Donate used hearing aids in Palm Beach County

The Hearing Aid Bank, a program of the Deaf Service Center of Palm Beach County, provides used and recycled hearing aids free to those in financial need.

Many people have the misconception that hearing aids cannot be re-used. That is basically true and there are three good reasons why a person should not use another’s hearing aid (1) sanitary issues; (2) everyone’s prescription is different and using the wrong prescription could possibly be damaging; and (3) it would be very uncomfortable since the shape of the portion that fits in the ear canal is customized to each person’s ear.

But, the donation of used hearing aids to the Hearing Aid Bank provides individuals in financial need with the opportunity to hear again. The Hearing Aid Bank refurbishes behind-the-ear style of hearing aid because the portion that goes in the ear is removed and a new “mold” is custom made for the new user, for a very nominal fee. If the hearing aid uses newer technology and is “programmable,” it can be changed appropriately for the new user.

The donations of used hearing aids that cannot be refurbished are still very important. They are returned to the manufacturers where parts are salvaged and the Hearing Aid Bank receives a credit towards repairs of broken hearing aids for the Hearing Aid Bank patients.

The person who donates a used hearing aid can use it as a tax deduction, and the individual who cannot afford to purchase a new hearing aid, receives one specifically tailored to their needs.

Help the Hearing Aid Bank at the Deaf Service Center provide a better quality of life for those who are disadvantaged. In Delray Beach, call 561-278-6444.

The Deaf Service Center is a Town of Palm Beach United Way, Community Foundation of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, and United Way of Palm Beach County community partner.

From Sun-Sentinel.com

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  4. BAHAs help to overcome single-sided deafness

3 comments
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  1. Ana Gomes on April 1st 2009 at 10:45 pm :

    Sou uma jovem mãe solteira, de 35 anos praticamente surda do lado direito. Tenho imensas dificuldades financeiras e nunca vou poder comprar uma protese auditiva. Como poderei candidatar-me para ter uma protese gratuitamente?
    Gostaria que me ajudassem pois estou a ficar surda tambem do lado esquerdo.Gostava de saber se existe esse banco de proteses auditivas gratuitas cá em portugal.
    agradecia resposta a este comentario.
    muito obrigado

  2. Bonniesmom on December 6th 2009 at 12:38 am :

    How does one apply to receive a pair of these hearing aids? My daughter is nearly deaf because of an acoustic schwanoma surgery in 1999. Her BCBS insurance will not cover hearing aids, and she is in dire need. If anyone knows where the donated aids end up or are distributed from, please email me asap. Thanks!
    –desperate momma

  3. Steve on December 8th 2009 at 1:03 pm :

    Hi Bonniesmom,

    Have you tried the contact phone number in the article? Might also be worth contacting the Sun Sentinel as they posted the article originally.

    You could also look at Hearing Aid Market. There’s a link to it at the top of the sidebar on this page or top-left on the home-page.

    Good luck,
    Steve.

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