Is it possible to get rid of used hearing aids? The answer is definitely the same whether you choose to update to a more sophisticated model like cochlear implants or you got them from a departed family member: your pre-owned hearing aids need to be donated instead of throwing them away.
There are plenty of people suffering from loss of hearing who would benefit from donated hearing aid, and several organizations out there that collect and distribute those hearing aids to the people in need. Keep reading to discover how and why to donate pre-owned hearing aids.
Why It’s Worthwhile to Contribute a Used Hearing Aid
First, here are some significant statistics about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the US:
- Approximately 14% of the total population, has loss of hearing
- Of all of the adults suffering from loss of hearing 91% percent are over the age of 50
- 15% of school-age children suffer from some kind of hearing loss
- Approximately 29 million adults with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, 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…
- Less than 30% of those over 70 who require hearing aids have ever had them
This is very troubling. Because health issues like mental decline, increased risk of falling, and depression have been linked to untreated hearing loss. The importance of your hearing to your general health is backed up by new studies being released regularly. Getting hearing aids can prevent these health problems (and in some situations even reverse them).
And hearing loss will cost the typical family up to $12,000 each year which should be a very compelling fact. But hearing aids can actually mitigate that cost by as much as 50%.
It might not be feasible for families who lose $12,000 a year to afford hearing aids.
Your used hearing aid can make a tremendous impact, in the overall health, quality of life and financial stability, for an individual in need who couldn’t otherwise afford a hearing aid. It may also help a child in school who has difficulty hearing, which could affect their ability to enter into college and make a decent living when they’re older.
How to Donate Your Used Hearing Aid
There are lots of volunteer organizations and makers who help recycle old hearing aids. Stop by and we can help you find a recycling program. Or give us a call.