I am no longer concerned about the factory-repair requirement for replacing fully enclosed rechargeable batteries, though YMMV.
My VA clinic does not replace rechargeable batteries, period! They send all rechargeable hearing aids back for factory repair, even the models that have battery door access for replaceable batteries. And, it is not tied to a warranty expiration date! They will factory repair any model having weak battery problems. That's a very nice benefit. Non-VA members may want try getting the batteries replaced while still under warranty?
