Can Hearing Aids Be Reused?

Finding out you have hearing loss and require the use of a hearing aid can leave you with a lot of questions. Having a custom hearing aid fitted will be something you need to discuss with your hearing instrument specialist. However, hearing aids can be expensive, so it’s no wonder your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) will have been asked if it is acceptable to reuse hearing aids.

Though it might seem like you can reasonably wear a used hearing aid, there are many factors you need to consider when looking at used hearing aids and whether you should purchase a second-hand device or use a hearing aid that belongs to a family member.

Hearing Aids Are Unique

No two people live with hearing loss in the same way. How we listen to sounds is unique to us, and the degree of hearing loss is something only your experienced hearing instrument specialist can determine during your fitting. You will have gone through numerous tests to choose the right type of hearing aid for your needs, along with the fit and sound level they provide.

When you choose to wear a used hearing aid, this will be calibrated explicitly for the previous wearer, meaning you will likely have to adjust the hearing aid settings to make sure it properly works for you.

Custom Fits

There are various designs of hearing aids on the market today, and users select the hearing aid based on personal preference and quality. During the hearing aid fitting process, a custom fit is achieved, meaning it is molded to the ear of the wearer for maximum comfort and benefit. A custom-fit hearing aid means that a person will have undergone various fittings with their hearing aid to ensure it is the right shape for them. This fit may not work for you, meaning you have to make sure a used hearing fits your ear; you will need various fitting sessions.

Used hearing aids need to undergo a series of lengthy checks and re-casing, which is a long and complicated process. This is necessary to allow the new year to get the best custom fit to wear the hearing aid correctly without problems.

Hygiene

How sure are you that the used hearing aids have been kept in pristine condition and cleaned appropriately? Are you 100% sure that the hearing is clean enough to attach to your ear or insert inside your ear without the risk of cross-contamination? Whether you choose an in-the-ear device or a behind-the-ear hearing aid, it will still come into contact with many different contaminants during wear from both the user and external elements.

Keeping your hearing aid clean requires a stringent process being undertaken frequently to prevent earwax build-up, layers of dirt and dust from being handled, and coatings from pollution in the air, perfumes and hairspray.

Outdated Technology

The technology used to design hearing aids changes regularly. Much like mobile phones or electronic devices, the intricate technological components used to create a hearing aid can quickly become outdated, meaning the quality of sound you receive is impacted. Typically, if a hearing aid is older than five years, it is considered outdated. Outdated technology can lead to poor performance, sub-par quality and risk becoming obsolete as parts are no longer available.

Reprogramming

As previously mentioned, hearing aids are not a one size fits all device. When a hearing aid is fitted, the hearing instrument specialist will take great care to perform a series of checks and tests to ensure the device is working as it should be for optimum results for the wearer. When you use a used hearing aid, you will need it reprogrammed to allow you to get the best performance possible. Much like recasting, this can be complicated due to the differences in hearing loss from person to person.

Can You Wear Used Hearing Aids?

It is recommended that you do not wear used hearing aids for the reasons mentioned in this post. Hearing aids are intricate devices made based on the wearer’s requirements. This allows for a more authentic experience when using the hearing aid to ensure a better fit and appropriate volume.

If you have any questions regarding hearing loss, hearing aid fittings or you want to discuss the best type of hearing aids for you. You can contact us at Armand’s Hearing Center by calling us today at Bradenton: 941-748-9800 or Sun City: 813-938-1148, and we will be able to help you with all your hearing questions and book you an appointment.