Hearing devices represent a major investment for many Americans. Some who could benefit from wearing them delay or skip treatment due to cost concerns. Because hearing ability constantly changes, even with treatment, those who do wear hearing devices will likely need to upgrade to new ones at some point. Rather than simply tossing them in the trash, consider donating your hearing devices to those in need. Here are some options for upcycling your devices.
- Hear Now in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, accepts donated hearing devices and will repair and resell them, using the proceeds to purchase new devices for people who can’t afford them.
- Service organizations at the local and national level often run hearing device banks and offer recycling programs.
- Lions Clubs offer the Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) to provide affordable, refurbished hearing devices to individuals who are unable to afford them in Canada and the U.S.
- The Knights of Columbus also collects used hearing devices.
- Sertoma is another organization that can help. Their Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program (SHARP) offers options for recycling hearing devices; if your local club doesn’t participate in the program, you can still donate devices to Sertoma International’s Sponsorship Department.
- John Tracy Clinic uses donated hearing devices in their programs for children or sends them to manufacturers to re-use parts and credit toward the cost of refurbished hearing devices.
Additionally, many senior citizen centers have hearing device recycling programs, and some hearing device manufacturers will also take back used devices for recycling. Contact your specific manufacturer to learn more.