What to Do With Old Hearing Aids: Donate, Recycle, Trade In, or Keep as Backup
When you upgrade hearing aids, the wearer passes away, or the devices no longer fit your hearing, you have several options: keep them as a backup pair, have the clinic check whether they can be reprogrammed or repaired, donate through established programs, ask about trade-in credit at your clinic, or understand the rules if selling used. Battery disposal has its own safety rules. Here is how each path works.
Key takeaways
- Keep as a backup pair if they still work. Having a spare set means you can continue hearing while a primary set is being repaired or if a battery fails.
- Ask your clinic first. Your hearing care professional can tell you whether the devices can be reprogrammed, repaired, or accepted as trade-in before you donate or dispose of them.
- Donation programs exist. Lions Clubs International accepts donations through Hearing Charities of America. Starkey Cares Program accepts devices for recycling or refurbishing (confirm with Starkey first). HLAA Chester County's Help4Hearing accepts all makes and models. Contact programs directly to confirm current acceptance.
- Trade-in credit varies by clinic. Ask your provider whether they accept old hearing aids as trade-in and what credit they offer. Do not assume a specific dollar amount.
- Prescription hearing aids are prescription devices. FDA classifies non-OTC hearing aids as prescription devices (21 CFR 801.109). Federal rules do not spell out private resale between individuals, and state dispensing laws vary, so check with a licensed provider or your state licensing board before selling. This is not legal advice.
- Dispose of rechargeable batteries safely. Lithium-ion batteries should NOT go in household trash. Take them to certified battery recyclers or household hazardous waste collection. According to EPA guidance, lithium-ion batteries are likely hazardous waste under RCRA for businesses.
People search for what to do with old hearing aids when they upgrade to new devices, a loved one passes away, hearing loss has progressed beyond what the aids can provide, or the devices no longer fit comfortably. You have several options: keep them as a backup pair, check whether they can be reprogrammed or repaired, donate through established programs, ask about trade-in credit at your clinic, understand the rules if selling, and dispose of batteries safely. Here is how each path works.
Keep them as a backup pair
If your old hearing aids still function and meet your hearing needs, keeping them as a backup pair is often the most practical option. Life happens: devices need repair, batteries fail, or a primary set is lost. Having a spare means you can continue hearing while the primary set is being serviced.
When backup makes sense
- Your hearing has not changed significantly. Ask your audiologist whether they still suit your current audiogram.
- The manufacturer still services the model. If parts are available and the warranty or out-of-warranty repair channel is still open, backup aids can be serviced if they fail. For repair logistics and costs, see our hearing aid repair guide.
- You travel or work in environments where loss or damage is a risk. Having a spare set at home or in a travel bag means you are never without hearing.
How long do they remain useful?
Hearing aids last about 5 to 7 years on average, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. If your old hearing aids are within that window and still function, they are worth keeping. For more on device lifespan and when to replace, see our how long hearing aids last guide.
Can old hearing aids be reprogrammed or repaired?
Before donating or disposing of old hearing aids, ask your hearing care professional whether they can be reprogrammed for another user or repaired if they are not currently working.
Reprogramming for another user
Prescription hearing aids must be programmed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist to match a new user's hearing loss. If the devices still function and the manufacturer supports the model, they can be reprogrammed. Earmolds and domes are personal items and should be replaced for hygiene. Ask your clinic whether your specific model can be reprogrammed and whether parts are still available.
Repair before donating
If they are not working, ask your clinic whether a repair makes sense; see our hearing aid repair guide for warranty and cost details.
Donation programs
Several established programs accept used hearing aids for refurbishing and distribution to people who cannot afford new devices. Only donate through programs you can verify currently accept hearing aids.
Lions Clubs International and the Hearing Aid Project
Lions Clubs International accepts used hearing aids of any age, brand, or model. Donations are processed through the Hearing Aid Project (run by Sertoma). According to the Lions Clubs International hearing aid recycling page, you can donate by visiting the Hearing Aid Project (Sertoma). Mail them to the Hearing Aid Project at 20 W. 14th Ave., Suite 135, North Kansas City, MO 64116, and either fill out its online donation form or include your email address. According to the Sertoma Hearing Aid Project page, they gladly accept all hearing aids regardless of age or condition.
Source: Lions Clubs International, Eyeglasses and hearing aids recycling; Hearing Aid Project (Sertoma), Give an Aid; Sertoma, Hearing Aid Project, accessed October 27, 2026.
Starkey Cares Program
Starkey Hearing Technologies accepts hearing aids and accessories for recycling through the Starkey Cares Program. The devices can be cleaned, refurbished, and used by the less fortunate, or salvaged for parts. This is not affiliated with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which stopped accepting hearing aid donations in April 2021. According to the Starkey Hearing Foundation FAQ, you can send donations to:
Starkey
Attn: Starkey Cares Program
6700 Washington Avenue South
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Starkey's own Starkey Cares page does not currently describe a donation intake; email starkeycares@starkey.com or call 855-686-2202 to confirm before mailing. Starkey Cares Program is not a foundation program, and a donation letter would not be sent.
Source: Starkey Hearing Foundation, Frequently Asked Questions; Starkey, Starkey Cares, accessed October 27, 2026.
HLAA Chester County Help4Hearing
The Hearing Loss Association of America Chester County chapter's Help4Hearing project accepts used hearing aids and accessories. All makes and models are accepted. According to the Help4Hearing home page, the hearing aids are sent to Hearing Charities of America for refurbishing and distribution to low-income people with hearing loss in Chester County and the region.
According to the Help4Hearing contact page, mail donations to:
Help4Hearing c/o HLAA Chester County
P.O. Box 1371
West Chester, PA 19380
Contact: (484) 402-4907 or help4hearingpa@gmail.com.
Source: Help4Hearing; Help4Hearing, Contact, accessed October 27, 2026.
Before you donate
- Confirm current acceptance. Contact the program directly to verify they are currently accepting donations and to get shipping instructions. Program status and eligibility can change.
- Remove personal data. If your hearing aids are paired with a smartphone or app, unpair them and delete any personal data from the app before donating.
- Include accessories if available. Chargers, cases, cleaning tools, and unexpired batteries can be useful for refurbishing programs.
- Do not send broken batteries. Remove dead batteries before shipping. Lithium-ion batteries have specific shipping rules; check with the program before sending rechargeable devices.
Trade-in or credit at your clinic
Some hearing care providers offer trade-in programs or credit toward new devices when you bring in your old hearing aids. Trade-in value varies by clinic, device age, condition, and model. Do not assume a specific dollar amount without asking.
What to ask
- Does your clinic accept old hearing aids as trade-in?
- What credit do they offer for your specific make and model?
- Is the credit applied to the purchase price or the fitting services?
- Does the manufacturer offer trade-in promotions during certain periods?
Some manufacturers run seasonal trade-in promotions. Ask your clinic whether any current offers apply. For typical hearing aid pricing by channel and technology tier before trade-in, see our hearing aid cost guide.
Selling used hearing aids: what you need to know
Prescription hearing aids are prescription devices, and selling them raises legal and practical questions.
FDA regulations
FDA classifies non-OTC hearing aids as prescription devices (21 CFR 801.109). Under that regulation, prescription hearing aids must be sold only to or on the prescription or other order of a practitioner licensed by law to use or order the use of the devices. Federal rules do not spell out private resale between individuals, and state dispensing laws vary, so check with a licensed provider or your state licensing board before selling. This is not legal advice.
Over-the-counter hearing aids for adults 18 years and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss are not prescription devices and may be resold. However, under the OTC final rule (87 FR 50698), if an OTC hearing aid is used or rebuilt, the outside package must declare that fact and it must be adequately reprocessed for the next user prior to sale. The rule states these requirements apply regardless of the type of reseller. OTC hearing aids are governed by 21 CFR 800.30. For the difference between OTC and prescription devices, see our OTC vs prescription comparison.
Source: FDA, Access to Prescription Hearing Aids, October 2022, accessed October 27, 2026. Federal Register, Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, 87 FR 50698, August 17, 2022, effective October 17, 2022.
Earmolds and domes are personal items
Earmolds and domes sit in the ear canal and accumulate earwax, moisture, and bacteria. They should not be shared between users. If selling or donating hearing aids, disclose that the new user must replace ear tips and have the devices professionally cleaned and programmed.
What to disclose when selling
- Device age and condition. How old are the hearing aids, and do they still function?
- Manufacturer service availability. Ask whether the manufacturer still services the model.
- Programming needed. Tell the buyer the devices will need to be programmed by a hearing care professional.
- Included accessories. Charger, case, cleaning tools, and warranty status if transferable.
Battery disposal: rechargeable vs disposable
Hearing aid batteries require safe disposal. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and disposable zinc-air batteries have different rules.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. According to EPA guidance, lithium-ion batteries should be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. To prevent fires, tape battery terminals and place lithium-ion batteries in separate plastic bags.
EPA recommends that businesses consider managing lithium-ion batteries under the federal universal waste regulations in 40 CFR part 273. For consumers, EPA recommends finding a location to recycle lithium-ion batteries using resources such as Earth 911 or Call2Recycle.
Source: EPA, Used Lithium-Ion Batteries, accessed October 27, 2026.
Disposable zinc-air batteries
Disposable zinc-air hearing aid batteries (sizes 10, 312, 13, and 675) should be disposed of according to local rules. Check with your local solid waste authority. For more on battery sizes, types, and disposal, see our hearing aid batteries guide.
Rechargeable vs battery hearing aids
If you are choosing between rechargeable and disposable-battery hearing aids, consider end-of-life disposal as part of the decision. For a full comparison of rechargeable lithium-ion and disposable zinc-air batteries, including lifespan and disposal requirements, see our rechargeable vs battery hearing aids guide.
Before handing off or donating hearing aids
Before you donate, sell, or give away hearing aids, take these steps:
- Unpair from your phone or app. If your hearing aids are paired with a smartphone or manufacturer app, unpair them and delete any personal data from the app. This prevents the new user from accessing your paired devices or account.
- Clean the devices. Wipe down the hearing aids with a dry cloth and remove any earwax or debris. For a complete cleaning routine, see our cleaning hearing aids guide.
- Remove personal earmolds or domes. Earmolds and domes are personal items. The new user should replace them.
- Include accessories if possible. Chargers, cases, cleaning tools, and user manuals make the devices more useful for the next user or refurbishing program.
- Document donation for tax purposes if applicable. Donations to qualified charities may be deductible as noncash contributions under IRS Publication 526. Not all donation programs issue acknowledgment letters (for example, Starkey Cares does not send donation letters), so confirm with the program if you need documentation. For more on tax treatment of hearing aids, see our are hearing aids tax deductible guide. No tax advice is provided here; consult a tax professional for your situation.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do with old hearing aids? +
Keep them as a backup pair if they still meet your hearing needs. If you no longer need them, check with your clinic whether they can be reprogrammed or repaired for reuse, donate through established programs, ask about trade-in credit, or understand the rules if selling used. Always dispose of batteries safely according to EPA guidance for rechargeable lithium-ion cells or local disposal rules for zinc-air batteries.
Can old hearing aids be donated? +
Yes. Several programs accept used hearing aids. Lions Clubs International accepts donations through Hearing Charities of America's Hearing Aid Project. Starkey accepts devices for recycling or refurbishing through the Starkey Cares Program (not affiliated with Starkey Hearing Foundation), though Starkey's own Starkey Cares page does not currently describe a donation intake; contact them to confirm. HLAA Chester County's Help4Hearing accepts all makes and models for refurbishing and distribution to low-income individuals. Contact programs directly to confirm current acceptance and shipping instructions before sending.
Where can I donate hearing aids? +
Lions Clubs International accepts donations through Hearing Charities of America's Hearing Aid Project at their online donation form or by mail to 20 W. 14th Ave., Suite 135, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Starkey Cares Program accepts hearing aids and accessories for recycling: mail to Starkey, Attn: Starkey Cares Program, 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (contact starkeycares@starkey.com or 855-686-2202 to confirm before mailing). HLAA Chester County's Help4Hearing accepts donations: mail to Help4Hearing c/o HLAA Chester County, P.O. Box 1371, West Chester, PA 19380.
Can I trade in old hearing aids for new ones? +
Some clinics offer trade-in programs or credit toward new devices. Ask your hearing care provider whether they accept your old hearing aids as trade-in and what credit they offer. Do not assume a specific dollar amount; trade-in value varies by clinic, device age, condition, and model. Some manufacturers offer trade-in programs during promotions. Ask before you buy new devices.
Can old hearing aids be reprogrammed for someone else? +
It depends. Prescription hearing aids must be programmed by a licensed hearing care professional to fit a new user's hearing loss. If the devices still function and the manufacturer supports the model, a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist can reprogram them for a new user. Earmolds and domes are personal items and should be replaced. Ask your clinic whether your specific model can be reprogrammed and whether parts are still available.
Can I sell my used hearing aids? +
FDA classifies non-OTC hearing aids as prescription devices (21 CFR 801.109). Federal rules do not spell out private resale between individuals, and state dispensing laws vary, so check with a licensed provider or your state licensing board before selling. This is not legal advice. Over-the-counter hearing aids for adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss are not prescription devices and may be resold. However, under the OTC final rule (87 FR 50698), if an OTC hearing aid is used or rebuilt, the outside package must declare that fact and it must be adequately reprocessed for the next user prior to sale, regardless of the type of reseller. If selling, disclose the device's age, condition, and whether the manufacturer still services the model.
How do I dispose of hearing aid batteries safely? +
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Take them to certified battery electronics recyclers or household hazardous waste collection points. Tape battery terminals or place in separate plastic bags to prevent fires. According to EPA guidance, lithium-ion batteries are likely hazardous waste under RCRA for businesses. Dispose of zinc-air disposable batteries according to local rules. For more on battery types, see our hearing aid batteries guide and rechargeable vs battery comparison.
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Sources
- Lions Clubs International, Eyeglasses and hearing aids recycling. Accepts used hearing aids of any age, brand, or model through Hearing Charities of America's online donation form. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Lions Clubs International, Find a Local Lions Club. Club locator to contact a local Lions club. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Hearing Aid Project (Sertoma), Give an Aid. Mail hearing aids to 20 W. 14th Ave., Suite 135, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Fill out the online donation form or include your email address. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Sertoma, Hearing Aid Project. Accepts all hearing aids regardless of age or condition. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Starkey Hearing Foundation, Frequently Asked Questions. Starkey Hearing Foundation no longer accepts hearing aid donations as of April 2021. Starkey Hearing Technologies accepts hearing aids through Starkey Cares Program at 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Starkey Cares is not affiliated with Starkey Hearing Foundation. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Starkey, Starkey Cares. Starkey Cares page does not describe a donation intake; contact starkeycares@starkey.com or call 855-686-2202 to confirm before mailing. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Help4Hearing, Help4Hearing. Hearing aids sent to Hearing Charities of America for refurbishing and distribution to low-income people with hearing loss. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Help4Hearing, Contact. HLAA Chester County accepts used hearing aids and accessories by mail at P.O. Box 1371, West Chester, PA 19380. Contact (484) 402-4907 or help4hearingpa@gmail.com. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Access to Prescription Hearing Aids, October 2022. Letter to state officials explaining that non-OTC hearing aids are prescription devices under 21 CFR 801.109 and that a prescriber need not be a physician. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- 21 CFR 801.109, Prescription devices. Defines prescription devices as those to be sold only to or on the prescription or other order of a practitioner licensed by law to use or order the use of the device. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Federal Register, Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, 87 FR 50698, August 17, 2022, effective October 17, 2022. Final rule establishing regulatory category for over-the-counter hearing aids under 21 CFR 800.30. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Used Lithium-Ion Batteries. Lithium-ion batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Take to certified battery electronics recyclers or household hazardous waste collection points. Tape terminals and place in separate plastic bags to prevent fires. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, Publication 526 (2025), Contributions. Noncash contributions to qualified charities may be deductible. No tax advice provided; consult a tax professional. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Hearing Aids: Frequently Asked Questions. Hearing aids typically last about 5 to 7 years. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), Hearing Aids. General information on hearing aids and hearing loss. Accessed October 27, 2026.