Beltone Kicks Off Second Annual ‘Hear2End Hunger’ Food Drive to Support Community Food Banks Nationwide, Promote Hearing Health Awareness

September 04, 2025

Throughout September, participating Beltone hearing centers across the country will collect food donations in exchange for free hearing screenings

CHICAGO – For the second year in a row, leading hearing care provider Beltone is launching its Hear2End Hunger Food Drive – an initiative aimed at reducing food insecurity and increasing access to hearing health resources in communities across the country. From now through Sept. 30, participating Beltone hearing centers will serve as drop-off sites for non-perishable food donations and offer free hearing screenings to those who donate.

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the U.S., with the World Health Organization estimating that approximately 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. Launched in 2024, the Hear2End Hunger campaign reflects Beltone’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities. Last year, the initiative contributed thousands of food items to local food banks and pantries nationwide while raising awareness around the important connection between nutrition and hearing health.

That connection is made even more pressing by the U.S.’s rising levels of food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2023 – a jump from 2022’s 12.8%. What’s more, studies have found that nutrition plays a key role in the development and prevention of age-related hearing loss, underscoring the importance of food access and routine hearing care.

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,” said David Molella, President of Beltone North America. “Ultimately, this initiative provides an opportunity to support those facing hunger while also encouraging individuals to take a proactive step toward their hearing health.”

Learn more about Hear2End Hunger and participating Beltone hearing centers.

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For more information, please contact:
Press and the media
Lauren Dickerson
Public Relations Specialist
ldickerson@beltone.com
224-382-1561

About Beltone

For more than 80 years, Beltone has been one of the nation’s most trusted and leading hearing care provider. In addition to providing some of the most reliable, affordable, and advanced hearing aids, we also pride ourselves on serving as a partner to our patients every step of the way during their hearing health journey. With Beltone locations nationwide, each office is a local business part of the community it serves and the hearing care professional and staff at your local Beltone will get to know you to provide a personalized experience during your journey to better hearing. And with a nationwide network, you can expect this level of personalized service wherever you go. Our Beltone hearing care professionals receive extensive training and education, so they are always equipped with the latest knowledge to bring you the best care. Proudly part of the GN Group, Beltone continues to focus on the needs of our patients through the research and development of innovative new hearing technologies to allow you to hear what truly matters the most. To learn more, please visit us at www.beltone.com and on LinkedIn.