FAQs About Repairing Hearing Aids

Even with the utmost care, sometimes accidents happen and things break. This includes hearing aids. More often than not, minor repairs can be made at home or by your audiologist. Here are some frequently asked questions about repairing hearing aids.

Are hearing aid repairs possible?

It depends on the damage to the hearing aids. Most minor problems can be addressed by your audiologist or possibly at home. Before you panic, run through some checks at home to see if you can find the cause. Clean your hearing aids well, check the battery case and any tubing for cracks, make sure your batteries are inserted properly and are new. Check all volume controls and move them back and forth to dislodge any debris.

Can damaged hearing aid parts be replaced?

The simple answer is yes, but it depends upon the part and the degree of damage. Sometimes after a couple of years of wear the receiver may need replacement. Cracked battery case doors are easily replaced. If the damage was caused by exposure to moisture, repairs might be possible. Cracked hearing aids, a broken microphone or a short in a wire may be repaired or replaced by the manufacturer.

What about my hearing device warranty?

If your hearing aids are less than two years old and under warranty, there’s a very good chance they can be repaired or replaced. The same may be true if you have an extended warranty. However, the age of your hearing aids and the nature of the damage determine whether a warranty applies.

Is it worth the cost?

It depends on the age of your hearing aids and the nature of the damage. Repairs to hearing aids that were stepped on or soaked in water may not even be possible or worth it. If your hearing aids are five years old or older, technological advances coupled with any changes in your hearing may mean it’s not worth repairing your hearing aids. That’s an evaluation you can make with your audiologist. Also if the repair total approaches or is more than the cost of new hearing aids, repairs are impractical.

How much will it cost?

If your hearing aids are out of warranty, the most common repairs may cost between $300-600 dollars. Usually, the repair lab or manufacturer will offer a one-year warranty on repair work. Simple repairs that can be done at your audiologist’s office, such as a deep cleaning or tube replacement may have minor charges or be free of charge.

It’s important to inspect your hearing aids during your daily cleaning. If you notice any small changes in performance it’s possible some minor troubleshooting can fix the issue before it becomes a big problem. This includes low volume, whistling, distortion or no power. Often there’s a simple fix. If you see visible signs of damage to your hearing aids, see your audiologist to determine the best course of action.