Common Questions About Hearing Aid Repairs

All hearing aids come with warranties and service agreements. It’s also important to see your audiologist routinely for a deep cleaning and physical check of your units. But sometimes something goes wrong that can’t be fixed at home, but you’re just not sure if it’s serious enough to see your audiologist. These four questions and answers about hearing aid repairs will help in your decision.

Q: What are some common signs my hearing aids need repair?

A: These are the two most common signs that hearing aids need repair: you see physical damage or you hear noise such as whistling, feedback or crackling. In the case of damage, it’s important to see your audiologist right away to prevent additional problems. A cracked case, broken tubing, frayed wiring or other issues likely will have to be repaired by the manufacturer. When it comes to various noises, there’s a good chance it means your hearing aids aren’t fitting as well as they used to. This can be fixed by changing the earmold or earpiece for a tighter fit. Sometimes the microphone or speaker has an issue that needs to be checked by the manufacturer.

Q: How much do hearing aid repairs cost?

A: The answer depends upon the age of your units, the amount of damage and replacement costs. If your hearing aids are under warranty the cost will be minimal at worst, free at best. If the damage is repairable and replacement parts are available, your repair costs typically may be between $300 to $600 dollars. However, if you have a cracked case or other serious problems or your hearing aids are more than five years old, repairs may be costly or impossible.

Q: How do my hearing aids become damaged?

A: There are two main reasons why hearing aids need professional repairs: earwax and poor cleaning. A build-up of earwax (in your ear or in your unit) is the leading cause of hearing aid problems. Be sure to properly clean your ears to prevent excess earwax. Also, take care of your hearing aids by thoroughly cleaning them every night to remove any earwax, dirt and debris. Take care not to clean them too vigorously or you may damage the microphone or receiver. Otherwise, obvious damage stems from misuse, mistreatment and neglect.

Q: Can I fix them at home?

A: Depending upon the problem, it is possible for you to fix a problem yourself. Before you call your audiologist, try these simple steps:

•  Remove and replace the batteries
• Open and close the battery compartment
• Turn the units off and on several times
• Remove your hearing aid and reinsert it
• Clean your units

These questions and answers about hearing aid repairs cover some basic issues. Because hearing aids are complex digital machines, if you’re uncertain about what’s causing a problem, it’s best to see your audiologist to protect your hearing aids and your investment.