I found a hearing aid on a recent trip. I’d like to return it. It looks like it got stepped on a few times, but squeals when I installed a fresh battery and cupped it in my hands, so I think it still works. NO I ain’t sticking the nasty thing in MY ear!
Do the manufacturers keep records of who bought what serial number?
Googling reveals only that it cost somebody $1-2000. No “lost hearing aid” ads anywhere within several states of where I found it. Speaking of which, “lost” comes up a LOT in conjunction with hearing aids…as in “I lost my hearing, so I got a hearing aid”.
The manufacturer (Rexton) only offers contact information for purchase quirys. (locate your nearest dealer). I emailed a couple of dealers to see if they knew anything, but no replys.
I did locate some folks who accept donated hearing aids and dispense them to the poor, so I know what to do with it if I can’t find the owner.
ETA: I found this outdoors, a long way from anywhere. There is no obvious place to turn it over to for “lost and found”. I did place a craigslist ad.
I found it at a scenic overlook pullout (Opher Loop) on Colorado State Hwy. 145, About 20 miles South of Telluride.
Update: I did hear back from one of my inquirys. Rexton says it was recently dispensed by the Costco in Prescott, AZ, but that is all the information HIPPA will allow. They said send it to Rexton, who will send it to Costco, who will send it to patient. Sounds like a 2 week process, and robs me of the satisfaction of KNOWING the owner got it back. (that is the only reward I want)
I contacted Costco-Prescott, and they say they can’t even pass MY contact info to the patient, but if I send it to them, yada, yada. That is one step closer, but I want to give it a day or two and see if I can do any better.
Aren’t you being a bit controlling about this? Just send it to Costco and assume they’ll do the right thing. There’s a good possibility that the loss was covered by insurance, so either way you’ve done what’s right. Be satisfied by your good deed, you don’t need someone elses validation.
