Repairing Your Damaged or Broken Hearing Aid
Here are some quick fixes that you can try if you’re having problems with your hearing aids before resorting to replacing them:
- Check if the battery is inserted correctly and has enough charge.
- Make sure the hearing aid is clean and free of debris or earwax.
- Check if the volume control or program settings are properly adjusted.
- If you have a behind-the-ear hearing aid, check if the tubing or ear mold is clogged or damaged.
- If you have an in-the-ear hearing aid, check if the wax guard or filter is clogged or needs replacement.
If these quick fixes do not solve your issue, it is best to bring your hearing aids to a professional for repair or replacement.
Clean hearing aid microphone
Change custom mold wax filter
Change RIC wax filter
How Much Do Hearing Aid Repairs Cost?
The expense of repairing a damaged hearing aid can be influenced by several factors, such as the extent of the damage, whether the device is still under warranty, and the cost of replacement parts for the specific model.
If the hearing aid was purchased from Denver Audiology and is still under warranty, the repair costs may be negligible, or there may be no charge at all. However, hearing aids that were not purchased from Denver Audiology or that are no longer under warranty may require a higher repair cost. For custom-molded devices with cracked shells, the cost may be substantial, but in some instances, these cracks can be fixed.
When Is Your Hearing Aid Beyond Repair?
It takes a hearing aid expert to properly diagnose a damaged hearing aid, but you can assume your hearing aids are beyond repair if:
- Your devices are more than three years old. Hearing aids typically last for three to five years. If your hearing aids are beyond three years old, repair needs are likely to pile up, in which case it makes more financial sense to get some new devices.
- The damage is visible. Although the damage may not be as bad as it looks, if your hearing aid has been stepped on or smashed in some other way, it may be unfixable.
- Your hearing aids have an extensive repair history. If your hearing aid has undergone multiple repairs for the same or different issues, it may be beyond saving. Much like a totaled car, a hearing aid needing that many fixes to be functional may simply no longer be worth the repair cost, and it may make more sense financially to invest in some new units.
A manufacturer’s warranty essentially states that the product should work for as long as the warranty lasts — nothing beyond that is guaranteed. Balancing the cost of repairs with the cost of a new system (and how it will benefit your life) can be tricky, but our practice can help you determine a proper course of action after diagnosing the damage and estimating repair costs.
If you’re having any trouble with your hearing aids, please contact us. We’re more than happy to help you get your devices back in working order, or to help you determine what options are available to fix your broken hearing aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's important to handle hearing aids with care to avoid any damage to the device. Dropping, stepping on, or submerging the hearing aids in water can cause serious damage and may render the device useless. Moisture can also damage the internal components, so it's important to store your hearing aids in a dry place when not in use, and to remove them before showering or swimming. It's also important to clean your hearing aids regularly to prevent wax buildup and keep them functioning properly.
It's important to avoid direct contact with liquids, such as water or sweat, to prevent damage to the internal components of hearing aids. Even if the hearing aids are water-resistant, it's best to remove them before swimming, showering, or participating in any water-related activities. Additionally, it's a good idea to store hearing aids in a dry, cool place when they're not in use to prevent moisture buildup.
Insurance coverage for hearing aids and repairs can vary greatly depending on the specific insurance plan. Some insurance plans do offer coverage for hearing aid repairs, while others do not. It's important to check with your insurance provider to determine what coverage you may have. Additionally, some extended-coverage plans for hearing aids may also cover the cost of repairs. We recommend contacting your insurance provider or our office for more information about coverage options.
While there are some common hearing aid problems that you can try to fix yourself, such as changing the batteries or cleaning the device, there may be more complicated issues that require professional assistance. A hearing care professional can run diagnostics on your hearing aids to determine if they are functioning properly or if there is a problem that needs to be repaired. If you have tried troubleshooting your hearing aids and they still are not working correctly, it's best to schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional.
It's important to remember that moisture from sweat and humidity can also damage hearing aids, even if they aren't directly exposed to water. It's a good idea to remove your hearing aids before any activity that might cause them to become loose or fall out, and to store them in a dry, cool place when they're not in use. Additionally, using a protective sleeve or sweatband can help prevent damage from moisture during physical activity.
At Denver Audiology, we offer repair services for hearing aids, and if the device is still under warranty, the repair cost may be minimal or free of charge. Our team of hearing aid experts can diagnose the issue with your device and provide the necessary repairs if possible. If the device is beyond repair, we can also help you explore options for a new hearing aid.
