More than a hearing aid battery subscription
Akoio launched its hearing aid battery subscription service this month. The service assures hearing aid users never run out of power. It also saves time, effort, and money. Subscribers receive regular hearing aid battery shipments every two months at a discount of 10% — and get free shipping every time. That means no running out or having to make an emergency trip just for batteries. And that’s a game changer for hearing aid users, especially in the days of pandemic shopping.
But Akoio founder Bill Schiffmiller hopes to do more than that. He intends to change the world for people affected by hearing loss. “As someone with hearing loss,” he says, “I know the challenges, stigmas, expenses, and pains many people with hearing loss endure. I also know that when a person’s hearing is properly supported, it can enable them to enjoy and engage in life, live healthier, and accomplish the things they want to do.”
Everything about the Akoio approach reflects Bill’s vision. But of course, it all starts with the battery.
A battery that’s not only reliable, but also accessible and sustainable
Akoio offers batteries from power one. Power one leads the industry as a top-quality, environmentally conscious, and user-friendly battery with long battery life. Power one batteries are manufactured in Germany at the world’s largest hearing aid battery production facility. During production, each cell must pass several quality assurance tests. The power one production facility holds multiple international certifications including Quality Management, Environmental Management, and Energy Management.
Each battery features a stainless steel encasement with patented sealing technology. The result is stable power in a battery that resists corrosion, yet guarantees not to dry out the battery or drain it prematurely. Power one batteries also feature a unique Energy Retention System to ensure batteries work safely and reliably even after long periods of storage. Power one is a global leader in quality and battery performance.
The tabs on power one batteries are elongated to make the battery easier to hold and to make the tab easier to grasp for peeling it off the battery. After peeling the tab, power one batteries require only about 10 seconds to be activated.
Environmentally friendly, power one batteries don’t contain toxic compounds (no mercury) and are not flammable. Packaging materials use PET, a type of plastic that is easily recyclable, and cardboard certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC. FSC certification means the cardboard comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Akoio encourages recycling, too. Subscribers can toss their used batteries into recycling containers found at recycling centers, retail stores, and audiologist offices (see Call2Recycle.com for more information). And subscribers can always send them back to Akoio for proper handling and recycling.
Beyond the battery
But the battery is just the beginning. Akoio subscribers enjoy a host of additional benefits, including “How to talk about hearing loss” guides, an audiologist finder, and a database of “hearing stories” submitted by Akoio members. The growing community welcomes anyone affected by hearing loss. Thus, it includes those with hearing loss and those who help them. (For example, if you’re wondering how to start a conversation with your parent about their hearing loss, start here.)
And, you don’t have to purchase a battery subscription to become a member. Anyone can register for free and access these member benefits just by signing up. That’s especially good news for those “helpers” who may not need a battery subscription, but still want to find good information and positive connections with others affected by hearing loss. And, of course, “helpers” can buy a subscription for the person they help, and get peace of mind knowing that batteries are taken care of, even if they live far away.
A hearing aid battery subscription with a worldwide impact
When someone purchases power one hearing aid batteries from Akoio, a portion of the sale goes to the Akoio Foundation. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports hearing loss communities across the world. For example, the foundation provides hearing aids, aftercare, and other social goods to communities in the Philippines. During the recent pandemic, the foundation has provided clear-windowed masks to healthcare, audiology, and other workers.
Akoio thinks differently about hearing loss and hearing wellness. Its subscription model transforms an everyday need — buying hearing aid batteries — into an opportunity to help everyone affected by hearing loss.
So, can a hearing aid battery subscription really change the world? Of course it can. And you can help. Subscribe here.
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