What Can I do With Used Hearing Aids?

How can you recycle used hearing aids? The answer is always the same whether you choose to update to a more advanced model such as cochlear implants or you got them from a deceased family member: donate your used hearing aids rather than getting rid of.

There are lots of people dealing with loss of hearing who could use a donated hearing aid, and a few institutions out there that collect and circulate those hearing aids to the individuals in need. Read on to discover why it's important to donate your pre-owned hearing aid and find out how you can go about it.

Why It's Worthwhile to Contribute a Used Hearing Aid

First, here are some important statistics about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the US:

• About 14% of the total population, suffers from hearing loss
• 91% of adults who have loss of hearing are above the age of 50
• There is evidence of hearing loss in 15% of school aged children
• Nearly 29 million adults with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, but…
• …hearing aids are actually utilized by only 16% (4.6 million) of them
• First time hearing aid users have an average age of 70, but again…
• Of those people over 70 who require hearing aids, less than 30% percent have ever had them

I think we should be worried. Because untreated hearing loss has been connected to multiple health issues from an increased risk of falling to cognitive decline and depression. As a matter of fact, new studies come out on a regular basis showing how important hearing is to your overall health. Getting hearing aids can prevent these health issues (and in some situations even reverse them).

And the final compelling point is that loss of hearing can cost the ordinary family $12,000 in earnings every year. But hearing aids can actually reduce that cost by as much as 50%.

For a family that loses out on $12,000 every year, it might simply not be possible for them to afford a hearing aid.

For an individual in need, who can't afford a hearing aid, your pre-owned hearing aids can have a tremendous effect on their financial well being, quality of life, and overall health. It may also cost a child the ability to go to college and better their lives because they can't hear in school.

How to Donate Your Used Hearing Aid

There are lots of volunteer groups and makers who help recycle old hearing aids. Come and see us so we can advise you on the right recycling choice for you. Or give us a call.