Q: What's the difference between losing your glasses and losing your hearing aids?

A: You don't need your hearing aids to find them!

Jokes aside, hearing aids are a substantial investment both in terms of your time and money, and great care is needed wearing and storing your hearing aids.

As hearing aids are small, worn many hours per day while you're out and about and the majority are neutral in colour, there is a reasonable risk of losing, damaging or misplacing them.

Watch out!

The most common causes of lost or permanently damaged hearing aids, based on replacement hearing aids we've fitted in recent years are:

• Storing them loose in a bag or pocket
• Swimming or showering with them on
• Pets or children playing with them
• Putting them through the washing machine
• Misplacing your hearing aids when traveling, particularly on the plane
• Theft, mostly when stored in handbags and in your car

What are your options when you lose your hearing aids?

Replacing a lost hearing aid is of paramount importance, as most people with a hearing loss struggle without amplification, particularly in social, family and work situations. The good news is that when your hearing aid is lost or permanently damaged, there are a number of options available to you.

If your hearing aids were fitted under the Government's Hearing Services Program (you hold a Pension or Veterans card), then the Government will contribute towards replacement hearing aids. The Government requires that you complete a Statutory Declaration, detailing how your hearing aids were lost.

If your hearing aids are fully subsidised by the Government, there is only a small $30 fee for the replacement hearing aids, regardless of the style (i.e. behind the ear, custom in the ear).

If your hearing aids are top-up hearing aids, that is you paid an additional amount above the Government subsidy for more advanced features, then there will be a higher fee to replace your top-hearing aids, which will vary based on the amount you initially paid and when you lost your hearing aids.

Check your warranties

Most manufacturers include a Loss & Damage Warranty with their hearing aids. This warranty covers accidental loss and damage within 12-months of first fitting. There is an excess payable, which varies by manufacturer, but usually substantially less than the original hearing aid cost.

There are, however, some limitations and exclusions when claiming under the manufacturer's Loss & Damage Warranty as follows:

• Limited to one claim per hearing aid, that is, once you make a successful claim your warranty for that hearing aid is exhausted
• Statutory Declaration is required
• You must be a resident of Australia
• Excludes loss and damage which occurs outside of Australia - that's where travel insurance is highly recommended!
• Cannot claim where your hearing aids are covered under an alternate insurance policy
• Excludes damage or loss arising from improper use or handling

How to reduce the risk of losing or damaging your hearing aids?

To ensure you get the most from your investment in hearing aids and ensure their safe-keeping, here are a few tips form our experts:

• After 12-months from initial fitting (assuming your hearing aids include the manufacturer's 12-month Loss & Damage Warranty), insure your hearing aids under your home contents policy. You may need to declare them as a specified item because of their high value and because you will be taking them out of your house.


• When travelling domestically or overseas, always take out travel insurance and ensure the policy covers your hearing aids - most travel policies are reasonably priced.


• When not wearing your hearing aids, store them in the case provided - don't put them in your pocket, leave them loose in your bag... and please don't wrap them in a tissue, as many people tend to throw out tissues before checking the contents!


• Keep your hearing aids in the same place each night when you go to sleep - on the charger is ideal for those with rechargeable hearing aids. Also consider placing them on a high shelf, away from pets and curious children.


• Don't leave your hearing aids unattended in your car.


• Avoid getting your hearing aids wet - no swimming, showering or bathing with your hearing aids on.

Can I replace my hearing aids at HEARING SAVERS?

Absolutely! We'd be delighted to ensure you get the very best prices on the latest hearing aids even if you were originally fitted by another hearing clinic or you're replacing your lost hearing aids with the exact same model.

Contact us on 1800 00 4327 to discuss your options.