If you or a loved one has upgraded to a new pair of hearing aids, you may be wondering what to do with the old ones. The good news: hearing aids can be sold, reused, repurposed, or even refurbished and there is a growing market for quality second-hand devices.
At Meditree, we make this process simple. You can privately list your hearing aids on our platform, connect directly with buyers, and soon you’ll also have the option to sell them directly to us or place them with us on consignment.
Below is a complete guide on everything you need to know about selling used hearing aids in South Africa.
Can You Sell Hearing Aids Second Hand?
Yes, you can legally sell hearing aids second hand in South Africa.
Hearing aids are expensive, and many people seek more affordable options, especially when upgrading, replacing a lost device, or managing age-related hearing loss on a tighter budget. This creates a strong pre-owned market.
However, not all hearing aids can easily be reused (we discuss this below), so understanding your device type matters.
Legal Note: Because hearing aids are medical devices, the buyer must always have them fitted and programmed by an HPCSA-registered audiologist. Private selling is legal, but safe professional fitting is essential to remain compliant and protect the user’s hearing health.
Do Hearing Aids Have Any Trade-In Value?
Hearing aids do hold trade-in value, especially if they are:
- Less than 4–5 years old
- In good working condition
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) models
- From reputable brands (Phonak, Widex, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, etc.)
Newer models with AI processing, Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, or high-end noise reduction retain the most value.
At Meditree, we are preparing to offer:
- Direct buy-ins for selected models
- Consignment selling, where we sell your hearing aids on our ecommerce store
To enquire early about these services, you can email us at info@meditree.co.za.
How Do I Sell My Used Hearing Aids?
Here’s the easiest way:
1. List them on Meditree (recommended)
Meditree is South Africa’s medical equipment marketplace. You can create a listing, upload photos, add details, and connect directly with buyers.
You can view an example listing here: https://meditree.co.za/listing-category/miscellaneous/hearing-aids/
2. Prepare your device
Before selling:
- Clean and disinfect the hearing aids
- Make sure they are working properly
- Include all accessories (charger, case, domes, tubes, or manuals)
- State the age, model, and last service date
3. Be honest and transparent
Buyers appreciate clarity. Mention:
- Whether parts like domes or earmolds need replacing (they usually do)
- Any repairs needed
- Battery type (rechargeable or disposable)
4. Set a fair price
Used hearing aids typically sell for 20–40% of their original value, depending on condition and features.
5. Information to Include in Your Listing
- To help buyers make a confident decision, include:
- Brand + exact model name
- Device age + last service date
- Serial number (optional but useful for verification)
- Battery type (rechargeable or disposable)
- Accessories included (charger, case, domes, tubes, etc.)
- Whether the device is “locked” or unlocked for reprogramming
- These details help your listing sell faster and reduce back-and-forth questions.
What Can You Do With Second-Hand Hearing Aids?
There are several options:
1. Sell them privately online
Platforms like Meditree allow you to easily reach buyers looking for affordable alternatives.
2. Donate them
Some organisations refurbish hearing aids and provide them to people who cannot afford new devices.
3. Repurpose them for someone else
BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids are the easiest to repurpose, simply replace the earmolds or domes.
4. Recycle them
Audiologists can send old, non-working hearing aids to recycling programs.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost in South Africa?
Hearing aid prices vary widely based on technology, features, and brand.
In South Africa:
- Entry-level hearing aids start at around R11,500 for one device
- Premium, AI-powered devices can cost up to R120,000 for a pair
This high price is exactly why the second-hand market is important and why many people turn to platforms like Meditree.
Should I Get Used Hearing Aids?
Buying used hearing aids can be a great option in certain cases, but it depends on the style.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
✔ Can usually be reused
✔ Not custom-molded
✔ Only require new earmolds or domes
✔ Best option for second-hand purchases
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
✘ Difficult to reuse
✘ Built specifically for someone else’s ear canal
✘ Require costly “re-casing,” and not always possible
✘ Often not worth buying second-hand
ITE hearing aids are custom molded, meaning they rarely fit someone else without expensive adjustments. In these cases, buying new may be more practical.
If You Are Looking to Buy Used Hearing Aids
Because second-hand hearing aids sell quickly, we keep a buyer database.
If you want to be notified when we receive pre-owned hearing aids (private listings, trade-ins, or consignment stock), email us: info@meditree.co.za
Subject: Add me to the hearing aid notification list
We’ll let you know as soon as suitable devices become available.
Sell or Buy Hearing Aids Through Meditree
Meditree is South Africa’s trusted medical marketplace built for real people with real needs.
You can:
- List your hearing aids privately
- Buy pre-owned hearing aids
- Soon trade in or sell to us directly
- Join the notification database if you’re looking to buy
Start by checking out an example listing here: https://meditree.co.za/listing-category/miscellaneous/hearing-aids/
If you want to list your device or ask questions, email us anytime at info@meditree.co.za.
