Losing a hearing aid can feel like a major crisis. Suddenly, you’re thinking about all the clear communication you’re missing out on and worrying that your devices are gone for good.
But don’t worry—if your hearing aids go missing, there are four steps you can take to track them down.
Step 1: Pause and Search Your Surroundings
Before you panic, take a deep breath and scan your immediate area. Hearing aids are small, so it’s easy for them to slip off or get misplaced in everyday spots. Check under tables, in drawers, between couch cushions and inside bags or jacket pockets. Don’t forget to inspect areas where they might have fallen on the ground—look at your feet and the ground nearby first to avoid stepping on them.
Step 2: Check the Usual Lost Item Places
If you occasionally misplace keys, your phone or other essentials, retrace your steps to places where these items often reappear. Do your keys always end up on the kitchen counter? Is your phone mysteriously drawn to the couch cushions? Those familiar hiding spots could be where your hearing aids have gone, too.
Step 3: Ask Around
Ask your family and friends if they’ve seen your devices. They might have spotted your hearing aids on the counter and assumed you knew exactly where they were. It’s possible they didn’t realize you were looking for them!
Step 4: Use Your Smartphone to Help
Many hearing aids come with tracking features in their companion apps. If your devices have an app, check the “find my devices” section (the section name may change between brands). Depending on the app, one or more of the following features may be available:
- Locate the last known spot. Check where your hearing aids were last detected before they lost power.
- Track their proximity. Some apps provide real-time feedback about the distance between your phone and hearing aids, guiding you closer to your devices.
- Check their location on a map. Get an approximate idea of where they might be on a map to narrow your search zone. You can see if your devices are at home or sitting in Sycamore Park.
Still Can’t Find Your Hearing Aids? We’re Here to Help
In 2019, approximately 7.1% of U.S. adults aged 45 and up wore a hearing aid (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). For all they offer, it’s natural to feel a little frantic or worried when you lose your devices. If you’ve followed these steps and your hearing aids are nowhere to be found, don’t lose hope—contact Decibel Hearing Services for advice and options, including replacing your devices if necessary.