Give The Gift Of Hearing
We are a proud donation location for any and all used hearing aids. Donated hearing aids will be sent to an amazing group, The Starkey Hearing Foundation, that refurbishes the hearing aids and fits them to hearing impaired individuals around the world who would not otherwise have access hearing aids.
Help this amazing foundation with their mission So the World May Hear reach their goal to fit 1 MILLION people this decade by donating yours or a family members old hearing aids. Bring the hearing aids to our office and we will donate for you! Upon donation you will receive a brochure explaining the foundation. This donation can also be used as a tax deduction.
Sell The Hearing Aids
Not every state permits selling used hearing aids, so you will want to check your states requirements first. You can peruse other sites to get an idea of the price for the specific model and condition of the one you want to sell. Sites such as eBay, Craigs list, or other local sites are a good place to start. Include the following information to maximize your success:
- Manufacturer and model number
- The age and condition of the hearing aid
- The type of battery
- The reason for selling the hearing aid
- If any kind of liability waiver is necessary to the sale of the hearing aids
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 dont 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.
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The Hearing Aid Project
The National Hearing Aid Project is a unique model and a one-of-a-kind collaboration. It addresses that the demand for hearing aids among low-income individuals is too great for any one organization to handle alone. The Project launched as of August 1, 2016 and has helped form a network throughout the country that can generate the necessary resources and support to improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss.
The Hearing Aid Project brings organizations together to fulfill specific roles in the process of getting hearing aids to those who couldnt otherwise afford them. Accepting and reviewing applications, refurbishing hearing aids, performing hearing health evaluations, and soliciting support and services from others who can support the projecteach contribution gets us one step closer to a healthier, hearing world.
A Little History Behind Our Partnership With Purinapaq
For four years Jose Orozco used a wheelchair to get around following an accident where he seriously injured his back. Not giving up hope and listening to the optimistic words of his doctor, miraculously Jose learned to walk again.
Once Jose was walking again, a friend brought him a wheelchair. Jose was puzzled, saying he didnt need a wheelchair anymore. His friend told him, dont worry, you will.
That wheelchair began a journey that has seen Jose become the Founder and Executive Director of Purinapaq, an organization that provides wheelchairs to people in his native Peru who do not have the financial resources to afford one.
One day, while in Peru on an aid mission for Purinapaq, he was asked if he could get a pair of hearing aids for a little boy who had multiple disabilities, for whom a wheelchair only served part of his need. The child reminded Jose of his eight year old son back in Toronto, so he said he would. Jose didnt know where he would get the hearing aids from, but once he landed back in Toronto his young son assured him they would succeed in finding them.
At Hearing Solutions, hearing with a heart is about more than just providing great service. Its also about caring for our community across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
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To Find Out If They’re Right For You See A Hearing Care Specialist
The first step to determining if a used hearing aid will work for you is to see if they are appropriate for your type of hearing loss. Contact a hearing care professional near you for a complete hearing evaluation. Be sure to bring the hearing aids to the appointment. After quantifying your hearing ability, the practitioner will run electroacoustic tests to determine the amplification and programming capability of the hearing aids to determine if they might be appropriate for your hearing loss.
Some hearing aids are easy to repurpose, if the technology inside is appropriate for the new wearer.
The second step is to have the hearing aids fully inspected and tested by the hearing care professional to ensure they are still in good working order. If there are concerns, they might need to be sent to the manufacturer for reconditioning or repair. After the hearing aids are approved for your use, find out whether they are covered under any existing manufacturer warranty. If they aren’t, consider whether you might want to purchase an extended hearing aid warranty to cover any loss or damage.
Finally, once the hearing aids are determined to be ready for you to wear, the practitioner will need to program them specifically for your hearing ability. Like any other hearing aid fitting, this programming may require more than one session to fine-tune the hearing aids to your specific hearing, preferences and lifestyle needs.
Donate Old Hearing Aids And Give The Gift Of Hearing
As we begin a new year, we often think of ways we can better ourselves. Whether it be from becoming healthier, getting our finances in order, or starting a new hobby, this is a time when we create resolutions. As 2020 was a difficult year, many people may be looking for ways to also better their community. One of the ways to help is by donating your used hearing aids! Hearing impairment and deafness not only cause social isolation and depression, but can result in learning difficulties in children and decreased employment opportunities for adults. The challenge of communication during the pandemic has increased due to social distancing and wearing masks. Hearing aids and the related services have become limited to many due to COVID-19 restrictions and financial hardship.
Many service organizations have programs that accept donations of hearing aids and work with local hearing care professionals to provide them to those in need. Some of the organizations include The Lions Club, Sertoma, Hearing Charities of America, your local university, or speech and hearing clinics. The donated hearing aids are repaired, including a complete cleaning, and any defective parts are replaced. The hearing aids are then re-programmed for the hearing loss of the recipient by the local hearing professional.
If you have hearing aids that you are no longer wearing, please consider donating them and give the gift of hearing. Hearing is essential and your donation can change a life.
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Where Can I Donate Used Hearing Aids
Once a person is finished with his or her hearing aids, such as when the units need to be replaced or upgraded, the used hearing aids can be donated in any number of ways. Many charities and service organizations accept donations of hearing aids. It is generally better to donate old hearing aids than to throw them away.
There are a number of hearing service organizations to which you can donate used hearing aids. Often, these organizations can refurbish hearing aids and their parts. Hearing aid parts can be costly, so this is a way that people on limited incomes can gain access to working hearing aids.
Hearing aids can be donated to many charities. In the US, there are several non-profit organizations like the Lions Club National, The Knights of Columbus, or Hear Now. These and many other non-profit organizations accept used hearing aids and hearing aid parts, which are then refurbished and donated to military veterans, the elderly, and disabled children who may need them in order to restore hearing.
Selling Used Hearing Aids
Used or rebuilt hearing aids can be sold, but each aid must have packaging and a tag attached to the device itself that clearly declares the device as having been previously owned or used.
In addition, sales of used/rebuilt models are held to the same regulations as the sale of new aids. According to Title 21, Section 801.420 of the Code of Federal Regulations, hearing aids can only be sold to those individuals who have first obtained a medical evaluation from a licensed physician. The Food and Drug Administration puts further requirements on this, stating that hearing aids can only be sold to people who have had a medical evaluation within the six months prior to the sale.
If an individual takes issue with obtaining a medical evaluation for religious or personal reasons, federal regulations state that they can obtain a hearing aid if they sign a waiver. Though this option is available, the regulation clearly states that going this route is not in the best health interest of the individual, and the practice is strongly discouraged.
Some states have specific rules governing the sale of used hearing aids by audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. For example, New York, Illinois, and Colorado all have legislative language mirroring the federal position regarding used hearing aids.
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How Do You Donate Hearing Aids
If youre interested in donating a pair of old hearing aids, you first need to find somewhere to donate. As described above, many organizations would love to accept your hearing aid donation.
Depending on donation, you may have different protocols to follow before donating your hearing aids. You can reach out directly to your group of choice to find information, or the organization may have the information listed on their website.
If you are going to donate your hearing aids to a local charity, you may have to go to their location to drop them off in person. Although the group handles recycling, cleaning, and more, you should do your best to clean them beforehand.
If youre donating to a larger nonprofit, you may be able to ship them to a donation center. This process is quick and easy, as they will provide you with direct instructions from the organizations website.
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Buying Used Hearing Aids
The first step in buying any hearing aid is getting a medical evaluation. These are usually conducted by a doctor such as an otolaryngologist. The medical evaluation is done to make sure that all possible treatable medical causes for the hearing loss are identified before you are referred to an audiologist or other hearing healthcare professional for a hearing aid evaluation. The doctor doing the medical evaluation will give you a statement that verifies that a medical evaluation has been done.
Even though a medical evaluation is recommended, used/refurbished hearing aids are sold legally, and you can likely get your hands on one without first visiting a doctor. Sellers on sites such as eBay and Craiglist have posted FDA warning statements on their “for sale” listings to inform potential buyers that it is in their best health interest to get a medical evaluation first and that, if the buyer does not get one, he or she must provide the seller with a signed, written waiver. Still, there are other sellers who do not post this responsible warning.
Disregarding the recommendation to get a medical evaluation prior to purchasing a hearing aid is something you do at your own risk. Furthermore, it’s important to have a hearing healthcare professional not only evaluate your needs for an aid but help guide you as to what type of device is best for you.
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Options For Getting Rid Of Or Recycling A Deceased Loved Ones Hearing Aids
There are several options for getting rid of or recycling a deceased loved ones hearing aids. If youre the executor of the estate, youll need to treat hearing aids as an asset and plan accordingly. Its possible that your deceased loved one designated a charity for the donation of their aids, and youll need to follow that directive. If not, you can choose what you consider to be the best method for donation, gifting, or selling the used hearing aids.
Donating Old Hearing Aids Eyeglasses And Mobility Equipment
Syndicated columnist, NBC Today contributor and creator of SavvySenior.org
Dear Savvy Senior,
Where are some good places to donate old hearing aids, eyeglasses and mobility equipment? My uncle passed away a few months ago and left behind a bunch of useful aids that could surely help someone else.
Searching Nephew
Dear Searching,
Donating old, unused assistive living aids and/or medical equipment is a great way to help those in need who cant afford it, and in most cases its tax deductible too. Here are some good places to check into.
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Hearing Aid Recycling At Hearing Solutions
Juana Montes P, shown above painting a piece inspired by hearing loss, received a wheelchair from Purinapaqs mission in Peru and her father received hearing aids. Photo: Jose Orozco
At Hearing Solutions we believe in hearing with a heart. So when patients have old hearing aids they no longer need for whatever reason, were happy to take them. Through our partnership with an organization called Purinapaq, those generous donations provide the gift of hearing for those who cant afford to buy them.
Donations can be made anytime at any one of our clinics across the Greater Toronto Area.
What To Do With Hearing Aids When Someone Dies
Hearing loss can have a devastating effect on someones life. If your loved one dies and they have usable hearing aids, you have options to help someone else in need. With the worldwide shortage of affordable hearing aids, there is no reason to leave them in a drawer or throw them away. Talk with other family members about the best way to give these valuable assets a new life.
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Where To Donate Used Hearing Aids
Just like many companies will take your old cell phones, laptops, batteries, and more, many places will take your used hearing aids. Rather than letting your hearing aids sit in your home unused, donating them will put them to good use.
Whats more, if youre interested, donating used hearing aids is typically tax-deductible as well. So, while youre doing a good deed by allowing your hearing aids to be recycled, you may also benefit. But, of course, once youve decided to donate your used hearing aids, you have to figure out where to do so.
Many nonprofits exist around the United States and beyond that accept seemingly all styles of used hearing aids. You can have behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, or other models all put to good use. Already mentioned,
Lions Club Hearing Aid Recycling is a popular nonprofit that accepts hearing aids and redistributes them in a meaningful way. The Hearing Aid Project is another nonprofit that welcomes used hearing aids.
The group recycles, repairs, and modifies used hearing aids to be fit for new users. In addition, it works to provide hearing aids to those in need who otherwise wouldnt be able to afford hearing aids.
The Starkey Hearing Foundation is another popular organization that accepts used hearing aids donations. Reports have stated that the organization collects 60,000 used hearing aids per year. The group uses those hearing aids to support people who are in desperate need of hearing assistance.
What Can You Do With Hearing Aids When A Loved One Dies
If you have a loved one with hearing aids, you know how expensive they can be. Hearing aids are now complex and sophisticated devices. The best hearing aids can cost up to $7,000, and original Medicare does not pay any portion of the cost.
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The pricing of hearing aids is a significant deterrent and area of frustration for many people. About 37.5 million people have hearing loss in the US, and worldwide, that number is 466 million. Having access to affordable or free hearing aids would be life-changing for many of these children and adults throughout the world. But for people with original Medicare or other insurance, paying for hearing aids is a luxury they just cant afford.
When someone dies, theres much to do to allocate the persons belongings. Some of those items, like hearing aids, might seem minor and like something you could simply throw away. However, your loved ones hearing aids could be put to better use.
Below, well cover the options available so you can make a wise choice in getting hearing aids into the hands of people who need them.
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