Yes, I also have severe hearing loss from time served in Vietnam loading naval cannons aboard a ship (without being provided hearing protection by the Navy). The Agent Orange exposure gifted me with Ishemic Heart Disease, Hypothyroidism, and Parkinsons Disease.

I also had a new hearing test last Monday and was told by the doctor that my hearing was even worse than before! (I already knew that before she told me.) Now new, even better hearing aids are ordered. She also did molds of my ear canals to have them made into yhe new hearing aids instead of using the little rubber deals usually provided to me over the past 15 years. I need to go pick them up in one month. Hopefully that will help me hear a little better.
Yes, your comment about dropping the batteries to find a place in never, never land is one I share as well. I usually figure out months later where the batteries are when the furniture or the refrigerator needs to be moved to clean under them. No cat is involved!
Barry