Is it possible to recycle used hearing aids? Whether they were owned by a departed relative or you chose to update your hearing aids to something fancier such as a cochlear implant, the solution is the same: donate your pre-owned hearing aids rather than throwing them away.
There are several organizations that collect and circulate used hearing aids to people who need them, and there are many people who need them. Read on to discover why it’s important to donate your used hearing aid and learn how you can do it.
Why You Should Look Into Donating Your Pre-Owned Hearing Aids
First, here are some significant stats about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the United States:
- Of the total populace, about 14% have some type of hearing loss
- Of all of the adults suffering from hearing loss 91% percent are above 50 years old
- 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
- The average age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
- Fewer than 30% of people over 70 who require hearing aids have ever used them
I think we should be worried. Because untreated hearing loss has been associated with several health issues from an increased risk of falling to mental decline and depression. The relevance of your hearing to your general health is supported by new studies coming out all of the time. These health issues can be avoided and in certain instances reversed by hearing aids.
And loss of hearing will cost the typical family up to $12,000 each year which should be a really compelling fact. But that cost can actually be reduced by up to 50% with hearing aids.
It might not be possible for families who lose $12,000 a year to afford to buy hearing aids.
For a person in need, who can’t afford a hearing aid, your used hearing aids can have a tremendous impact on their financial stability, quality of life, and health. It may also cost a child the ability to get into college and better their lives because they are unable to hear in school.
How to Donate Your Used Hearing Aid
Old hearing aids are recycled and distributed by many manufacturers and volunteer organizations. Come and see us so we can guide you on the right recycling option for you. Or you can simply give us a call.