Hearing aids are the most useful tool in treating hearing loss. They are wonderfully complex devices that can amplify sounds and make it easier for you to hear. The positive impact they have on your life cannot be understated. Many people in the US experience hearing loss, meaning many people are constantly looking to purchase hearing aids every single day. As a result, the hearing aid industry has boomed, which is both a good and a bad thing.
It’s good because it means new devices are being produced, refining the technology and improving the overall effectiveness of hearing aids. It’s bad because you can often find lots of different hearing devices that aren’t particularly good at treating hearing loss. For instance, if you have been searching online for hearing aids, you may come across some second-hand devices.
Initially, buying second-hand hearing aids may seem like a good idea. It’s better for the environment, and they will be more affordable. However, can hearing aids actually be reused?
The short answer is no, they really shouldn’t.
Reused Hearing Aids Are Less Effective
One of the main problems that an audiologist will have against reusing hearing aids is that they are simply less effective for the wearer. When you reuse a hearing aid, you’re using something that:
- Includes old and outdated technology
- Has been tuned for a different person
Hearing aids have always been useful, but older technology is less effective than newer technology. It can put you at a disadvantage if you buy a reused hearing aid that isn’t equipped with the latest features. For instance, many old hearing aids can’t be connected to smartphones and other Bluetooth devices. So, it’s harder for you to hear while on the phone or watching television.
Addressing the second point, your audiologist will always recommend that you get custom hearing aids that are designed specifically for your needs. A reused hearing aid might have been customized for someone else’s hearing loss. Consequently, the features it contains are beneficial for them, but might not be for you. As such, you’re wasting money on a device that doesn’t work how you need it to work.
Reused Hearing Aids Won’t Fit Perfectly
Unless you are extremely lucky, a second-hand hearing aid is not going to fit your ears as comfortably as it should. This is something that a lot of people neglect when buying hearing devices. You may assume that there will always be a bit of discomfort when wearing a hearing aid, but that’s not true.
In reality, if you visit an audiologist and go through the right process, you can get hearing aids that are custom fit for your ears. This means they are super comfortable and can be worn all day without causing any soreness or irritation. Therefore, you’re more likely to keep the devices in for longer, improving your day.
Naturally, a reused hearing aid is made for someone else. It is not made to fit your ears, so there will be some discomfort when wearing them. You shouldn’t wear a hearing aid if it has not been correctly sized and molded for your ears. It will undo a lot of the benefits of the device because you don’t want to wear it all the time. As a result, you’re constantly taking it out, putting it back in – it’s not good for you or the device.
Reused Hearing Aids Won’t Last Long
Another issue with reusing hearing aids is that they aren’t going to last a very long time. This is down to a combination of things. Firstly, the battery life will be a lot worse. As mentioned earlier, this is partially down to older and outdated technology. Hearing aid batteries are designed to last for longer than they used to. Alongside this, if a hearing aid has been worn and used for many years, the battery will naturally deteriorate.
Consequently, you could purchase a device that breaks within a year or less - needing repairs. This is why it is better to buy a brand-new hearing aid that’s custom-designed for you. You will pay for something that can bring more longevity and last a lot longer.
How Should You Purchase Hearing Aids?
Every audiologist in the country will advise against reusing hearing aids. Instead, the best approach is to book yourself in for a consultation with your local audiologist. At The Hearing Spa, we can help you with this. Book today, and we will walk you through the hearing aid buying process, ensuring you get a device that fits your ears and includes all the features you want and need. Contact us to learn more!
