Do you have a junk drawer where all unused electronic devices go to die? Are you tempted to add your hearing aid to the collection because it isn’t working right?
Don’t do it.
Not only is it a waste of significant investment, but it can’t provide you with the life-changing benefits of better hearing by sitting in your junk drawer.
Instead of abandoning your hearing aids, I want to encourage those in Lacey, WA, and nearby communities to bring their hearing aids to us for maintenance and/or repair.
Three Common Hearing Aid Problems
Most hearing aid malfunctions and performance problems stem from any one or a combination of three common problems:
- Earwax Buildup. The reason hearing aid manufacturers include wax filters and cleaning tools with their devices is because 20% to 30% of hearing aid breakdowns are the result of wax buildup.
- Moisture Damage. As with almost all electronic devices, moisture is your hearing aid’s worst enemy. It causes corrosion and leads to circuit failure, reduced performance, and/or a complete shutdown.
- Physical Defects. Damage to the case and/or loose wires are the most noticeable physical defects, but defective microphones, receivers, tubes, tips, and earmolds are also among the most common hearing aid repairs.
Proper Hearing Aid Care Reduces Repair Costs
Daily cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting, according to manufacturer instructions, helps prevent the damage that can lead to more costly repairs and makes it easier to spot physical damage and defects before they become serious problems leading to more costly repairs.
Keeping them dry, especially in the battery compartment, is something you should focus on daily.
Storing them, so they are not damaged by being stepped on, played with by pets or children, and exposed to UV light, and extreme temperatures will also help.
Remember to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals (hair care products, colognes, cleaning solvents, etc.), which also degrade both electronic and non-electronic components.
Cost Of Hearing Aid Repair
Several factors determine the cost of hearing aid repair, including the type of repair needed, the cost of replacement parts, whether the unit is still under warranty, and whether repairs can be handled on-site rather than sent back to the manufacturer.
We handle most repairs on-site with costs ranging between $45 and $150, depending on the type of repair and the cost of replacement parts. If we have to send them to the manufacturer, you can expect additional shipping costs unless they are a part of warranty coverage.
We work for a quick turnaround time on repairs, but we also have a loaner program if you will be without your device for an extended period of time.
Hearing Aid Repair vs. Replacement
Hearing aids represent a considerable investment for most of us, so repair is preferable to replacement in most cases. However, there are some situations when replacing or upgrading your device is the better option, including:
- Out of warranty (usually 3 years). You have to foot the bill for repairs.
- Upgrade to new technology. By upgrading every 3 to 5 years, you can take advantage of the newest hearing aid technology available.
- Chronic repair problems. If your hearing aid has spent a lot of time in the repair shop and your warranty is about to run out, replacement will provide a financial advantage.
Take Advantage of Expert Hearing Aid Repair from South Sound Audiology
If you want to continue living the rewarding and independent lifestyle provided by hearing aids, you need to make sure they are performing as designed.
A regular cleaning and maintenance routine, as well as holding to semi-annual checkups, can help ensure you’re getting these benefits.
The team and I at South Sound Audiology are always here to help with cleaning and maintenance, but we also have the equipment and expertise to handle most hearing aid repairs in our office.
If you are struggling to get your hearing aids to perform as designed or they have quit working altogether, contact us for professional hearing aid repair.
