-being, quality of life, and health if they can't afford a new pair of hearing aids.
Are used hearing aids safe and reliable?
Hygiene and refurbishment processes
Proper hygiene and refurbishment are essential when buying a used hearing aid. Reputable sellers and hearing clinics typically disinfect the device, replace domes, wax guards, tubing, or earmolds, and test all main components before resale.
For custom devices such as ITE or CIC models, the shell may need to be re-cased to fit the new user’s ear.
For BTE and RIC models, replacing the external ear components is usually simpler and more affordable. This process helps reduce hygiene risks while ensuring the device remains comfortable and performs as intended.
Warranty and certification options
Many professionally refurbished hearing aids include limited warranties or certification, which can give buyers added confidence. These protections may cover basic repairs, functionality checks, replacement parts, or short-term service support.
Because original manufacturer warranties do not always transfer to a second owner, choosing a device with a clinic-backed refurbishment certificate or reseller warranty is often the safer option.
When used hearing aid are not recommended
Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids
Leasing and financing programs
Assistive listening devices (ALDs)
Finally, how much are used hearing aids worth?
It depends: they can be a more affordable option if the device is in good condition, properly refurbished, and matches the user’s hearing needs. But keep in mind that functionality, proper fitting, and expert adjustments are essential:
- Devices with modern features like Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, or smart apps usually hold more value.
- Older or basic models may sell for much less, sometimes under $100.
- Professional refurbishment and certification can increase confidence and resale value.
- Market demand and the platform you choose - online, local, or clinic trade-in - can affect the price.
Is there a best brand for used hearing aids?
When it comes to used hearing aid, there isn’t a single “best” brand for everyone. The ideal model depends on your specific hearing loss, daily listening needs, and whether the device can still be reprogrammed to match your prescription.
There are used Phonak hearing aids, Siemens, Widex, Signia and other popular brands commonly available on the second-hand market, but the value and performance of a used device ultimately depend on its condition at the time of purchase. A well-maintained unit from any reputable brand can provide reliable hearing support, while a poorly cared-for device, regardless of brand, may not deliver the same benefits.
When consulting a specialized centre
Understanding whether you need hearing aids, and whether a used device is the right choice, can be difficult: cost, fit, technology, and long-term support play an important role in finding a solution that truly improves your quality of life.
For this reason, it’s always important to visit a specialized hearing care center, where a professional can assess your hearing needs, check whether a second-hand device can still be safely reprogrammed, and help you compare all available options.
If you want to discover your hearing loss level, test your hearing through a quick free online test.
FAQs about used hearing aids
Can you resell hearing aids?
Do pawn shops buy hearing aids?
No, most pawn shops do not accept hearing aids because they are considered personal medical equipment, which raises hygiene and legal concerns if resold.
While a few specialized shops may take them, this is rare. Selling or donating hearing aids through audiology clinics, certified resellers, or nonprofit programs is a safer and more reliable option, ensuring proper cleaning, refurbishment, and fit for the next user.
How often should hearing aids be adjusted?
Can you use someone else's hearing aids?
Generally, no, because hearing aids are programmed for a specific hearing profile and may not fit comfortably if the device is custom-molded. Using someone else’s hearing aids can be ineffective and even uncomfortable.
If you do consider a used device, it should be professionally refitted, reprogrammed, and cleaned by a hearing care specialist.
