Buying Hearing Aids on Ebay, Cost of Mold/Programming, etc. etc

Hearing Aids
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been hearing impaired since birth, 36 years ago. My parents did not discover the hearing loss until about age 5. At that time, I was fitted with the old school behind the ear analog aids. When I got older, particularly around my teen years and onwards, I stopped wearing the aids due to being self-conscious. About 15? years ago, I got over the phase (sorta) of being self-conscious, and decided to buy some hearing aids. I got some in the ear types that were always not so well molded or did not feel right due to poor programming, etc. I would typically end up wearing one aid because having two in resulted in the closed in effect (forgot what it is referred to as). The one aid would greatly assist in hearing things while the lack of an aid would give me a sense of what it felt like to live so many critical years without two aids. I still may go with one aid once I have made a decision on what is best for me in terms of buying hearing aids. In the most recent times, I did try some very basic digital type hearing aids that were a universal type of fitament and they obviously were not powerful enough and well, priced how they were priced, I didn’t expect anything from them though they did at least provide “some” decent improvement for me.

My hearing is what has been described as mild to semi-severe, and as such, I have been advised in past to go with either behind the ear, in the ear, or in the canal. It was said that completely in the canal types would be difficult to fully amplify my range, though was an option if I absolutely needed to have as little visible as possible. I have to get my most recent audiogram out (essentially the same looking graph response as it was 15 years ago which is good that my hearing hasn’t declined), but I would say it is the safest bet to go with one of the above three types=BTE, ITE, or ITC.

Last and not least before I get into the questions that I have, the most recent audiogram from about a month ago was done by a place that specializes in Siemens products, so naturally I was advised to go with a Siemens product. They said the Pure series 301 or others in that range would fit my hearing best. Can’t trust all these audiologists since they want to sell a product, but the guy seemed pretty honest since I did ask why I shouldn’t go with a higher end/more pricey model and his response was the 301 would be enough for what my hearing chart showed him and the higher models only gave more features which was at my option and not a necessity.

Getting to the specifics of my post, I have some questions:

  1. I have a limited budget, so lurking around Ebay has been something I have done, along with trying to find people’s input regarding particular aids in general around here.

Questions:

Is it safe to purchase used hearing aids off of Ebay especially if there is some kind of money back guarantee that the aids are working properly? Is there any reason NOT to purchase a used or as-new (never worn due to whatever reason) set of hearing aids off of Ebay?

  1. Given I am in the market for a set of used hearing aids due to not being able to afford new hearing aids, what is a typical price range I should expect to pay to have a custom molding done along with a proper programming of the aid/s?

  2. Is there specific types that I should be looking or leaning towards more than another? For example, many of these BTE devices have many molds available (similar to high end ITE headphones where the company or aftermarket offers a lot of ear buds since all ears are not the same in terms of fitament). And with anything that is ITE, ITC, etc. a new mold MUST be made unless for some miraculous circumstance, the used aids happen to fit ok in my own ears:). I figure the ITE or ITC types would be much more customized to the point that if I were to buy a pair of this kind, I would need too know that a different mold would even be possible so the aid would be able to fit in my ear.

  3. As for programming the aids, I know that many kits are offered to for diyers like myself. As much as I like an audiologist doing the work, I don’t feel I have ever had an aid that established a proper frequency rendition for my ears. In other words, I am absolutely positive I could easily program as well as what I have had from audiologists in the past, and I know I could easily program the aids to further enhance situation based scenarios. Maybe it would be strange, but I surely wouldn’t be shy with sitting in a noisy place with a laptop and fine tuning for situations like that. I know I have a lot to learn, but I am very intuitive when it comes to playing around with stuff and getting things nailed down as precisely as my own ears hear it and need it to be/sound. I also know I’ll always have the compromise of the fact that a hearing aid will never replace the way the natural world sounds are truly like.

I think I have covered pretty much everything and then some. Even if forum members can answer one of my four questions, that would be great. I’m looking for as much valuable info as I am able to attain and from the prior and current day lurking, I have finally decided it’s time to get some hearing aids, and it’s time to go to the source, this forum, which I consider to be top notch in spite I have not seemed to stumble on any other hearing aid forums (call it destiny that brought me here!).

Thanks again to all around here that will be contributing and helping me out!!!

2

I buy a lot of merchandise on Ebay but I will not consider hearing aids. I’ve worn them for 17 years and I still experience problems even though my audi is 30 minutes away. I can only imagine the problems and expense that would be involved by purchasing them over the internet. Cheap ones maybe but not the latest and greatest versions.

3

You should read some posts on this forum, then read some more and some more. The topics of buying instruments on ebay and self programming have been thouroughly covered. Those of us that went self programming will likely never go back.

The short story is that as long as you take basic precautions, you can land a set of hearing aids off ebay without issue. If you want to self program the two routes are purchase one of the kits (America Hears or Hearsource) which tend to be very economical and will not having you beg audiologists to bootleg software for you, the limitation here is you will only have a few instruments to pick from. Or get a real audie setup with a hipro, this will be much more aggrivation to complete the setup and more expensive (just the hipro will be ~$750).

4

If financial constraints are the driving choice for obtaining aids, consider other options for federal or state agencies that can help you. If you have a job that is being impacted by you hearing loss, your state’s vocational rehabilitation office might pay for them so you can keep or obtain longterm employment. There might be federal programs you may be entitled to help pay for the aids. I also know of other organizations such as Starkey Hearing aids that can help with acquiring hearing aids. Some cities have organizations like Ears of the Lions, a spin off of the Lion’s glasses programs that help thousands that can’t afford these expensive prosthetics.

Good luck

I think you can find audiologists you can come to trust.

5

If these are your first experience with aids, better see a ENT first then buy from a local professional.

After that suggest Ebay top seller with excellent record is: bidbybid.

I have had good experience with that company. Ed

6

Thanks for the input so far. I cannot qualify for any State funded aids or I would definitely be on that route. The aids I have been looking at are ones from the top brands-Starkey/Phonak/Oticon/etc. But all are used aids off Ebay and not ones by sellers such as Bidybid due to price constraints. I do need to do some more research on the forum to see what costs I am looking at if I find some solid used working aids that need programming and possible molds for my own ears.

Any further input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

7

Progression, zafdor metioned America Hears and Hearsource. These are probably two of your better sources if you want to keep the price down and have a warranty also. Some Walmarts have access to General Hearing Instruments out of New Orleans. You may be able to go direct to them. Good Luck.

8

I would rather buy a new pair of premium hearing aids from Costco than a used set off Ebay (in fact that’s what I did). You can get a pair of Kirkland Signatures (Rexton Cobalt 16) for $2000 (for the pair) and they come with rechargeable batteries, a charger/dryer and unlimited followup and adjustment sessions. Plus a 24 month loss and damage warranty and 36 month regular warranty.

9

The first set of aids I bought new, never again. Between eBay, Craigslist, and members of this board, there are plenty to be had. As my hearing loss increased I went from Verstatas to Naida SPs, I am very pleased with the results.

After a few years of wearing, I believe my speech recognition is still improving. My brain is kind of re-learning.

The key is being able to make changes yourself to tweak things. It gives you more of a understanding of your hearing problem. I don’t think an audiologist could have spent the time that I have correcting my hearing.

If you cannot program yourself, I would stay away from used aids also. There is too much of a gamble.

10

I asked my audi how she felt about ebay purchases. She said that she gets many people coming in with used aids wanting them programmed. She has no problems with this and does so for a small fee. For the most part, the newer RIC aids cover a wide range of hearing losses and she is able to successfully help ebay purchasers as long as she has the software. It’s important to stay with the top brands to insure that your audi can program them. You can check the sellers reviews and I would stick with people who have been selling on ebay for a while. Also, stay away from out of country sellers. Some States are trying to stop ebay and private purchases of hearing aids which I think is crazy! I think we should be allowed to purchase whatever we want on the internet!

11

Sichejo (John).You make an interesting argument in favor of purchasing aids either from ebay sellers or forum sellers. I’d appreciate knowing, in order to help me make a decision on replacing my Epoqs, where you have had your best experiences, especially since you mention Naidas.

12

as I remember, everyone who posts about bidbybid is enthusiastic.

He has about 1000 ebay ads right now, for HAs.

? does he sleep?

well, he saves us money.

13

Elijay

Biddy bird rocks. Forget he is super competitive price wise. He also is exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced in audiology. I spent sometime discussing my purchase prior to getting my Pure 5 micon. He met his delivery commitments, was 60% less than locals and follow up is fine. The aids are 95%+ perfect as delivered.

If he can make a living at his prices, you need to ask what’s wrong with the old business model. Sure rent, etc means something for sure. But are we being charged for dead time overhead? Are the manufacturers raping the small dealers?

Its a shame that we, the consumer, are held hostage to a great degree. Honestly, I know “the audiologist is all important” argument but I had one buying online too. Let say my savings were almost $4K and I do have post sale service, how many post purchasing visits do you get get or actually use paying more locally? Bigger issue is how many who need them can’t afford them and wander with nothing.

Sure it is not for complex hearing loss or uneducated buyers. But 15 years of over spending, the money is better in my hands. If I paid a local audi $300/visit, would I still be ahead of the game???

1 Like
14

I would ask for the serial numbers of the aids before paying. There is a serial number on every hearing aid. That way I assume you could verify with the manufacturer that it is a legit aid.

15

I don’t know how successful you would be asking the manufacturer if the HA is legit. They only want to deal with audiologist and HIS and I don’t think they would be willing to check out a HA you were buying on Ebay, since they wouldn’t be the one selling you the aid. I think the only agencies that can get a serial number re assigned is organizations like the Lyon’s and others similar that help people who can’t afford HA’s get used HA’s.

16

Actually Siemens did help with the serial number verification.

The only issue is most of Ebay is not selling inventory but ordering post sale just like most audi’s. I bought mine, they ordered from manufacturer, got them, programmed them and shipped to me in 7 days, in my hands.

Not sure you can get ser #s up front. If you think any manufacturer wants to stop licensed folks selling on Ebay you are mistaken. Revenue is revenue.

17

See my post on the digital hearing aid section titled Bidbybid on ebay, they sell top end for good value for money aids and live up to a very solid reputation, couldnt recommend them more:)

18

I have an out of ear hearing aid from a friend who died. My mother uses a hearing aid in both of her ears, but she lost one of them about two weeks ago. I called her audiologist, asking if the hearing aid belonging to my friend could be reprogrammed. At first, she said that they were not allowed to do it because my friend had gotten it from the Veterans Administration. After clarifying that my mother had not received it from the Veterans Administration herself, but received it as a used hearing aid from a friend, the audiologist told me about their policy of “adopting hearing aids.” If they deem that the used hearing aid can be used successfully by the patient, they will consider it “adopted”, for a fee of $400 (which I HOPE covers the cost of reprogramming it, and they will perform minor repairs and checkups on it for life. I haven’t called any other audiologists in my local area (in Virginia), but I wonder if just the fee to get it reprogrammed could be lower, as in the case of CryMeARiver, who stated that that it was done “for a small fee.”

19

I think your mom would be better off getting a replacement for the lost hearing aid. There are several issues which could prevent the used hearing aid from being a viable solution. First, if it’s not from the same manufacturer, it won’t sound the same as the existing hearing aid. Wearing two disparate brands/models could be very disconcerting. Second, some hearing aids need to be programmed together as a matching pair because they have information exchange or synchronization features.

20

if she got it from a friend who got it from the VA it’s going to come up as Gov property. does her friend have the matching other aid?