Any ideas? what happens if I lose my hearing aids while traveling

Happened to my stepfather. His (Canadian) insurance paid for the replacement once he was back home.

I'd guess Europeans have hearing aids, too. Can you buy one there in an emergency? What would you do if you lost one in the US? Perhaps you can buy travel insurance that would cover such a loss, if your regular insurance will not cover. It seems you'd want to check with your insurer.

Flygirl, I have no idea. But maybe you could ask the doctor who wrote the prescription for your hearing aids. Perhaps they would have some words of wisdom for you.

flygirl, I'd say, do as I do with my glasses: guard them like they're the most valuable thing you own! (I can't see the big E on the chart so I really don't want to lose my glasses!) I have on occasion taken a back-up pair but it's my old Rx so my vision isn't nearly as good. Have you ever lost one before or gotten one wet before? (Our grandson has over the years but he's 7 so that's to be expected.)

This is the problem with written communication. It is easy to misunderstand a question or the responses. If you give the benefit of the doubt to flygirl - that is, that she wasn't asking a silly question - then I think the question probably could have been stated: If I lose my hearing aid while in Europe, how difficult will it be to get a replacement over there? What would be required? A doctor visit? A prescription? Any idea on what it might cost? Would it be better to have one sent from the U.S.? Are there any differences between the type of hearing aids available in the U.S.? Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation? That is the way I read the post. Why interpret it as if the person is asking a pointless question?

How are you anticipating one getting wet? Weather? Bathroom sink accident? Is it a typical problem for you at home? Be Vigilant about how you take care of them in your room - ALWAYS put them in the same place, preferably in their case (if you don't do that already). Make it a ritual that you put them away in a safe place in each hotel you stay in - I always bring something like this for keeping my stuff corralled: http://www.magellans.com/store/Packing_Organizers___AccessoriesLP457 My father-in-law had the very bad habit of taking his out while wandering around Paris; he'd stick them in his camera case (where there was a tiny open space just big enough for his hearing aid to slip out...) and stick that in his usually unzipped backpack <<grrr>>. (he DID wear a moneybelt!) While shopping at a photo/souvenir store for a memory card for his camera, his hearing aid slipped out of the camera case. He discovered this 2 hours later while at the Cluny...we high-tailed it back to the camera store...a customer had found it on the floor and given it to the store owner. LUCKY. Thousands of dollars lucky. Don't think he took them out again... Talk to your doctor about contigency plans - are your hearing aids even available in Europe? Does he/she have any suggestions?

I too would be miserable without mine, but getting a backup just isn't feasible. There are a number of ways to get a hearing aid wet (forgetting to take it off before jumping in the shower is a popular one) and they don't cope with moisture well. If you have the behind-the-ear type, my audiologist gave me a mini-repair kit that had replacement tubing and a small brush for cleaning/drying, which might help in a pinch. Depending on your system for keeping track of them at home, you might want to have a special case you keep them in when sleeping. Don't take them out during the day if you can help it. Overall, the best defense is a good offense, and I try to be super conscientious while traveling to protect the hearing aid. Given that hearing aids have to be fitted to your ear, it's not very likely that you are going to be able to easily buy a replacement while in Europe.

If you are seriously this worried about losing or damaging one of your hearing aids, I recommend you go to RadioShack in person or on line and purchase an old fashioned amplifier. It fits in the palm of your hand or a shirt pocket and works exceptionally well. About $30. It works and will relieve anxiety about not being able to hear. (I agree with Liz. It seems unlikely you would have the time to be tested and fitted for a replacement while traveling.) Have a great time!

I go to Europe every summer with my hearing aids. I ware them all day long and put them into a small, hard sided box that came with them whenever I take them out, like at night.
Before I was smart enough to get my hearing aids (my wife's continued suggestions) I use to use a small amplifier with ear phones. I found it online. I would just put it on the table when we were eating or hold it in my hand when listening to a group (RS tour). I keep that as a back up just in case. I also take plenty of batteries (best price I found is at Costco) and additional ear pads. Just be careful and don't worry about it too much. I sure waited too long to get hearing aids.

Oh, shucks. Somebody deleted the snarky comments. How disappointing.

I think Athena might be onto something. I know they can be quite expensive so packing a backup pair is probably unrealistic. Bringing a temporary substitute as an affordable backup may be the best idea. This question reminds me of people who ask about jewelry. Things get lost when you travel, it's unwise to assume you won't misplace anything during your trip. Unlike jewelry, you can't really opt to leave your hearing aids at home.