Second hand hearing aids?
Why is there no established market for second hand hearing aids? Given the high price of a new aid, you would think that a cheaper second-hand model would be very tempting to a lot of people.
It’s not so different from buying a second hand car
The second-hand car market is huge. People have the option of buying privately and taking some risk on the quality of the car or they can buy a re-conditioned/serviced/checked car from a dealer. The same could apply to hearing aids: buy a known working model from a vendor or change your luck buying directly from John Doe.
Plenty of stock
Just how many unused hearing aids are lying around doing nothing? And how many of those hearing aids have been worn only once or not at all? If someone has paid a lot of money for them then they may not prepared to give them away to charity, so why not sell them to someone who is going make use of them? As well as all the unused new models, how many people have upgraded and left their old aids lying around doing nothing?
Fitting
No two people are going to have exactly the same ear shape to changes would of course be needed to allow the buyer to use their second hand purchase. A new shell would be needed for in-the-ear models; new tubing and a new mould would probably be required for over-the-ear models. Manufacturers will create new shells/moulds for a price - they already do.
Reconditioning
A digital aid would need to be re-programmed for the new wearer. Audiologists / vendors already supply programming services so there is no problem here. With an audiogram, the programming process should be simple for an experienced audiologist.
I don’t see any real big barrier to a second-hand hearing aid market and I’m sure there is a huge number of customers out there waiting to buy cheaper hearing aids.
I’m amazed that there doesn’t appear to be a second hand market in hearing aids! Especially open fit Behind The Ear types because only the Corda tube needs changing… This is a minor component and reprogramming the latest digital devices should not present a significant problem. It seems the industry simply doesn’t ‘Want’ a second hand market because they make less money that way!
I’d love to see someone take this on some how and promote a service for second hand hearing aids. At a new price of several thousand pounds! This surely must be viable!
Susanna
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Buying a second hand car is vastly different from purchasing a second hand hearing aid. Yes, it would be cheaper and certain components could be altered to suit the new wearer, but infection control needs to be considered. Sweat and dead skin cells are just a few of the things that can get into and onto a hearing aid and it is not sensible or hygenic to simply swap or wear somebody elses.
This could only be practical if the second hand aids were fully reconditioned.
Annie
Hey Annie,
Thanks for commenting. I totally agree with you - hygiene would be important when selling a used aid. In the ear models would need a new mould anyway and over the ears could either have the ear plug/mould sterilised or replaced.
Susanna,
You are probably right that the industry doesn’t want a second hand market forming - I’d be really interested to find out where vendors stand on this as I reckon they could still make a decent profit on second hand aids if they manage to purchase them cheaply enough.
Hi there ALL,
I have been trying to find a S/H hearing aid for ages. Simply can’t afford a brand new one, and am not troubled by the concept of using a USED hearing aid at all. Surely they can be cleaned and sanitised sufficiently. So where can I find them? Genuinely interested. Thanks.
I have a great pair of top of the line oticon BTE hearing aids that my grandma purchased just before she passed away. These hearing aids are so expensive new I feel like I shouldn’t just give them away and would love to sell them but have no avenue to do so!!
Try selling them on eBay!!
l have two hearing aids which l would gladly give to someone in need…….interested? just pay the postage and theyre yours
Patricia,
That’s a very kind offer! What is the make and model of the aids you are offering?
Is anyone going to take Patricia up on this offer?
Hi All,
I am trying to find 2nd hand hearing aids for my mother in law, and its almost impossible other than Ebay. I dont understand why this isnt a viable market, well I do its the big boys controling the market.
I cant see why hygiene etc are even a problem, there should be a service that provides the cleansing and re-fitting of the mould section. I notice there’s a recycling service but no used market. Certianly has made me interested in starting one.
If anyone has two hearing aids 2nd hand I am extrememly interested. On that note Patricia can you give me an idea of the model, make etc, because I am interested in pruchasing them.
Hello,
I have a pair of digital GNI Resound hearling aids that belonged to my mom who recently passed away. They cost about $4,500 new and are not very old, so the technology is pretty new. I know they can put new earpieces and tubes on and can reprogram them. My mom had a severe hearing loss so they were the best available when purchased, according to the audiologist. I have the case and user guide, plus a smaller travel-purse sized case. I’d be willing to sell them for $400.00 Please feel free to contact me, Molly Bruce, at bruce.molly@gmail.com. I will only sell to a person who needs them at this price and not to someone wanting to resell on ebay….Thanks, Molly Bruce
My father’s doctor told him it was illegal to sell used hearing aids. What at scam! Some people cannot afford 5K for aids. So, should we just let our seniors go deaf? I don’t have a background in the industry, so I hope someone who does will that the ball and run!!!!!
[...] few people have responded to my article about second hand hearing aids - there’s been a few offering aids either cheaply or for free and a few people asking for [...]
Illegal please! It should be illegal that you cant buy them 2nd hand. All these people suffering due to the ridiculous cost of hearing aids. Im disgusted!
Molly I will send you an email, thanks
Sarah
I just can not believe that exists a second hand market of hearing aids . I think that it just couldn’t compare the situations . It’s about only by the hygiene and the health .
But , it’s also really that these hearing aids are expensive , and some people haven’t enough money to buy it and they choose to buy used hearing aids …. I don’t know but I think that this isn’t a solution .
It is very important from who you buy a second-hand car. You must be very carefully and open the eyes very well because what you buy is yours. About hearing aids I can say that I disagree this think..It’s not very correct to buy used hearing aids. In time these are degrated.
I am in need of 2 hearing aids and am willing to pay a reasonable amount., can not affor new ones. I am using a used aid now, but only helps a little-was told I need two. I am not opposed to used hearing aids and would like to find in the canal types If any one has this type please contact me thank you so much
My e-mail is smerkj@aol.com thankyou jo anne
followup from joanne-my e-mail is smerkj@aol.com thankyou
hello. before my mother passed away, she bought my father a pulse resound hearind aid, just over 18 months ago now. He relied on her to fit it in his ear as he has very poor coordination. I know it cost new nearly £1200 and am trying to find somewhere to sell it. any suggestions…… thanks