How can you recycle used hearing aids? The answer is definitely the same whether you choose to upgrade to a more sophisticated model such as cochlear implants or you got them from a departed family member: donate your pre-owned hearing aids rather than throwing them away.
There are lots of people dealing with hearing loss who would benefit from donated hearing aid, and several institutions out there that acquire and distribute those hearing aids to the individuals in need. Keep reading to discover how and why to donate used hearing aids.
Why You Should Consider Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
First, here are some important stats about hearing loss and hearing aids in the United States:
- Approximately 14% of the total population, suffers from loss of hearing
- Of all of the adults who have hearing loss 91% percent are above 50 years old
- 15% of school-age children suffer from some kind of hearing loss
- Hearing aids would help approximately 29 million adults with loss of hearing, but…
- …hearing aids are actually used by only 16% (4.6 million) of them
- First time hearing aid users have an average age of 70, but again…
- Less than 30% of those over 70 who need hearing aids have ever had them
This is extremely troubling. Because neglected hearing loss has been connected to several health problems from an increased risk of falling to cognitive decline and depression. The importance of your hearing to your overall health is backed up by new studies being released all of the time. These health issues can be avoided and in certain instances reversed by hearing aids.
And the final compelling point is that hearing loss can cost the average family $12,000 in earnings every single year. But that expense can actually be lessened by up to 50% by using hearing aids.
For a family that loses out on $12,000 each year, it might just not be feasible for them to pay for a hearing aid.
Your used hearing aid can make a huge impact, in the health, quality of life and financial stability, for an individual in need who could not normally afford a hearing aid. It may also help a child in school that has a hard time hearing, which could affect their ability to enter into higher education and make a livable wage when they get older.
Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
There are numerous volunteer organizations and manufacturers who help recycle old hearing aids. Come and see us so we can advise you on the right recycling option for you. Or you can just give us a call.