What to Do if You Lose a Hearing Aid
Once they’re part of our routine, hearing aids become valuable tools that we can’t live without.
Yet even if we’re careful, we may accidentally lose or damage them. What should we do if this happens?
First, be aware that your hearing aids may be partly or fully covered by your home insurance, even if you haven’t declared them. They might be included in the clauses insuring your other assets. However, you should notify your insurer and ask about coverage as soon as you get your hearing aids.
For peace of mind, you may also wish to take out more complete coverage if it is available. If you do so, you can report lost or damaged hearing aids as you would any other claim. Your insurer may ask you to provide a document showing your hearing aids’ replacement value. Your audioprosthetist can provide this document.
Once you have talked to your insurer, you can make an appointment with your audioprosthetist, who will help you choose your replacement hearing aids. Take the time to analyze the various options available, as it may be a good idea to choose a new model that has entered the market rather than the model you had before.
Prevention Is Better than Cure
By following the few tips listed below, you can minimize the risk of losing or damaging your hearing aids.
- Beware of pets. A whistling hearing aid on the corner of the table can be very appealing to a dog or cat, whose sharp hearing can detect the whistle from surprisingly far away.
- Make sure to properly insert your hearing aids in your ears. If they’re not inserted correctly, they may dislodge and fall out more easily.
- Avoid removing and reinserting your hearing aids too often during the day. If you need to remove your hearing aids while you’re away from home, put them in the case provided by your audioprosthetist, and place it in your pocket or purse. Avoid putting them in a tissue, which may be accidentally thrown away.
- At home, always store your hearing aids at the same place as soon as you remove them. A hard-sided container like the helps protect your hearing aids against moisture while also preventing you from losing them.
Did you know that some hearing aids with direct smartphone connectivity can locate the last place they connected to your phone? This makes it easier to find them if they’re lost.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk to an audioprosthetist.
Don't forget!
An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient's needs.