We all know that proper hearing health care has the power to change the way we communicate, engage, and move through the world, but have you ever stopped to think about the ecological impact it has on our planet?
It’s estimated that more than 5 million hearing aids are dispensed in the United States each year. When you widen the scope globally, that number tops 20 million. Though life-changing, these plastic and metal devices can become a resource burden when they make their way into trash bins and landfills. That is why the Hearing Aid Project is proud to change lives while also helping protect Planet Earth.
The Hearing Aid Project (HAP) is just one of many organizations nationwide that collect medical devices for reuse and responsible recycling. Through initiatives like ours, hearing aids can be completely sterilized and reconditioned to serve individuals and families in the United States and beyond who may not otherwise be able to afford adequate hearing care. For hearing aids that cannot be reasonably reused, we partner with local electronic recycling centers, as well as hearing aid manufacturers, to ethically dispose of waste. This electronic “scrap” often provides nonprofits like the Hearing Aid Project with reimbursement funds that can then be reinvested into programs to further support clients.
In 2025, thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners, and clubs, HAP and its parent organization, Sertoma International, were able to responsibly recycle and repurpose an incredible amount of hearing-related equipment:
• Over 37,000 hearing aids
• 2,632 pounds of hearing aid–related electronic items
• Nearly 100 pounds of tiny hearing aid batteries
Through our program, all hearing aids less than five years old are carefully sorted and donated for reuse, helping bring improved hearing to those who need it most. We also collect hearing aid accessories, unopened cleaning supplies, and unexpired batteries to put into the hands of the individuals we serve, program providers, and HAP partners. We proudly serve clients throughout the United States and partner with charitable organizations on medical mission trips around the globe.
Sertoma International is not the only organization undertaking recycling initiatives like the Hearing Aid Project. Lions International is well known for its efforts to recycle and refurbish eyeglasses. MedShare partners with hospitals and manufacturers to collect and redistribute high-quality surplus medical supplies to underserved communities around the world. TerraCycle works with Colgate to ethically recycle oral care products and packaging. Together, organizations like these are reducing waste, promoting reuse, and creating meaningful impact—one individual, one nonprofit, and one donation at a time.
Ready to donate your old hearing aids or accessories? Have batteries that no longer work with your current device or cleaning supplies you no longer need? We would love to have them! You can learn more about making your donation here, or simply ship your tax-deductible donation to the Hearing Aid Project at 20 W. 14th Ave., Suite 135, North Kansas City, MO 64116.
For more information about HAP, including how your audiologist can sign up for the program and how to apply for hearing aids, visit HearingAidDonations.org.