Hearing aid repairs

Hearing aids are tiny marvels of technology. Despite their small size, they contain a lot of sophisticated parts and perform many advanced functions every second. If your having issues with yours, read on to find out about troubleshooting problems and what to do if your hearing aids seem broken.

Troubleshoot common hearing aid issues

This detailed troubleshooting guide can help. If your hearing aid still isn't functioning properly, the following steps may be completed before calling a hearing healthcare professional:

• Check to ensure the hearing aid is turned on: If you are still getting used to wearing and operating your hearing aids.
• Turn up the volume: Check that the volume control is at the right level and wasn't accidentally lowered or changed.
• Check the battery: If you have disposable batteries, make sure your batteries are correctly positioned in the hearing aids. Test your batteries or try fresh ones to make sure the problem isn't with the batteries. 
• If a BTE (behind-the-ear) model, inspect the tubing: BTE tubing can sometimes become damaged or worn over time. Your hearing healthcare professional can fix it quickly and easily in their office.

If your hearing aid batteries suddenly don't last very long, it can indicate you need a repair. 

When to get more help for a repair

Despite your best and most diligent efforts, all hearing aids will probably need a repair at some point. Here is when to visit your hearing healthcare professional: 

• You have attempted troubleshooting and your hearing aids still aren't working properly.
• You have excessive feedback or whistling, which could signal an improper fit. Your hearing aids may fit well initially, but your ears can change in size and shape over time. This is especially true if you have been sick or experienced significant weight loss or gain. 
• Your hearing aids seem irreversibly damaged.
• The case has cracked or there are visible holes anywhere on the shell or faceplate. 

Your hearing practitioner may be able to make some repairs "in-house," and then you avoid being without your hearing aids for several days. Sometimes, this just isn't possible. They can tell you how long it will take to get the aid repaired by the manufacturer and if there are any associated costs if your aids are not under warranty.

Preventing the need for repairs: Keep your hearing aid clean

Because hearing aids are such compact devices, it can be easy for earwax and other debris to become trapped in tiny holes and spaces. It’s important to clean the device each day with a clean and dry tissue or cloth. This prevents excessive build-up from clogging the microphone and sound ports. When this happens, feedback can occur.

More: How cold weather and moisture can impact hearing aids

Also, keep your ears clean

In addition to keeping the hearing devices themselves clean, it’s important for you to keep your ears clean, too. Keeping the devices and ears free of debris can lessen the need for frequent hearing aid repairs. Earwax is natural and protects your inner ears, but it can cause trouble if it becomes lodged in ports or crevices of the hearing aids. To keep earwax to a minimum, clean ears with a washcloth daily.

Keep in mind it’s not safe to insert cotton swabs or anything sharp in your ears to clean them. Using these items could push the earwax deeper into the ear or puncture the eardrum.

Lastly, keep hearing aids dry

Prolonged exposure to moisture is the leading cause of repair in hearing aids. Most people don’t realize how much moisture hearing aids can accumulate with daily use. At night, open the battery compartment and remove the batteries to allow aids to air out. It's wise to invest in a hearing aid sleeve or sweatband if you live in a humid area or exercise a lot.

Another tool to help keep devices dry is a hearing aid dehumidifier. These inexpensive devices can help keep moisture to a minimum and can possibly prolong the life of hearing aids.

Wash and shower before putting hearing aids in for the day. Use care when applying hair and face products as these can build up on and inside hearing aids. Take hearing aids out when swimming or engaging in water activities. 

Need help?

Have you tried all you can and nothing is working? It may be time to get new hearing aids. After all, hearing aids are only meant to be worn 3 to 7 years. They endure lots of wear and tear, and technology improves all the time. 

If you currently wear hearing aids and need to find a professional to help with a repair, use our extensive consumer-reviewed directory to find a hearing care professional in your area.