If you are wondering: can I actually sell used hearing aids and make some money back, you are in the right place.
If you’ve ever bought them new, you know that hearing aids are insanely expensive.
With insane prices ranging from $2,000 to over $6,000 a pair, finding an old set in a drawer, or upgrading to a new pair, leaves you with a very expensive piece of technology that feels criminal to just throw away.
But here is the thing…
Selling used hearing aids isn’t as easy as selling an old iPhone!
Because they are medical devices, you can’t just throw them up on Facebook Marketplace without running into red tape.
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The good news?
The market has changed.
Thanks to new rules from the FDA regarding Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids, it is becoming easier to resell certain types of devices.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about selling, donating, or trading in your old hearing aids.
We’ll cover the legal stuff (yes, it’s legal!), where you can actually sell them, how much money you can expect, and how to prep them for sale.
Table of Contents
Can You Legally Sell Used Hearing Aids?
Yes, you can legally sell used hearing aids in the U.S., but rules vary depending on the device type and your state.This is where the new guidelines from the National Institute on Deafness (NIDCD) matter.
Before you try to list them, check the brand name on the device. This single detail determines how easy they will be to sell.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Aids (e.g., Sony, Bose, Jabra): YES. The FDA allows OTC hearing aids to be resold without a prescription. These are classified as consumer electronics. You can sell them easily on almost any platform.
- Prescription Aids (e.g., Phonak, Oticon, Starkey): TRICKY. Sites like eBay have strict rules restricting the sale of prescription medical devices. You often have to sell these for “parts” or sell them locally.
- Custom Molded Aids: NO. Because these are shaped to fit one specific ear, they have almost zero resale value to another person unless sold to a refurbisher for spare parts.
Important note: Selling a used hearing aid usually voids the warranty, and some manufacturers prohibit resale. Most warranties only apply to the original buyer.
How Much Are My Used Hearing Aids Actually Worth?
Alright, let’s talk money. How much can you actually get for selling your used hearing aids?
I have to be honest: hearing aids are like new cars. The moment you buy them, they lose about 50% of their value.
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A pair that cost you $4,000 might only sell for $400 on the used market.
This is because the warranty is rarely transferrable, and the new owner will have to pay out-of-pocket to get them reprogrammed.
That said, you can still make money.
Here are realistic price ranges based on current 2025 resale trends:
Type / Condition | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Old, Analog, or Broken Units | $20 – $50/pair | Best for selling as “parts only” to repair shops. |
Used Prescription Aids (e.g., Phonak Lumity, Oticon Real) | $100 – $400/pair | While these cost thousands new, resale value is lower because they require a prescription to reprogram. |
Premium OTC Aids (e.g., Sony CRE-E10, Bose SoundControl) | $300 – $600/pair | These hold their value best because any buyer can set them up themselves with an app. |
Generic / Amplifiers (TV-quality brands) | $20 – $50 | Cheap “as seen on TV” amplifiers have almost no resale value. |
Best Places to Sell Used Hearing Aids
Once you know what kind of device you have, here are the best places to turn it into cash.
1. eBay
This is the largest market, but you must follow the rules (more on that later.).
It is the best place to sell newer OTC models like Bose or Sony.
If you have older, prescription models (like Oticon or Phonak), the safest route is to list them as “Parts Only” or “Replacement Unit” to avoid having your listing flagged.
Please make sure to use the FDA disclaimer script below.
The eBay Rule (and The Loophole)
eBay’s policy officially prohibits the sale of prescription medical devices.
But, there is an exception for hearing aids, if you include specific disclaimer language in your listing. If you don’t include it, your listing will be taken down.
Copy and paste this mandatory disclaimer into your listing description:
“According to the FDA, it is in your best health interest to obtain a professional medical evaluation before purchasing a hearing aid and you are encouraged to do so before bidding on this item. If you choose not to obtain a medical evaluation before purchasing this item, I am required by law to provide to you and obtain from you a signed written waiver of the medical evaluation. I am also required to provide to you a copy of the User Instruction Brochure for a hearing aid, review the contents of that brochure with you, and allow you time to read the brochure. You must provide to me either a signed statement from a physician or a signed waiver before I will deliver this item to you. Upon your request, I will also provide to you a copy of the User Instructional Brochure for the hearing aid or the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor from whom a User Instructional Brochure for the hearing aid can be obtained.“
2. Mercari
Mercari (review) is usually easier to use than eBay because their enforcement of “medical device” policies tends to be slightly less aggressive for hearing aids, provided you aren’t making false medical claims.
It’s a great app for selling directly to other individuals.
3. Local Repair Shops & Audiologists
Independent hearing clinics and repair shops are always looking for spare parts.
Call local audiologists in your area and ask if they buy used or broken units for parts.
Obviously, they won’t pay full retail, but they might offer you a fair cash price on the spot to restock their repair bench.
4. Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist
These two platforms are great if you want to sell your used hearing aid to a buyer near you and avoid shipping.
That said, Facebook’s algorithm sometimes flags medical devices automatically so you may have better luck with Craigslist or even other platforms like Craigslist.
Pro-Tip: If your listing gets rejected, try listing them under the category “Health & Beauty” or “Electronics” and use the title “Assistive Listening Device” or “Sound Amplifier” instead of “Medical Hearing Aid.”
5. Specialized Buy-Back Services
There are companies online, such as “The Hearing Aid Donation Center” or various “Cash for Gold/Hearing Aid” sites, that claim to buy used devices.
Most of these are commercial businesses that offer very low prices so they can refurbish and resell them.
You will probably get cents on the dollar compared to selling it yourself, but it is a fast, guaranteed sale if you just want them gone.
6. OfferUp
Similar to Facebook Marketplace but often with fewer algorithmic restrictions, OfferUp is a solid choice for local sales.
It lets you reach buyers in your immediate area who are looking for a deal on an upgrade.
Trade-In Your Old Heading Aid
If you are selling your old hearing aids because you are buying new ones, do not sell them for cash yet.
A “trade-in” credit from a manufacturer or retailer is often worth significantly more than the cash value you would get on eBay.
Who Offers Trade-Ins?
- HearingUSA: This large network of providers often runs trade-in promotions where you can get credit towards a new pair.
- Manufacturer Programs: Major brands like Phonak and Starkey sometimes offer loyalty trade-up events through their authorized local audiologists.
- Your Local Clinic: Even if they don’t have an official policy, many independent audiologists will offer you a few hundred dollars off a new pair in exchange for your old ones, just to keep your business. Always ask: “Do you offer any trade-in credit for my current devices?”
Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
Maybe after reading about the hassle and low returns of selling, you’re thinking: “Is there a better option?”
For many people, donating used hearing aids makes more sense than trying to sell them.
If your hearing aids are older (more than 3-5 years), they may only be worth $50 on eBay, which is barely worth the hassle.
In this case, donating is often the smarter financial move. By donating to a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, you can often claim a tax deduction based on their fair market value, which can put more money in your pocket at tax time than a low-ball cash sale.
Where to Donate
- The Starkey Hearing Foundation: One of the largest charities, they accept used aids to help people in need globally.
- The Hearing Aid Project: A fantastic organization that refurbishes used aids for low-income individuals in the US. Helping seniors and low income folks get the equipment they need is a great cause. I cover more resources in my guide to free hearing aids for seniors.
- Local Lions Club: Lions Clubs run a renowned “Recycle for Sight and Hearing” program. You can often drop them off at a local chapter or community center collection box.
- Help America Hear is another nationwide program that refurbishes donated hearing aids and distributes them to qualifying recipients based on financial need.
And honestly? Donating is just easier. No dealing with buyers, no haggling over price, no shipping headaches. You pack up your hearing aids, send them off, and you’re done.
Before You Sell: Cleaning & Resetting
If you’ve decided to sell your old hearing aids, you need to prep them properly.
Nobody wants to buy dirty, beat-up devices without any documentation.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Deep Clean: Use a wire loop to remove earwax. Wipe down the shell with alcohol-free sanitizer.
- Factory Reset: For modern Bluetooth aids, go into the app settings and “Unpair” or “Reset” to wipe your usage data.
- Photograph Serial Numbers: Buyers need these to verify the age and compatibility with their audiologist’s software.
- Disclose Issues: Be honest about battery life. If rechargeable batteries are failing, state it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is legal, but you have to follow FDA rules. For prescription aids, you generally need to disclose that the device is used and advise the buyer to seek a professional medical evaluation.
If your hearing aids are under 3 years old, premium brand, and in good condition, you can sell them for $200-$500. Older or custom-molded aids are harder to sell, so donating may be a better option.
Yes, you can sell OTC hearing aids on eBay, but prescription models are prohibited. Include FDA-required warnings and label the devices as used.
No for OTC devices, but prescription models should be checked and reprogrammed by an audiologist.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) aids resell easily since they aren’t custom-molded. In-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-canal (CIC) models are nearly impossible to resell.
Usually not; expect to pay for adjustments, cleanings, or reprogramming.
If resale value is low or the aids are older, broken, or custom-molded, donating ensures they help someone in need.
Yes, clearly state left or right and the model number.
Yes, devices older than 5–6 years drop in value. Newer OTC models sell fastest.
Generally no. Most pawn shops won’t accept hearing aids due to regulations, valuation difficulty, and limited resale markets.
Some offer trade-in credit toward a new purchase, but cash buybacks are rare. Check with your local audiologist for programs.
Broken aids still have value. Sell as “Parts Only” to repair shops or donate to charities that refurbish or recycle them.
Yes, you can sell or donate them. Check for transferable warranties, but many choose to donate as a meaningful gesture.
Final Thoughts on Selling Used Hearing Aids
So there you have it, everything you need to know about what to do with your old hearing aids.
To recap: selling used hearing aids is legal and can put some money back in your pocket, especially if your devices are relatively new and in good condition.
You can sell through consignment services, online marketplaces like eBay (following their rules), or trade them in at a hearing clinic when you upgrade.
Donating is often the better option if your hearing aids are older or you’re not worried about making money. You’ll help someone in need, potentially get a tax deduction, and skip the hassle of selling.
Whatever option you choose, selling, donating, or trading in, the worst thing you can do is let your old hearing aids collect dust in a drawer. Someone out there could benefit from them, whether that’s you getting some cash back or another person getting affordable access to better hearing.
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