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: your pre-owned hearing aids need to be donated rather than getting rid of.

There are several organizations that collect and distribute used hearing aids to individuals who could really use them, and there are lots of people who need them. Read on to discover why it’s important to donate your pre-owned hearing aid and learn how you can go about it.

Why You Should Think About Donating Your Used Hearing Aids

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

• Of the overall populace, about 14% suffer from some type of hearing loss
• 91% of adults suffering from loss of hearing are over the age of 50
• 15% of school-age children have some form of hearing loss
• Hearing aids would benefit nearly 29 million adults with loss of hearing, but…
• …only 16% (4.6 million) of them actually make use of hearing aids
• First time hearing aid users have an average age of 70, but again…
• Fewer than 30% of people over 70 who require hearing aids have ever used them

This is really worrisome. Because neglected hearing loss has been connected to several health issues from an increased risk of falling to mental decline and depression. In fact, new research comes out every day showing how important hearing is to your general health. Getting hearing aids can lessen these health problems (and in some instances even reverse them).

And the final persuasive point is that loss of hearing can cost the average family $12,000 in earnings each year. But hearing aids can actually decrease that cost by up to 50%.

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

Your used hearing aid can have a tremendous effect, in the health, quality of life and financial stability, for a person in need who could not normally afford a hearing aid. It could 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 organizations and makers who help recycle old hearing aids. Come by and we can help you find a recycling program. Or give us a call.