Hearing Aid Repair FAQs

Even with daily cleaning and care, hearing aids sometimes need repair. Depending upon the problem, some repairs can be made at home or at your audiologist’s office. More serious repairs may need to be sent to the manufacturer.

What can you do at home?

There are a number of things you can do to troubleshoot hearing aid problems. Often, one of these simple steps may solve the problem.

If the issue involves no sound or distorted sound, first replace your batteries. If that doesn’t work, check to make sure the batteries are situated correctly in the compartment and that the battery door is completely closed. You can also clean the battery contacts with a cotton swab and some isopropyl alcohol.

Sometimes the on/off switch or the volume control is dirty. Use the equipment supplied with your hearing aids to brush the dials and then move them up and down to loosen any debris.

If you hear squealing or have feedback, remove and reinsert your hearing aids. An improper fit can sometimes mimic a more serious problem.

What if you can’t fix the problem?

If the above actions don’t help, it’s time to do a thorough inspection of your hearing aids for any cracks, tube blockages or wax build-up. These are issues that are best taken to your audiologist. The office can replace damaged battery doors, change ear tubing, and professionally clean your units.

Unfortunately, some repairs can’t be made in office. In that case, your units will be shipped back to the manufacturer for repair. Talk to your audiologist about any possible loaner hearing aids or using an old pair you have at home.

How much do hearing aid repairs cost?

The cost of hearing aid repairs depends on a number of things. If your hearing aids are under warranty, there may be a nominal fee, or no cost at all for repairs. However, the type of damage also plays a role in the cost. Cracked cases can be expensive to repair, and custom-molded hearing aids may have to be replaced instead of fixed.

If the warranty has expired, the charge depends upon how much the replacement parts cost. Prices vary based on work time, complexity and instruments needed. Repairs to to the casing generally cost more. Once the repairs are made, you usually receive a one-year warranty from the repair lab or manufacturer.

When should you consider replacement?

Depending on the age of your units and the cost to repair, you may want to consider replacement. Your audiologist can help you determine if new hearing aids with improved technology may be a better choice.

Because you rely on your hearing aids to improve your daily life, it’s upsetting when they don’t work. Many times you can fix the problem yourself or with a quick trip to your audiologist. Daily cleaning and care can also help avoid hearing aid repairs.