The Utah Department of Health is asking people to donate used hearing aids through the Hearing Aid Recycling Program to help hearing-impaired children and their families who cannot afford to purchase new aids.
"When people donate used hearing aids we clean, test and, if necessary, repair them," said Katie Denter, community health technician with Hearing, Speech and Vision Services. Audiologists then fit the devices on hearing-impaired children. Qualified children 18 and under who are financially needy receive the aids at no charge.
To donate hearing aids or to qualify for used ones, call Denter at 584-8218 or write to Hearing, Speech and Vision Services, 44 N. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84113. People outside the Salt Lake Valley can call 1-800-826-9662 and ask the receptionist for Hearing, Speech and Vision Services. Donors will receive a self-addressed, stamped packing envelope in which to return the device. Included in the package is a letter from the department acknowledging the contribution, which can be considered a tax-deductible charitable contribution.