How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hearing Aid?

Hearing aids, no matter how much you care for them, will not last forever. And there may come a point where you find that you get frustrated because it’s not performing the way it was. But before you start abandoning your hearing aids and putting them in your drawer, think about what you can do to repair a malfunctioning hearing aid. It’s important to remember that it’s better to be with your hearing aid than it is to be without, so let’s show you exactly what it takes to repair a hearing aid and how much it will cost.

Common Hearing Aid Issues

Your audiologist will see several issues that are very common when it comes to hearing aids. The most common include: 

Earwax Accumulation

Approximately between 20-30% of hearing aid breakdowns arise from earwax build-up due to the delicate electronic components.

Physical Defects or Wear and Tear

Sometimes, there are loose wires or broken cases arising from accidents such as dropping the device. There are also no less noticeable issues from time to time, including defective receivers and tips, which will hinder the performance of the device.

Moisture Damage

Moisture is one of the biggest issues because it will cause corrosion, which can cause circuit failure, and potentially cause the device to shut down. This is why it’s so important for a hearing device to be cleaned and maintained. It’s a great habit to develop, but also become aware of the common signs of hearing aid failure. Your audiologist can help you with this and preventing hearing aid issues is far more effective than fixing them. 

Now let’s transition more into the costs of hearing aid repairs.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Traditionally, this depends on the length of the warranty itself. We represent most major brands, and as every hearing aid comes backed by the factory warranty, we can give you an estimate for the work if it is out of warranty. However, some manufacturers provide a one-year warranty on out-of-warranty repairs. 

Additionally, there can be an office charge for our service and time to provide the replacement parts. If the device is out of warranty, and we are able to fix it in the office, we may provide an office charge and then any additional charges for parts. If the device is completely out of the manufacturer’s warranty, it may need to be outsourced to a hearing aid lab. This comes with a six to 12-month warranty and can include charges per ear. 

When Should We Replace Our Devices Rather Than Repair Them?

For many people, replacing rather than repairing the hearing aid is a better option depending on the circumstances. Hearing aids tend to last between three and five years. If you have an older device, you may find it more difficult to find replacement parts, especially as there are newer features being added to hearing aids regularly. 

A replacement could be a better option because of the number of factors. For example, if it has seen extensive damage, and gone through numerous repairs and is an old hearing aid. However, some devices can experience a lot of issues even when under three years old. We will recommend the best course of action if the repair costs our way the price of a new unit. 

Ensuring You Look After Your Hearing Aid

Prevention is always better than cure. And this means that ensuring that you handle the device probably, store it well and look after your hearing on a regular basis will prevent damage from the common issues associated with hearing aid damage. For example, eliminating moisture in the battery departments, ensuring that it is out of reach of children, is not exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures, cleaning and expecting the device regularly and keeping it away from harsh chemicals. 

As you can see, there are a number of things you need to do to look after your hearing aid. If you are looking to repair it, you can always get in contact with us to learn more. At Flynn Associates, we provide as much information as possible to help you get the most out of your hearing aid. If you want to learn more about us, we can provide you with impartial advice about the best way to repair your hearing aid. You can contact us at Concord: (978) 759-3540 or Wellesley: (781) 943-5040 and we will be more than happy to help.