Key Takeaways:
- If you have an old pair of hearing aids, consider donating them to an organization that helps others get access to hearing healthcare.
- Another option is to donate to a local school or clinic.
- Finally, you can also keep your old set as a back-up in case your new hearing aids need to go out for repair.
If you are considering a hearing upgrade to access newer technology, you might wonder what to do with your old hearing aids.
Many people upgrade their hearing aids before the devices are completely used up. In many cases, the upgrade unlocks new technology or an alternate style. But what do you do with a still usable device?
There are various places where you can donate your old hearing aids, and we'll explore those options below. We'll also discuss why you might consider holding on to a backup pair of hearing aids.
Donate to An Organization That Helps Those With Hearing Loss
The most common way to donate your hearing aids is by giving them directly to an organization that helps those with hearing loss. Many organizations will accept hearing aid donations, no matter the device's condition or age. Devices can be refurbished, re-programmed, and given to those in need.
Several organizations accept donations that help those needing access to quality hearing devices. These are organizations that will happily accept donations:
- The Hearing Aid Project is a model from the Hearing Charities of America (HCOA) to help low-income individuals in need of hearing aids by collecting hearing aid donations through a hearing aid bank and refurbishing the devices. HCOA partners with the University of Kansas to monitor and track all donated hearing aids throughout the United States. You can start by visiting their website and filling out the donation form. From there, you'll be directed to either drop off the device locally or mail it to them.
- The Lions Club - this organization accepts hearing aids as part of their Lions Hearing Aid Recycling Program to help those in need. There are several options to donate your hearing aids to the Lions Club. First, you can find a local Lions Club on their website, where you can drop the hearing aids off. Another option is to find a local drop-off center or community location that accepts donations. A third option is to carefully package the hearing aids and mail them to your nearest Lions Club Hearing Aid Recycling Center.
- Hear Now - the Starkey Foundation accepts donations to help those with limited resources to obtain hearing aids. You can contact [email protected] with questions. If you'd like to send your hearing aids to Starkey, you can package them up and send them to The Starkey Hearing Foundation, 6700 Washington Ave South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
Donate To A Local School Or Clinic
Another option is to donate your old hearing aid directly to a local school or clinic. Donating hearing aids to a local clinic or school can make a world of difference in the lives of those who cannot afford them.
Many schools and clinics accept hearing aid donations for students or patients who cannot afford new devices but could benefit from used ones. In addition, a local clinic may keep a small loaner or donation bank for those in need.
Tax Deductions
If you're considering donating your hearing aids and are interested in a tax deduction, keep in mind that only non-profit organizations can provide a charitable contribution letter for tax purposes. The Hearing Aid Project (listed above) is a non-profit option and would allow a tax write-off, while a local clinic is almost certainly not.
Consider a Backup Set of Hearing Aids
While there are many options for donating hearing aids, it's also a good idea to consider keeping a backup pair of hearing aids.
A backup pair of hearing aids can be incredibly beneficial if you ever need to send your primary pair out for repair.
A backup pair can provide peace of mind, as you don't have to worry about going without being able to hear when the repairs take longer than expected.
When acquiring your new hearing aids, you might ask the clinic if they can provide a loaner set of hearing aids in case you ever need to send your hearing aids in for repair. Depending on the clinic, they can sometimes accommodate this.
Conclusion
Donating your old hearing aids is an excellent way of giving back. Hearing aids are expensive, and the price can be a barrier to entry for those with more constrained finances.
However, you'll also want to consider if you have access to a pair of hearing aids in case yours have to go out for repair.
Whether you donate or keep your hearing aids as backup, you have some good options to utilize your hearing aid's final miles.
