Earth Day takes place on April 22and is a globally recognized event dedicated to environmental protection. Each year, people across the world have come together to support initiatives promoting sustainability and activities that serve the planet. This Earth Day, consider how, as a hearing aid user, you may have a unique opportunity to make a sustainable impact. Consider these eco-friendly choices and practices that can be adopted by hearing aid users across the globe.
Consider Sound Pollution
Sound pollution refers to excessive and harmful levels of noise in the environment, which can disrupt wildlife and can harm hearing over time. Paying attention to personal sound pollution is an act of service to others. A person with hearing loss may keep personal devices, music and television at loud volumes, sometimes unknowingly at the detriment of others. By using hearing aids, individuals can keep their personal volume levels lower, reducing the overall noise output in their environment. This is particularly impactful in urban settings, where even slight reductions in noise can significantly decrease local sound pollution.
Switch To Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids often require frequent battery changes, but rechargeable hearing aids can be used repeatedly with simple recharging. Rechargeable hearing aids minimize waste associated with disposable batteries. They are not only convenient but reduce the number of batteries entering the waste system.
Recycle Hearing Aid Batteries
If you prefer using hearing aids that require batteries, recycling hearing aid batteries involves properly disposing of used batteries at designated recycling centers. Look for local recycling programs, such as at local grocers like California Fresh Market, that accept batteries; some hearing specialists offer recycling services or can direct you to nearby facilities. This ensures that the toxic materials in batteries are safely processed and do not end up in landfills.
Donating Old Hearing Aids
By donating your old hearing aids, organizations such as Hearing Aid Project can repurpose them for people in need. This act helps those who might not be able to get hearing aids on their own and also extends the life cycle of the devices, promoting a more sustainable use of resources. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 5% of the world’s population requires some form of rehabilitation to manage their hearing loss, and 80% of people in need of hearing aids live in low or middle-income countries. Hearing Aid Project works to provide hearing aids to those who need them in the United States.
Use Your Hearing Aids While Volunteering
Participating in Earth Day activities such as local cleanups or planting trees is more effective when you can communicate clearly with those you’re volunteering with. Hearing aids play a crucial role in these settings, ensuring that volunteers can fully engage and coordinate with others. You may not think to wear your hearing aids for activities where you might get sweaty or dirty, but with proper care routines, it’s exactly what you should do.
Making sustainable decisions regarding hearing aids contributes to a healthier planet. This Earth Day, embrace these practices for a positive environmental impact. Whether it’s by reducing sound pollution or switching to rechargeable hearing aids, your hearing specialist can help educate you on how to be a hearing aid user who supports sustainability.
To learn more, schedule an appointment with M.K. Larson Audiology today.
