Why You Should Consider Used Hearing Aids

As of this writing (July 3, 2007), hearing aids cost a small fortune. They can cost thousands of dollars per ear. And, of course, most health insurance companies will not cover hearing aids as that would make too much sense. But not everyone who suffers hearing loss really needs a customized hearing aid in order to improve their quality of life. This is why many people have turned to the internet in order to purchase used hearing aids.

See Your Doctor First

Before you buy used hearing aids or any other kind of hearing aid, you need to know why you are losing your hearing. Is it due to age, injury, illness or something else? Can you hear low sounds but not higher pitched sounds? Can you hear mechanical or repetitive noises and only have trouble hearing speech? If you want to get used hearing aids instead of customized hearing aids made just for your ears, then you need to have an accurate diagnosis.

Mention to your doctor or audiologist that you are thinking of getting used hearing aids. Is your kind of hearing problem a common one? If it is, then you will most likely benefit from used hearing aids just as much as new, customized hearing aids.

Caveat Empor

You can go to online auction sites such as eBay and see who is selling their used hearing aids. You may certainly get a bargain, but keep in mind that used hearing aids might not fit your ear as comfortably as they did the original owner. You also will need to take a couple of weeks to get used to the used hearing aids. If at all possible, only buy used hearing aids that still come with instructions. If you have questions about a pair of used hearing aids on eBay, a reputable eBay seller will be happy to answer your questions before you bid.

Don't Be Too Proud To Ask For Help

There are charitable organizations that collect, sterilize and distribute used hearing aids for needy recipients. This is based on very successful eyeglasses-recycling programs that send your old glasses to someone who really needs their vision improved but can't afford to buy a pair of glasses. Contact your local chapters or the official websites of these charities and organizations to see if you qualify for used hearing aids:

The Knights of Columbus
The Lions Club
Sertoma
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