Health & Medical Hearing

Hearing Aid Repairs: The Basics

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All hearing aids need repair and maintenance from time to time, varying with the type and model of hearing aid you choose.  You should expect to have your Audiologist look at your hearing aids regularly.

But what is it that damages hearing aids?  Mostly our own bodies, as moisture and Cerumen (ear wax) make their way into the device, preventing it from functioning as well as it should.  Once this happens, it will need a cleaning, which can be done by your Audiologist.

Occasionally, something will break within the hearing aid itself and will need to be sent to the company for repair.  Never try to work on your hearing aid yourself, as you could do further damage and/ or void your warranty.  There are a few things you can do to make sure your hearing aids go the longest before needing a repair or cleaning.

First, make sure to clean your hearing aid properly and often.  Never allow water to come into contact with the device.  Instead, use a tissue or soft towel to clean the outside of them and store them in a safe place such as a carrying case to keep them clean and safe.  You should, however, be aware that hearing aids do wear out and may eventually need replacement as well.

The most prone to needing attention are the Completely In Canal, or CIC models.  CIC hearing aids can build up wax quickly, which will lower the performance of the device.  You'll need to take these to your Audiologist more often for cleaning and adjustment.

Here is a quick reference for the cleaning/ repair/ adjustment of different types of hearing aids:
  • Over the ear models generally go over a year before needing anything
  • In the ear models will need attention every 9 to 12 months
  • CIC models will go about a half year to 9 months.

Of course, this will vary not only according to model, but to individual circumstances such as cleaning and how much your own body affects the device.

Cost will also vary according to model and what needs to be repaired.  Expect around 100 dollars on the low end of repair, although some models come with warranties that can cover some of the cost.  In general they are not covered, however if you're using hearing aids you may want to select a policy that does cover things like repairs.  One thing to watch for is a model with at least a year of warranty coverage against manufacturing defects, in order to give you peace of mind (hey, we all make mistakes- a faulty batch is a possibility so protect yourself).

So, to recap, here is a short list of things to remember when addressing hearing aid repairs:
  • Clean your hearing aids gently after each use, being sure not to use water
  • Take your hearing aid to your Audiologist if you think there is a problem
  • Bear in mind that smaller devices typically will need more maintenance and repair- it is quite common for CIC models to need to be worked on a couple of times per year

I hope this article was useful for you in being a well informed customer/ patient when it comes to hearing aid repair.  Good luck!

Hearing aid repairs are necessary for all hearing aids at some point, as is regular maintenance.  You can read more information on my discount hearing aids information website.  My name is Jim McClinsey and writing helpful articles is my passion!
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