Is it possible to get rid of used hearing aids? Whether they belonged to a departed relative or you chose to upgrade your hearing aids to something fancier such as a cochlear implant, the solution is the same: your used hearing aids need to be donated rather than throwing them away.
There are several organizations that acquire and circulate used hearing aids to people who need them, and there are lots of people who need them. Keep reading to learn how and why to donate used hearing aids.
Why You Should Consider Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
First, here are a few important stats about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the US:
- Of the total population, about 14% suffer from some kind of hearing loss
- 91% of adults who have loss of hearing are over the age of 50
- 15% of school-age children have some form of hearing loss
- Almost 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 general age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
- Of those over 70 who require hearing aids, less than 30% percent have ever used them
I think we should be concerned. Because health issues like cognitive decline, greater risk of falling, and depression have been connected to untreated loss of hearing. As a matter of fact, new research comes out every day showing how important hearing is to your general health. These health issues can be prevented and in certain instances reversed by hearing aids.
And loss of hearing will cost the typical family up to $12,000 every year which should be an extremely persuasive point. But that cost can actually be reduced by up to 50% with hearing aids.
It may not be feasible 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 pre-owned hearing aids can have a huge impact on their financial stability, quality of life, and overall health. It may also cost a child the ability to get into college and better their lives because they can’t hear in school.
Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
Old hearing aids are recycled and distributed by many manufacturers and volunteer groups. Come and talk with us so we can guide you on the right recycling option for you. Or you can simply give us a call.
