Hearing Aids and Sustainability

This blog post has been reviewed and approved by a hearing care professional.

Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Purchasing rechargeable hearing aids is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. They have a greater environmental impact compared to those that use disposable batteries. Signia’s rechargeable hearing aids, for example, have 65% less of an environmental impact. They save the average user more than 100 batteries each year. When you add up the difference over the entire lifecycle of each type of hearing aid, it becomes significant. You can read more about the comparison of batteries here.
Hearing Aid Manufacturers Going Green

Not only is Signia making strides when going green, but Widex has been recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 2011 as one of 15 companies that is harnessing wind technology as a primary energy source for its headquarters and production.

 

Their eco-friendly headquarters in Denmark combines the use of renewable energy from their own wind power, groundwater system, solar cells and rainwater collection to maintain their groundwater aquifer, all of which not only covers Widex’ own energy consumption, but also delivers a surplus of energy back to the power grid.

 

Widex has also signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and is committed to the UN’s Ten Principles. The Ten Principles cover fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
What You Can Do To Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Here are some of our favourite ways that you can help reduce your environmental impact along your hearing health journey:


  • Consider purchasing rechargeable hearing aids, so you don’t have to use disposable hearing aid batteries.

  • Purchase hearing aids from a manufacturer that is going green and working to reduce their impact like Widex and Signia. 

  • Recycle used hearing aid batteries: This is a great hassle-free way to dispose of used hearing aid batteries. You can recycle the batteries at your next appointment. We ask that you just call ahead to make sure your centre participates in this program. You can also drop them off at an electronics recycler near you.

  • Donate old hearing aids: some hearing aids may be donated to fit individuals who are experiencing hearing loss and can’t afford to purchase hearing aids. Some of our centres accept hearing aid donations which are sent to non-profit organizations. Is this actually a thing?

  • Get custom earplugs rather than using disposable earplugs: custom earplugs are designed and made out of material that can be worn for many years unlike disposable ones which are only designed to be used once.

The Takeaway
Going green can be easier than one may think when it comes to your hearing health. We encourage you to visit www.earthday.org and join us by finding ways to change your daily living which will have a positive environmental impact. We look forward to helping our clients make sustainable, eco-friendly decisions when coming into our local hearing centres.

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