How to Handle Hearing Aid Repairs
Hearing aids are a big investment. In order to keep them working properly, some care and maintenance is necessary. Sometimes despite the best upkeep, problems can arise. Here are some preventative measures and troubleshooting tips to help determine if hearing aid repairs can be made at home or if it’s a more serious issue.
Problem prevention
Daily cleaning is the number one way to avoid issues with your hearing aids. Be sure to use the brushes and other tools that come with the units to clear them of earwax and debris. Some people produce more earwax than others, which could clog some hearing aid parts. Use a washcloth to clean your ears, which may prevent waxy build-up in your hearing aids.
It’s also very important to keep your hearing aids dry. It’s not just water that causes damage; internal moisture may also lead to problems. Wipe down your hearing aids at night and open the battery door so any moisture inside can evaporate. You may decide to invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier. These units are especially helpful if you live or work in high-humidity areas.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having an issue with your units, these common hearing aid repairs may fix the problem:
- Replace the battery
- Open and close the battery compartment
- Clean the hearing aid
- Clean and/or replace the wax filter
- Check volume and on/off
- Remove and reinsert your hearing aids
If these actions do not fix the problem, your audiologist may be able to help. Sometimes repairs can be made in-office, sometimes the hearing aids are sent to the manufacturer for repair.
Repair or replace?
The cost of repairing hearing aids depends upon several things, including the extent of the repairs, what replacement parts may be needed, and whether the unit is under warranty. If it is a first-time repair aor the hearing aids are less than three years old, there’s a better chance repairs can be made.
Some problems can’t be fixed. Units with numerous past repairs, visible damage, or with long-term exposure to water may not be repairable. Because of advancing technology, it may be more cost-effective to purchase new hearing aids rather than repair older units. Your audiologist will work with you to make that determination.
Care and caution are keys to keeping hearing aids in good shape. In addition to daily cleaning, it’s important to be extra careful when inserting and removing your hearing aids. Never do so while standing over a sink or in an area when the unit might fall and hit a hard surface. Because hearing aids are a worthwhile investment to improve your quality of life, some extra attention can help avoid hearing aid repairs.