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Hearing aids are an investment in improved hearing, and I am often asked what do you do when they’re no longer useful? Here are some options to consider: You could donate them to an organization that would try to find patients that could use them.
Organizations such as the Lions Club, Hear Now and the Starkey Hearing Foundation accept used hearing aids and find sources to refurbish them for those who cannot afford new ones.
The Starkey Foundation specializes in taking hearing aids to third world countries to try to fit them on patients in underdeveloped nations. Your old hearing aids can make a significant difference in someone's life.
If donating, regardless of the chosen option, be sure to follow the instructions provided by the organization to ensure that your old hearing aids are put to the best use.
Many hearing aid manufacturers have recycling programs that ensure the proper disposal of old hearing aids, batteries and other components. Contact your hearing aid professional to find out more.
Selling your used hearing aids can be difficult. There are online marketplaces, such as eBay or Craigslist, where you can sell your used hearing aids. Be sure to check if the buyer belongs to a country where you can legally sell a used hearing aid. Also, when selling used online hearing aids expect pennies on the dollar in actual sales value.
Consider additional options for disposing of old hearing aids: Many hearing aid manufacturers have take-back programs that allow you to send your old hearing aids back to them for proper disposal. Check with your manufacturer to see if they offer this service. Some clinics offer trade in value towards new aids. Your hearing care professional would know this information. Some local recycling centers may accept electronic devices, including hearing aids. Contact your city or town’s recycling center to see if they have any specific guidelines or requirements for accepting old hearing aids.
Perhaps the best idea is to give them to family or friends. If you know someone who could benefit from a used hearing aid, consider giving it to them as a gift. Even better yet, contact your hearing professional who will help you know all of the options in giving/gifting the aids to others. Each clinic may have a different policy on used aids, but I have no charge to test and program aids that are received as gifts. Many times someone will die and the family desires to help another family member or neighbor. I perform this service about once a month and have never charged to do so. I also sell used hearing aids after they have been cleaned, checked for function and new parts added.
Nothing that was in someone's ear would ever be in a new patient's ear. Behind the ear hearing aids are really the only ones that can be sold used as custom made aids are formed to the previous patients ear canal. Remember not all clinics may offer this service and perhaps not free of charge. Any used hearing aid sales contract must clearly state that it is used if sold by a practice. A professional could lose their license if they failed to do so.
Finally, you could keep the aids as a backup: If you have upgraded to a new hearing aid but still have an older one that is in good condition, consider keeping it as a backup in case your new device needs repairs or maintenance. Remember, no matter what option you choose, always consult your current hearing care professional to help answer your questions and guide you in the process.
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Jeff Bayliff, owner of Hear the Birds Hearing Aid Centers, in Lock Haven and State College, Pa.