Steps to take to replace your hearing aids:

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your hearing aids during the recent Pacific Palisades fire. The fires have caused significant devastation in the area, destroying numerous homes and personal belongings.

1. Contact Your Audiologist: Reach out to the audiologist or hearing aid provider who supplied your original devices. They may have your audiogram and device specifications on file, which can expedite the replacement process.
2. Check Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to determine if it covers the loss of medical devices like hearing aids. If so, file a claim promptly.
3. Check Manufacture's Warranty: Review your equipment or hearing aid warranty from the specific manufacturer. In many cases replacement through the device warranty is faster than the homeowner's policy.
4. Seek Financial Assistance: Given the widespread impact of the fires, local and national organizations may offer aid to those affected. Consider contacting:
   • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Provides disaster assistance; apply online or call 1-800-621-3362.
   • American Red Cross: Offers support for immediate needs; visit their website or call your local chapter.
   • Local Charities and Nonprofits: Organizations in the Los Angeles area may have programs to assist with medical device replacements.
5. Explore Manufacturer Programs: Some hearing aid manufacturers have programs to assist individuals who have lost devices due to natural disasters. Contact the manufacturer of your hearing aids to inquire about available options. Please refer to 'Resources' page for additional information on individual manufacturers.
6. Schedule a Hearing Evaluation: If your audiologist's records were lost or if you obtained your hearing aids elsewhere, schedule a new hearing evaluation to determine your current hearing needs and get fitted for replacement devices.

Additional Considerations:

• Hearing Assistive Listening and Alerting Technology: CHC Website for listening Technology
• Iphone Live Captions: To turn on live captions go to your iphone settings; then tap on accessibility; live captions; and then you turn on the live caption button.
• Android Live Captions: Some Android phones (such as Google Pixel) have the live caption feature. Check your phone's settings under accessibility to locate and activate it. Here is a quick VIDEO if you would like to see how to turn it on.
  
• Temporary Solutions: In the interim for amplification try using:
  • Pocket Talker
  • Airpods
    
  • Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are available over-the-counter and can provide basic amplification. While not a substitute for prescription hearing aids, they may offer some assistance until replacements are obtained.
• Stay Informed: Local news outlets and community organizations often provide updates on resources available to fire victims. For instance, the Los Angeles Fire Department and local government websites may have information on assistance programs.
• Protect Important Documents: Once you acquire new hearing aids, store copies of your audiogram, device details, and purchase receipts in a secure, easily accessible location to facilitate future replacements if necessary.

If you need further assistance or information on specific resources, feel free to ask.