Re-use of hearing aids

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Hearing aids are customized for an individual wearer based on hearing thresholds, listening needs and other factors that a hearing health care professional will consider. If the hearing instrument is a custom product, manufacturers are not generally able to re-cast the hearing aid to fit anyone other than the original wearer.

If the hearing aid is a digital or programmable hearing instrument and it is a Behind- the -Ear (BTE) model it MAY be possible to obtain a custom earmold for the new wearer, and make the programming changes necessary for the aid to fit the hearing loss, if the amplification needs of the loss are within the capabilities of the hearing aid. Because professional fitting and programming services are usually included in the cost of a new hearing aid, there may be costs associated with re-fitting and re-programming an older instrument.

The first step in discussing appropriate amplification choices is always to consult a hearing health care provider. He or she will test your hearing, and present all the options for amplification to you. I would suggest that you take the behind-the-ear hearing aids you inherited to the appointment with you and let the professional advise you on further action.