If you or a loved one have hearing loss, you probably are aware of how expensive new hearing aids can be. If you want a good pair of aids from a highly-qualified provider who insists on fitting you with best practices, the cost will be several thousand dollars or more. This cost is not only due to ensuring the appropriate aids for a patient’s loss, but also due to the time necessary to ensure aids are fit properly as there is no “one-prescription” fits all, even when two people have the same hearing loss (based on audiograms).
Unfortunately, for many people who need hearing aids, it is simply not feasible to invest in hearing aids due to the cost. And, at this point, most insurances (including Medicare) will not help with the cost. Some people will settle for less qualified providers simply to get something usable and others simply forgo hearing aids altogether. There are some options for non-profit organizations who help those who meet certain income qualifications as well. But, what if you are one of the people who does not meet those qualifications because you bring home too much money, but also don’t make enough to afford new aids. Or, what if you are someone who can afford aids and want to help others who can’t?
Thankfully, there is an option where those who can afford aids can help those who can’t. The easiest answer for those who don’t know someone personally is to donate your aids to a non-profit (Grace Hearing Center is our local non-profit). But, if you know someone personally who is in need of aids and can’t afford them, you may be able to gift your old aids to that individual to help enhance your friend or loved one’s hearing and life.
In most cases, audiologists are able to reprogram standard over-the-ear style hearing aids for anyone with hearing loss. Some limitations include custom hearing aids (typically fit in the ear), aids received from the Veteran’s Administration (they are, technically, property of the VA and cannot be fit on another patient), aids in non-working condition, some aids purchased from Costco (depends on brand and model), and aids which are proprietary (ex: Miracle Ear, Beltone) which can only be fit by specific providers who are contracted with those companies. If your hearing aid is not from the VA and is from a professional hearing aid manufacturer (including Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Signia/Siemens, Starkey, Unitron, Widex, and a few others), most audiologists can work with them and the aids are likely giftable.
So, what is the process of giving and receiving “hand-me-down” hearing aids? The first is that the giver needs to choose a recipient and confirm that they are interested in the gifted aid. If so, the aids can be given directly to the recipient. The recipient must then find a qualified audiologist to have the aids fit. If done correctly, getting the aids fit is a multi-step process. First, the audiologist or their staff will confirm whether the aids are able to be adjusted in their office. If so, the audiologist will need to complete a hearing evaluation (unless one has been done in the last year) to confirm the aids would be able to meet the needs of the patient. Then, they will recommend a thorough hearing aid check to ensure proper function of the aids. This testing should include something called “test box measures” where the aids are actually run through specialized equipment to ensure the aids are functioning properly as a listening check alone will not catch some small issues which will affect the sound quality. If any issues arise, some can be resolved in the office and others would require manufacturer repair, which the audiologist can discuss with the patient. It should be noted that, if the aids are rechargeable, there is a good chance the aids will need new batteries. In most cases, this would require a manufacturer repair (though some can be replaced in office).
Once the aids are confirmed to be in good working condition, the office will schedule a hearing aid fitting and orientation. At this appointment, the aids will be set with the proper speaker size and ear piece. Then, real ear measures will be run. These measures take into account the ear canal size and shape along with the patient’s hearing test results to ensure the aids are fit to optimal prescription settings. Once programmed, proper use and care will be reviewed along with any connections desired to phones and tablets. From there, follow-up care will continue to help the patient along the way with adjustments and any issues or concerns.
This whole process of ensuring the gifted aid is fit properly up to a thousand dollars, but is still much less than purchasing new aids with a qualified provider. If you have recently been gifted a pair of aids please contact Oro Valley Audiology to schedule an appointment to get you on your way to better hearing.
