How can you recycle used hearing aids? The answer is always the same whether you choose to upgrade to a more advanced model like cochlear implants or you got them from a deceased family member: your used hearing aids should be donated instead of getting rid of.
There are several organizations that acquire and distribute used hearing aids to individuals who could really use them, and there are plenty of people who need them. Keep reading to discover how and why to donate used hearing aids.
Why You Should Think About Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
First, here are a few significant stats about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the US:
- About 14% of the total population, has hearing loss
- 91% of adults who have hearing loss are over 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…
- …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 need hearing aids, fewer than 30% percent have ever had them
I think we should be concerned. Because untreated hearing loss has been associated with numerous health issues from an increased risk of falling to cognitive decline and depression. As a matter of fact, new studies come out every day showing how important hearing is to your general health. These health problems can be prevented and in certain situations reversed by hearing aids.
And the last persuasive point is that hearing loss can cost the typical family $12,000 in earnings every year. But that cost can actually be lessened by as much as 50% with hearing aids.
For a family that loses out on $12,000 every year, it may just not be feasible for them to pay for a hearing aid.
Your used hearing aid can make an enormous effect, in the health, quality of life and financial stability, for a person in need who could not otherwise afford a hearing aid. It could also help a child in school who has difficulty hearing, which could affect their ability to get into higher education and make a livable wage when they get older.
Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
There are numerous volunteer organizations and makers who help recycle old hearing aids. Come by and we can help you find a recycling program. Or you can simply give us a call.