A new PITA for hearing aids...

[Bkeepr]

Turns out a new law went into effect that means hearing aid batteries have to be sold in child-proof containers now. My audiologist warned me about it in advance, said she'd gotten a bunch of hostility because of it and wanted to warn me.

I just got my first shipment of new batteries-- you have to use scissors or a knife to cut each individual (tiny!) battery out of its package. I guess I understand the worry because some kids have been swallow the button batteries, but it seems to me I'm now far more likely to drop one on the floor and not find it than I was with the old packaging...and I don't have any kids crawling around here.

Besides, most of the button batteries that kids are swallowing are coming out of their own toys, not some old timer's hearing aids. It's just another bad government solution to an admittedly real problem.

[PHPaul]

Are these VA-provided hearing aids? If so, see about upgrading to rechargeable units. Makes changing batteries a thing of the past. I don't think I'd be willing to deal with changing batteries all the time.

[Bkeepr]

Yes, VA provided. I have 2 buddies here with VA hearing aids and both of them got rechargeables, while I stayed with the disposable batteries. They’ve both had problems with theirs, but so far mine have been problem-free. So I take it you like your rechargeables? If so, then maybe I will try them for next time.

[PHPaul]

LOVE 'em! Had a minor charging problems about a year in, replaced and no problems since. Pop 'em in the charger at bed time, good for the next day. No muss, no fuss. Mine are Phonaks.

[Bkeepr]

Sounds good-- I have a couple of years before I need replacements, but I will definitely look into these next time. My current ones are Phonaks, too, and I'm very happy with the aids themselves.

[GeneMO]

I have had the Phonak brand, rechargeable ones for about 5 years now. Right before the 3 year warranty ran out, the Audiologist office called and had me bring them in for an update, new batteries, cleaning etc. So far so good.

Gene

[PHPaul]

Well, poop, I had to go and run my big mouth...

My right hearing aid just died, which is both good and bad: My left ear is MUCH worse, but the right aid is the "master" and the one that connects to anything bluetooth.

Working to get ahold of the VA and get them returned for service.

[Bkeepr]

Sorry to hear about the trouble. I hope by now you have the VA engaged. I hope you have an old set to use as a spare.

[PHPaul]

Sorry to hear about the trouble. I hope by now you have the VA engaged. I hope you have an old set to use as a spare.

Sadly, no. The local VA clinic will send me a postage-paid package, they'll get mailed to Denver for repair or replacement and Denver will mail them back. I'll be without for 10 days or 2 weeks.

I can still hear reasonably well as long as I'm close to the person speaking. Only serious drawback is the tinnitus gets really noticeable. With the aids, I pretty much forget it's there.

[Bkeepr]

Paul, check your email….