A used hearing aid might not help you, or you might get lucky and it will. You don't know what frequencies you have trouble hearing without an examination. Those are the frequencies that need to be boosted by a prescription hearing aid. If you use someone else's aid, it might amplify the wrong range, or the right range. You don't know and you wouldn't be able to adjust it without an examination.
So, if you have already had an examination, and have the information in hand as to what type of hearing aid you need (since there are different kinds), and can make the adjustments by ear, you might have a chance with a used anonymous aid. For more information about hearing aids, consult the National Institutes of Health free website at:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.htm#4
You might check with the Salvation Army resale shops for used hearing aids. I would advise having your doctor fit and adjust it for you. You could easily damage your hearing if you're not careful.
