The Impact of Hearing Aid Batteries

Did you know that an estimated 1.4 Billion hearing aid batteries enter the landfill each year? With the average hearing aid battery being replaced every 7-10 days, it’s easy to see how the numbers can add up so quickly. As more and more consumers seek out the relief provided by hearing aids, many of us continuously wonder what the actual impact of these batteries is on our environment.

The most commonly used disposable hearing aid battery is a zinc-air battery. While these batteries are generally considered non-hazardous, they can be harmful to our environment under certain circumstances and in large volume. Most of these batteries end up in a landfill, where the metals can leak into the underground water and soil. While a single battery may seem somewhat innocent, consider the number of hearing aid batteries that you personally will use in your lifetime. Now consider the fact that 3.65 million hearing aids were dispensed in the US alone in 2016.

Many companies have taken steps to help combat this issue. Several battery manufacturers have eliminated mercury from the most commonly used batteries. Additionally, there are new rechargeable devices that eliminate the need for disposable batteries altogether. Before you purchase your next carton of batteries, consider the options available to you that may help reduce the number of single-use batteries that are ultimately contributing to the negative statistics.

To help decrease the number of batteries entering our landfills here in Colorado, ADCO has set up a hearing aid battery collection point located at our store in Englewood. Stop by and drop off your depleted batteries and in return, we will not only recycle them, but our product experts will help you select the most environmentally friendly option for your lifestyle at a limited time Earth Day discount.

Please call us today for more information: 800-726-0851