Lost Your Hearing Aids? How to Find Them, Protect Them, and Avoid the Costly Replacement

Losing a Hearing Aid: More Common (and Costly) Than You Think

If you’ve ever lost a hearing aid, you know the sinking feeling that comes with it. It’s more than just losing a small piece of technology – it’s losing your connection to the world around you. For many, it’s a scary and stressful experience. are a significant investment, often costing between $3,000 and $5,000 for a pair. Not everyone can afford to replace them without serious financial strain. While many newer hearing aids come with a loss and damage warranty, there’s still a replacement copay of $200–$500 per aid. And if you’re outside of that warranty window, the cost is all on you.

That’s where insurance for hearing aids comes in. We often recommend ESCO, a Minnesota-based company that specializes in coverage for loss, damage, and repairs. We’re happy to help you connect with them and protect your investment. ESCO even allows multiple loss claims – though after the third time, they do have to draw the line!

I even asked my business neighbor and friend, Denise from State Farm, if homeowner’s insurance could be a good option for covering hearing aids. To her credit, she was completely honest – the cost would be so high that it simply wasn’t worth it. As much as she wanted my business, she told me to stick with ESCO, and I’m grateful for her integrity.

And here’s the truth – people lose their hearing aids all the time. During COVID especially, masks and daily disruptions made losing them even more common. The good news? There are steps you can take to reduce the risk before it happens – and if the worst does happen, some hearing aids have a built-in way to help you find them.

Never Lose Your Hearing Aids Again – Thanks to “Find My Hearing Aids” Features!

Did you know some hearing aid apps have a built-in “Find My Hearing Aids” tool?
It’s like a treasure map for your ears – minus the pirates.

How It Works with the Hearing Aid App

Many modern hearing aids connect to a companion smartphone app.
If your hearing aids go missing, the app can show their last known location using your phone’s GPS. This is incredibly helpful for retracing your steps – but here’s the catch:

• The app can only track location when it’s open in the background and connected to your hearing aids.
• That means you should open the app each morning and keep it running so it can log your hearing aids’ position throughout the day.
• If the app isn’t active, it can’t magically know where they wandered off to.

Real-Life “Lost & Found” Stories

Our patients have turned into mini-detectives thanks to this feature. Here are a few favorites:

• The Sneaky Couch Cushion – One gentleman’s hearing aid had “vanished.” The app led him straight to his recliner… where it was wedged deep between the seat and armrest along with some kernels’ of popcorn. He swore he’d checked there three times – apparently, the couch won the first two rounds.
• The Greenhouse Heist – A gardener misplaced her aids while potting plants. The app’s map showed the last ping inside her greenhouse. Sure enough, one aid was sitting in the soil of a tomato plant, looking like it had plans to grow roots.
• The Gym Bag Mystery – A college student thought she’d left her aids at the library. The app disagreed. It pinpointed them at the campus gym. After a quick search, she found them in the side pocket of her gym bag – mixed in with protein bars and a few dry socks.

Why It’s Worth Using

Hearing aids are small, valuable, and easy to misplace – but replacing them can be costly. This little GPS-powered trick can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

So tomorrow morning, while putting on your hearing aids, open your hearing aid app before you start your day. Think of it like buckling your seatbelt before you start your car, or putting on your watch or other jewelry on, a small habit that could save you a lot of trouble later.

And remember, combine smart habits with the right insurance coverage, and you can turn a lost-hearing-aid disaster into a minor inconvenience,  and maybe even a funny story to share.  There is nothing better than hearing or sharing a funny story!