A.W. Lymn urges other funeral directors to recycle hearing aids
This comes as around 1.5 million NHS and private hearing aids, which could still be in working condition, are thrown away each year in the UK alone
A.W. Lymn has urged other funeral firms to recycle hearing aids by sending them to developing countries, after the East Midlands company has been working with Hearing Aid Recycling.
The independent company has been collaborating with the organisation for almost two years with the aim of reducing the number of working hearing aids thrown away. So far, the partnership has collected more than 50 hearing aids over the last year.
According to the World Health Organization, 430 million people need rehabilitation to address disabling hearing loss – of which almost 80% live in low and middle-income countries.
This comes as around 1.5 million NHS and private hearing aids, which could still be in working condition, are thrown away each year in the UK alone.
Families who use A.W. Lymn’s services are given the option to donate any hearing aids that are no longer in use. The company positions a donation box on the front desk of each of its 27 branches that is then collected regularly by Hearing Aid Recycling.
The hearing aids are then re-purposed, whether it be through reprogramming or responsible recycling which means certain components can be reused in other hearing aids where possible.
Matthew Lymn Rose, managing director of A.W. Lymn, said: “As a family business, helping others is something that has and always will be at the core of everything we do. While our branches are across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, we remain acutely aware of the issues facing others across the globe and will continue to take opportunities to support those most in need.
“We’d encourage other funeral directors to support this very worthy cause and not only help those in need of hearing aids but also make a contribution towards reducing waste and its impact on our environment.”
Zoe Fawcett-Eustace, founder of Hearing Aid Recycling, added: “Working with A.W. Lymn has been a complete pleasure and allowed us to have great geographical cover collecting in the East Midlands.
“Donations like these allow us to continue supporting people at all stages of hearing loss and ensure fewer hearing aids are thrown away.”
