Is it possible to recycle used hearing aids? The answer is definitely the same whether you decide to upgrade to a more advanced model such as cochlear implants or you got them from a departed relative: your used hearing aids need to be donated versus getting rid of.
There are several organizations that collect and circulate used hearing aids to people who could really use them, and there are many people who need them. Keep reading to find out how and why to donate pre-owned hearing aids.
Why You Should Think About Donating Your Pre-Owned Hearing Aids
First, here are a few significant statistics about hearing loss and hearing aids in the US:
- Of the overall populace, around 14% suffer from some kind of hearing loss
- Of all of the adults who have loss of hearing 91% percent are over 50 years old
- 15% of school-age children have some form of hearing loss
- Approximately 29 million adults with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, but…
- …only 16% (4.6 million) of them actually use hearing aids
- The average age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
- Fewer than 30% of people over 70 who need hearing aids have ever used them
This is very worrisome. Because neglected hearing loss has been linked to numerous health issues from a greater risk of falling to mental decline and depression. As a matter of fact, new research comes out all the time showing how important hearing is to your overall health. These health problems can be prevented and in some situations reversed by hearing aids.
And the last persuasive fact is that hearing loss can cost the average family $12,000 in earnings every year. But hearing aids can actually reduce that cost by as much as 50%.
It might not be feasible for families who lose $12,000 a year to afford to buy hearing aids.
For an individual in need, who can’t afford a hearing aid, your pre-owned hearing aids can have an enormous impact on their financial stability, quality of life, and health. It might also cost a child the ability to go to college and make their lives better because they can’t hear in school.
Donating Your Used Hearing Aids
Old hearing aids are recycled and distributed by numerous manufacturers and volunteer organizations. Stop by and we can help you find a recycling strategy. Or you can simply give us a call.