Hearing aid wearers consider their hearing aids to be as much a part of their bodies as a pair of prescription glasses. Unfortunately, losing one can be as common as misplacing a pair of glasses. Although frustrating, by approaching the situation calmly and methodically, you can effectively address the loss of your hearing aid with the attention it deserves, minimising stress and facilitating a resolution.
To help you act fast and minimise disruption, here are useful tips on what to do if you lose your hearing aid.
If you misplace your hearing aid, the best thing to do is to retrace your steps to try to recall any useful clues that might lead you to your lost device. This could mean going back to any of the places or locations you visited throughout the day or repeating any actions or movements you took.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, hearing experts suggest waiting a few days before buying a replacement hearing aid, as the lost device may still be found. In the meantime, try using an app or tracker if your device supports it. Some modern hearing aids, particularly Bluetooth-enabled models, can be located via a smartphone app that displays their last known location.
Hearing aid insurance can also protect you in the event of theft or loss of the device. If your hearing aid is insured, you may request a new one from the centre where you purchased it. To initiate this process, you'll need to provide certain documentation, such as the police report detailing the incident, the documentation related to the device's insurance and your ID.
If you’re unable to find your lost hearing aid after checking all the usual places, the next step is to contact your audiologist or hearing care professional. They can guide you through the process of replacing your device and may even provide a temporary hearing aid replacement to ensure you’re not left without support. Audiologists can also check whether your device is covered by warranty or insurance, and help you explore options for upgrading to newer technology if needed. Reaching out to your trusted specialist ensures that your hearing health remains a priority, even after the inconvenience of losing a hearing aid.