Is it possible to recycle used hearing aids? The answer is definitely the same whether you choose to update to a more sophisticated model such as cochlear implants or you got them from a departed relative: donate your pre-owned hearing aids versus getting rid of.
There are lots of people suffering from hearing loss who could use a donated hearing aid, and a few organizations out there that acquire and distribute those hearing aids to the individuals in need. 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 Pre-Owned Hearing Aids
First, here are a few significant statistics about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the United States:
- Of the overall population, about 14% have some kind of hearing loss
- Of all of the adults suffering from hearing loss 91% percent are over 50 years old
- 15% of school-age children suffer from some type of hearing loss
- Hearing aids would help almost 29 million adults with hearing loss, but…
- …only 16% (4.6 million) of them actually make use of hearing aids
- The average age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
- Fewer than 30% of people over 70 who require hearing aids have ever used them
This is very worrisome. Because health problems like mental decline, greater risk of falling, and depression have been linked to untreated loss of hearing. In fact, new studies come out every day showing how crucial hearing is to your general health. These health problems can be eliminated and in certain situations reversed by hearing aids.
And hearing loss will cost the typical family up to $12,000 each year which should be an extremely compelling point. But that cost can actually be decreased by as much as 50% with hearing aids.
For a family that loses out on $12,000 each year, it may just not be possible for them to pay for a hearing aid.
Your pre-owned hearing aid can make a tremendous effect, in the overall health, quality of life and financial stability, for a person in need who could not normally afford a hearing aid. It could also help a child in school who has a hard time hearing, which could affect their ability to enter into higher education and make a livable wage when they’re older.
How to Donate Your Used Hearing Aid
There are lots of volunteer groups and makers who help recycle old hearing aids. Come and see us so we can guide you on the correct recycling choice for you. Or you can simply give us a call.