At the discretion of the Audiology Head of Service a charge may not be levied for the loss/damage of the hearing aid in exceptional circumstances: e.g. benefit claimants(proof must be shown), loss or damage of the hearing aid by other professionals.
Our policy states that even if you are covered in the exclusions, if loss/damage to hearing aids is a regular occurrence, then a replacement fee may be imposed at the discretion of the health board.
Exclusions to the lost/damaged aid policy
Exclusions to the Lost/Damaged Aid Policy
- Patients with learning disabilities, severe dementia (diagnosed) or those cared for under the mental capacity act. Written evidence* may be required
- Children and young people (18 and under)
- Patients receiving means-tested benefit (the charge should be waived on proof of written evidence* of benefit)
- Victims of house theft or mugging where the hearing aid is stolen (a crime number relating to the reported theft to the police of the hearing aid or other instrument is required)
- Patients that are blind or partially sighted
- Patients with a terminal illness
- Hearing aids more than 5 years old (in this case a reassessment is indicated)
- In-patients (aids lost on the ward)