Hearing Aid Wearers Can Be Green

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Earth Day was upon us recently, April 22nd to be exact, and, once again, we can all use a reminder to look at our lives to find ways to protect our planet. And that includes hearing aid wearers. What can you do to Go Green this year?

1. Buy mercury-free hearing aid batteries.
Mercury is a heavy metal. And when you toss your hearing aid batteries into the trash, eventually - maybe years from now - that mercury is going to work its way into our water supply.

The trend in hearing aid batteries is mercury free. Years of extensive research and development have gone into manufacturing these green hearing aid batteries. Now is the time for you to give them a try.

2. Buy batteries in simple packaging.
You buy a package of some hearing aid batteries and there's a cardboard backing or box, shrink wrap, then a plastic shield, then safety, tamper-proof seals and on and on. By the time you actually get to the batteries you have a pile of trash littering the kitchen table.
When you buy hearing aid batteries - or any consumer product - look for the least amount of waste in packaging.

3. DON'T buy disposable hearing aids.
These low-cost hearing aids have been shown in research to not be worth your time or pennies. In fact, research has shown they may be harmful to the hearing you have left.

4. Donate your old hearing aids.
Most behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids can be donated to others who experience hearing loss and are unable to afford purchasing hearing aids. Contact the Lions Club in your community for more information on donating used hearing aids.

5. Consider a rechargeable hearing aid.
Multiple hearing aid manufacturers are now selling rechargeable hearing aids. Instead of swapping out the battery, the hearing aids actually come with a recharger that allows them to be charged each morning you put them in. Not only do you save money on batteries, you leave the house each morning knowing your hearing aids are fully loaded.

6. Buy quality, permanent hearing protection.
Foam ear protection serves a good purpose, however, they are typically a one-time-use deal. Instead of continuing to throw them in the trash, consider purchasing permanent custom hearing protection - something that will last many years and provide a higher degree of protection and a better listening experience.

7. Take care of your hearing aids.
If you take care of those expensive little ear aids you won't have to replace them as often. Now, that's not only good for the green in your wallet, it's good for a greener planet.

Take your ears and hearing aids in for a regular tune up. Visit your hearing health professional at least once a year so adjustments can be made to improve your listening experience as your hearing changes.

So, although Earth Day has come and gone, take a moment to look through your life to find ways to use less and recycle more. Each day can be Earth day to ensure a greener tomorrow.