CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – Beltone has announced the return of its Hear2End Hunger Food Drive, an initiative that seeks to address food insecurity while raising awareness of hearing health. Throughout September, participating Beltone hearing centers nationwide will collect non-perishable food donations. In exchange, donors will be offered free hearing screenings.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss, making it the third most common chronic health condition in the U.S. Beltone introduced the Hear2End Hunger campaign in 2024, contributing thousands of food items to local food banks and pantries across the country while encouraging awareness of the connection between nutrition and hearing health.
That link has gained greater attention as food insecurity continues to rise. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 13.5% of households were food insecure at some point during 2023, an increase from 12.8% the year prior. Research has shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, folate, and zinc may play a role in protecting against age-related hearing loss and supporting auditory health.
How Nutrition Plays a Role in Hearing Health
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These anti-inflammatory and anti-aging nutrients offer numerous benefits for hearing health, potentially reducing the effects of age-related hearing loss.
- Magnesium: Essential for nerve function and blood flow, magnesium supports overall health of the auditory system and may help mitigate the effects of noise exposure.
- Potassium: By regulating fluid levels in the ears, potassium helps reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with low fluid levels.
- Folate: Important for circulation, folate promotes cell growth and helps maintain the health of ear cells and may reduce the effects of hearing loss.
- Zinc: Promotes cell growth for healthier auditory cells and strengthens the immune system to prevent infections that may cause tinnitus or hearing loss.
“Beltone was founded 85 years ago on the principle of looking out for your neighbor, and Hear2End Hunger is one of the ways we continue that tradition today. Ultimately, this initiative provides an opportunity to support those facing hunger while also encouraging individuals to take a proactive step toward their hearing health.”
–David Molella, President of Beltone North America
More information about Hear2End Hunger and participating Beltone hearing centers is available at Beltone.com.
About Beltone
Recognized by Newsweek & USA TODAY as one of America’s Best Hearing Retailers and named as one of Forbes Best Employers, Beltone has been a trusted leader in the hearing care industry for 85 years, providing reliable, affordable, and advanced hearing aids. With approximately 1,200 locations nationwide, our local offices provide personalized service, and our hearing care professionals receive extensive training to provide the best care. As part of the GN Group, Beltone focuses on the needs of our patients through innovative hearing technologies and our “Independent Together” promise to our network.
Source: Beltone
