Perhaps it is time to get rid of your hearing aids. Maybe you are considering an upgrade to a device with more features, or you now have a cochlear implant? No matter the reason, please do not merely throw the hearing aids away. It may be of use to a person who can’t afford hearing aids. Donating to those less fortunate can genuinely make a difference in their lives. Hearing aid batteries are another consideration as some may not be safe to throw in the garbage.
Keeping Your Old Hearing Aids
It might be a wise decision to hang on to those old hearing aids if you purchase new ones. They function well as a backup set of hearing aids. Hearing aids can be unreliable or even suddenly quit, so it makes sense to have a set to use if your new ones have problems. Please remember to store the old hearing aids in a safe and dry place.
Donating Hearing Aids
Giving you hearing aids to those in need is an excellent option. Several charities will accept used hearing aids, and you can even write them off on your taxes. The Hear Now Program is the most popular program to take used hearing aids. This organization makes hearing aids available for those US citizens who have no way of paying for hearing aids. The Lions Club is another option. The club maintains recycling centers nationwide where you drop off your used hearing aids.
There are also international recycling programs that create jobs for those living in communities with little or no work opportunities. The Rotary Club works with many of these organizations to help get the hearing aids to the people who need them.
What About The Batteries?
Always allow your new batteries a few minutes in the air after removal of the sticker. Oxygen allows the new battery to activate, so don’t rush things! Avoid storing your batteries in humid places and always keep your hearing aid and batteries dry. If you must get rid of your batteries, it is essential to know if the batteries contain mercury. If the label on your hearing aid packaging states that the batteries are mercury-free, you may dispose of your batteries along with the household waste. If mercury is present, a recycling center must dispose of the batteries. A hearing Healthcare professional will usually have both mercury and mercury-free batteries as some hearing aids do not work well with mercury-free batteries. Recycling your hearing aid batteries is an effective alternative. Most cities have drop-off boxes for used batteries. The Miracle-Ear Foundation accepts donations for its recycling program.
When the time comes to dispose of used hearing aids, there are options available. You may choose to keep the used hearing aids and use them as a backup set for your new aids, donate them to a charitable program, or drop them off at a recycling center. Any of these choices beats throwing the hearing aids in the trash can.
