How can you get rid of used hearing aids? Whether they belonged to a passed relative or you chose to update your hearing aids to something fancier such as a cochlear implant, the answer is the same: donate your used hearing aids instead of getting rid of.
There are a lot of people dealing with loss of hearing who would benefit from donated hearing aid, and a number of organizations out there that collect and distribute those hearing aids to the individuals in need. Keep reading to learn how and why to donate used hearing aids.
Why You Should Think About Donating Your Pre-Owned Hearing Aids
First, here are some significant stats about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the United States:
- Of the total population, around 14% have some type of hearing loss
- 91% of adults who have hearing loss are above the age of 50
- 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 utilize hearing aids
- The average age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
- Of those people over 70 who need hearing aids, fewer than 30% percent have ever used them
This is very worrisome. Because health problems like cognitive decline, greater risk of falling, and depression have been linked to untreated loss of hearing. The value of your hearing to your overall health is backed up by new studies being released regularly. These health problems can be avoided and in certain situations reversed by hearing aids.
And loss of hearing will cost the typical family up to $12,000 each year which should be an extremely compelling point. But that expense can actually be lessened by up to 50% by using hearing aids.
It may not be possible 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 old hearing aids can have an enormous impact on their financial stability, quality of life, and 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
There are many 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 give us a call.