How To Donate Your Hearing Aids
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 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.
