Just as you upgrade other forms of technology every few years, it may be beneficial to replace your hearing aids after several years – if supported by your insurance company or by your own personal preferences. With new technology emerging every day, hearing aid quality and design is constantly changing. When you get a new set of hearing aids, you may wonder what you should do with your old ones. Luckily, there are plenty of options.
Donating hearing aids
If you’ve recently gotten new hearing aids you may be looking for a good way to dispose of your old ones. Consider donating your used hearing aids to someone who may not be able to afford new devices. Hearing aids can be very expensive. The price of just one hearing aid can fall between $1500 and $3500, with battery costs ranging from $30 to $150 a year, according to AARP. While some insurance companies cover hearing aids, there are plenty of uninsured or underinsured adults who may benefit from your donation. There are many different organizations that take hearing aid donations:
- The Lion’s Club: The Lion’s Club has hearing aid collection containers at different community locations like the local library, senior center or audiologist’s office. They take mail donations to the Lion’s Hearing Aid Recycling Center. The Lion’s Club may partner with hearing care professionals who refurbish used hearing aids to fit the new owner’s needs. They may also give them back to manufacturers who issue credit toward useful parts, and the Lions use that credit to purchase new hearing aids for people who need them.
- Hearing Charities of America: This charity takes mail donations and either repairs the donated hearing aids or uses them for cash to purchase new devices for people in need. If your doctor suggests your get a hearing aid and you can’t afford one, you can also reach out to the Hearing Charities of America.
- Audicus: Going through Audicus is another way to donate your hearing aid. They have partnered with the Hearing Charities of America to help make hearing aids more accessible to people who can’t afford the devices.
- The Miracle-Ear Foundation: Miracle-Ear takes hearing aid donations at all of its stores to refurbish or recycle for someone in need. However, it only accepts Miracle-Ear brand hearing aids. Donations to Miracle-Ear may also be tax deductible.
- You can also check with your audiologist to see if there is a program that he or she partners with directly.
Considering a donated hearing aid?
There are many things to take into consideration when getting a new hearing aid. Be sure to examine it carefully to make sure it works properly and is comfortable to wear. Hearing aids you receive from the above organizations have been refurbished and are as clean and sanitary as brand new ones.
If you receive donated hearing aids, be sure to take them to an audiologist. Your doctor will determine your type of hearing loss and what adjustments need to be made to the hearing aids to best suit your needs. Your doctor will examine the hearing aids to make sure they’re ready for use and then program them for your needs and fit them for comfortable use. This entire process may require a few visits, so be patient as you try different approaches.
Keep your hearing aids for backup
When you get a new hearing aid, there may be an adjustment period. As with any new technology, it may take some practice getting used to your new aids, and you may end up bringing them to your audiologist for tips on how to best use them. While most audiologists are able to program and make adjustments right there in the office, if the office isn’t open when you’re having problems, like at night or on the weekend, you may have to wait. If you don’t want to go without your hearing aids, it may be a good idea to have a backup set. If your previous hearing aids are still in working order, hold onto them in case you need them in situations such as these.
Disposing of your hearing aid batteries
Some hearing aid batteries contain mercury while others don’t. Mercury-free batteries will state on the packaging that they don’t contain mercury. Batteries that state “mercury-free” on the label are safe to throw away with the rest of your household garbage. However, when it comes time to dispose of your batteries that contain mercury, you should seek out a recycling center that accepts mercury batteries and they will safely recycle them. If there isn’t a recycling center near your home, many retailers that sell hearing aids will accept mercury batteries as well.
