Can you legally buy or sell a used hearing aid? With the high cost of many hearing aids, this can seem like an attractive option. Or, you may have hearing aids that are no longer needed and wonder if you can turn them into cash on eBay or Craigslist. Both buying and selling used hearing aids is legal, but it may not be as simple as you think.
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Selling Used Hearing Aids
Used or rebuilt (refurbished) hearing aids can be sold, but each aid must have packaging and a tag attached to the device itself that clearly declares the device as having been previously owned or used.
In addition, sales of used/rebuilt models are held to the same regulations as the sale of new aids. According toTitle 21, Section 801.420 of the Code of Federal Regulations, hearing aids can only be sold to those individuals who have first obtained a medical evaluation from a licensed physician. TheFood and Drug Administration puts further requirementson this, stating that hearing aids can only be sold to people who have had a medical evaluation within the six months prior to the sale.
If an individual takes issue with obtaining a medical evaluation for religious or personal reasons, federal regulations state that they can obtain a hearing aid if they sign a waiver. Though this option is available, the regulation clearly states that going this route isnotin the best health interest of the individual, and the practice is strongly discouraged.
Buying Used Hearing Aids
OTC Hearing AidsIn October 2022, a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation made hearing aids available over-the-counter for adults ages 18 years and older with mild or moderate hearing loss.
OTC Hearing Aids
In October 2022, a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation made hearing aids available over-the-counter for adults ages 18 years and older with mild or moderate hearing loss.
Even though a medical evaluation is recommended, used/refurbished hearing aids are sold legally, and you can likely get your hands on one without first visiting a doctor. Sellers on sites such as eBay and Craiglist have posted FDA warning statements on their “for sale” listings to inform potential buyers that it is in their best health interest to get a medical evaluation first and that, if the buyer does not get one, he or she must provide the seller with a signed, written waiver. Still, there are other sellers whodo notpost this responsible warning.
Disregarding the recommendation to get a medical evaluation prior to purchasing a hearing aid is something you do at your own risk. Furthermore, it’s important to have a hearing healthcare professional not only evaluate your needs for an aid but help guide you as to whattype of deviceis best for you.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Code of Federal Regulations.Hearing aid devices; professional and patient labeling.Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Hearing aids.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Buying hearing aids on your own.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Code of Federal Regulations.Hearing aid devices; professional and patient labeling.Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Hearing aids.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Buying hearing aids on your own.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Code of Federal Regulations.Hearing aid devices; professional and patient labeling.Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Hearing aids.American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Buying hearing aids on your own.
Code of Federal Regulations.Hearing aid devices; professional and patient labeling.
Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Hearing aids.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Buying hearing aids on your own.
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