How to Avoid Hearing Aid Repair

Hearing aid repair is something that every hearing aid owner will eventually have to face, but the life in between repairs can be extended with the proper hearing aid care.

How to avoid hearing aid repair

Why Do Hearing Aids Break?

The first step to minimizing hearing aid repairs is to understand the causes of hearing aid failure…

Moisture and Earwax

The number one cause of hearing aid failure is moisture and/or earwax. The two parts of hearing aids that are most susceptible to wax or moisture damage are the speaker and microphones.

Most hearing aids are equipped with a disposable hearing aid wax protection system, which can greatly reduce the frequency of hearing aid repairs. If you aren’t familiar with how to change out the wax protectors speak with your hearing aid professional to learn about your specific hearing aids.

Even with a wax protection system, wax damage will still occur if you have an excessive build-up of wax. That’s why regular check-ups with your hearing aid professional, and ear cleanings when necessary, are also a crucial defense to avoid frequent hearing aid repairs.

Broken Wires Inside the Hearing Aid

Over time the wiring inside of hearing aids can become corroded or brittle and eventually break. 

The best way to avoid damaging corrosion inside your hearing aids is to keep them as dry as possible. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your hearing aids moisture-free:

  • Use a hearing aid dryer kit each night
  • Get your ears cleaned regularly
  • Do not keep your hearing aids in the bathroom when showering or in other extremely humid environments.
  • Wear a sweatband when you must use your hearing aids during physically exerting activities
  • And of course, don’t jump in the pool or shower with your hearing aids on

All of the above suggestions will also go far in protecting the speaker and microphones from damage. 

Hearing Aid Component Failure

Sometimes, as with any electronic device, a component simply fails in the hearing aid. While there is nothing that will prevent the occasional component failure, you can follow the tips discussed above to minimize the frequency of hearing aid repairs. Additionally, make sure to never leave your hearing aids in the car or anywhere else where they may be exposed to excessive heat.

When It’s Time for Hearing Aid Repair

Inevitably, you will need to have your hearing aids repaired. If your hearing aids are still under warranty there will be no charge for the hearing aid repair. However, most of the major hearing aid brands will no longer repair their own hearing aids after they are 5 – 7 years old, but you still have options.

If you are told your broken hearing aid is too old to be repaired, you can send it to an independent hearing aid repair lab like Havmeen Hearing Lab. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a hearing aid repair lab that works directly with consumers you may be able to cut at least a couple days off the repair time by dropping off and picking up the hearing aid yourself. 

Until then, follow the suggestions in this blog post to get the longest life and best performance from your hearing aids!

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