What Should You Do with Older Hearing Aids?

Whether you’re considering an upgrade to the latest technology, you’ve stumbled upon a forgotten pair of hearing aids tucked away in a drawer or you’ve recently lost a loved one who used hearing aids, you might be wondering what to do with those older devices. Don’t throw them away just yet! 

There are several meaningful ways you can repurpose hearing aids that you no longer need, both locally and globally. We’ll explore several options in this article. 

Donate to an Individual 

If they are still in working condition, consider helping a family member or friend who may benefit from your older hearing aids. All they need is an audiogram and a practitioner who is willing to adjust the aids to fit their needs.  

This presents a heartwarming opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, rather than having the hearing aids collect dust in a drawer.

Donate to a Charity 

Several charities specialize in collecting donated hearing aids for use both locally and abroad in areas with limited access to medical equipment. Here are a few organizations that accept hearing aid donations: 

• The Lions Club: They operate through a specific program called The Hearing Aid Project. 

• The Starkey Hearing Foundation: This manufacturer takes donated devices and fits them to individuals in need in over 100 countries. 

• The Gift of Hearing Foundation: Based in Alberta, this organization fits donated hearing aids within Canada and around the world. 

• Purinapaq: Mobility Without Borders: This Ontario-based charity refurbishes and distributes medical equipment, including hearing aids, to people with disabilities in economically distressed regions globally. They accept donations of various medical equipment. 

Donate to a Local Clinic 

Here at The Ear Depot, we gladly accept donated hearing aids from our clients and the local community. If these devices are in good condition and programmable, we refurbish them and get them to community members who cannot afford new hearing aids or do not qualify for other assistance programs. Your generous donations enable us to give back to the community we love. 

Recycle Your Older Hearing Aids 

If your old hearing aids are no longer functional or severely damaged, they might not be suitable for donation. In this case, you can bring them to your local clinic for proper disposal or locate your nearest electronic waste collection centre. Hearing aids fall under the same category as electronics like cell phones and computers and need to be disposed of properly. 

Looking to Donate Old Hearing Aids? 

I hope you’ve found these resources helpful!