What Can I do With Used Hearing Aids?

Man and young child recycling in a forest discuss how to recycle hearing aids.

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

There are a lot of people dealing with hearing loss who would benefit from donated hearing aid, and several institutions out there that collect and distribute those hearing aids to the individuals in need. Keep reading to learn how and why to donate pre-owned hearing aids.

Why You Should Look Into Donating Your Pre-Owned Hearing Aids

First, here are a few significant statistics about hearing loss and hearing aids in the US:

Of the total populace, around 14% have some kind of hearing loss
91% of adults suffering from hearing loss are above the age of 50
There is evidence of loss of hearing in 15% of school aged children
Hearing aids would benefit approximately 29 million adults with loss of hearing, but…
…only 16% (4.6 million) of them actually make use of hearing aids
The general age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
Of those over 70 who require hearing aids, fewer than 30% percent have ever had them

This is extremely troubling. Because health problems like mental decline, increased risk of falling, and depression have been associated with untreated hearing loss. In fact, new studies come out all the time showing how crucial hearing is to your overall health. These health problems can be avoided and in certain cases reversed by hearing aids.

And hearing loss will cost the typical family up to $12,000 every year which should be an extremely compelling point. But that expense can actually be lessened by up to 50% by using hearing aids.

It may not be feasible for families who lose $12,000 a year to afford to buy hearing aids.

For an individual in need, who can’t afford a hearing aid, your old hearing aids can have a huge effect on their financial stability, quality of life, and health. It could also cost a child the ability to go to college and better their lives because they can’t hear in school.

Donating Your Used Hearing Aids

There are many volunteer groups and manufacturers who help recycle old hearing aids. Come and talk with us so we can advise you on the right recycling option for you. Or give us a call.