What to Do When Your Hearing Aid Needs Repair

Taking good care of your hearing aids is important to avoiding unnecessary repairs, but the reality is that they’re sensitive electronic devices that will eventually wear out or break. Here’s what to do when it happens.

Troubleshooting problems

Even if your knowledge of how hearing aids work is extremely basic, troubleshooting can help you avoid a trip to the audiologist’s office. Make sure the device is turned on, properly adjusted, fitting well, dry, clean and has a good battery. If you’ve tried all this and your hearing aid still isn’t working, it’s time to take the next step.

Visit your audiologist

Your audiologist has the necessary tools for basic repairs and replacement parts right in the office, so it’s naturally the first place you should go. In most cases, a simple look at your hearing aid will lead to one of three conclusions:

• It needs a deep clean or adjustment. No matter how well you clean or adjust a hearing aid on your own, sometimes it just needs a professional’s knowledge and specialized tools. Don’t sweat it: audiologists often perform these simple services for free.
• Small, inexpensive parts repair or replacement. Sometimes your hearing aid will only need a minor part like a new tube or dome. A repair like this shouldn’t cost much even if you have to pay out-of-pocket.
• Mail-out repair from the manufacturer. If your audiologist doesn’t have the tools to address more serious repairs, or your hearing aid requires key replacement parts, it will need to be sent directly to the manufacturer. If your hearing aid is still within its warranty period, you may only need to pay a deductible; repairs are typically completed in four to 10 days.

Repairing in the lab

If your hearing aid is an older model and needs major parts, the manufacturer may only offer replacement. This can be a significant out-of-pocket cost since it’s probably out of warranty, as well. In this case, it might be worth checking other repair options. Private repair labs frequently claim they can repair hearing aids deemed not repairable by the manufacturer. If you decide to check into this option, do your homework to make sure they lab is reputable and evaluate all related costs – shipping, damage insurance and other miscellaneous fees.

Even if you suspect your hearing aid cannot be repaired, take it your audiologist first. They will always place your hearing health first, not the bottom line.