What to Do When Your Hearing Aids Stop Working

Your hearing aid has suddenly stopped working.  You placed it in a dehumidifier overnight.  You have removed all wax and replaced the wax trap (if your hearing aid is equipped with one).  However, it's still not working....what's next?
It's time to see an audiologist.  There are several reasons a hearing aid can cease to function.  These include: 

• A dead receiver.  Many times a hearing aid will cease to function because the wiring in the receiver has stopped working.  This is an easy repair that an audiologist must perform.  Please do not attempt this repair on your own!  Manufacturers differ in how the receiver is removed and placed on the hearing aid.  If you pull the wrong way, the receiver can break off into the hearing aid.  If your hearing aids are still under warranty, a receiver can be quickly replaced at no charge.  Receivers typically cost around $75-$100 to replace for out-of-warranty hearing aids.   
• Debris.  Debris can clog the microphone ports or other parts of the hearing aid.  To fix this, an audiologist must use a suction device to remove the debris and then put the microphones back into phase.
• Battery contact decay.  Overtime, moisture can cause the battery contacts to rust or decay.  This is a repair that the hearing aid manufacturer must make.  The hearing aids are shipped overnight to the manufacturer who then replaces the contacts.  Most of the time, hearing aids are returned to the patient within a week.
• Dead circuit.  A less likely cause of a hearing aid malfunction is a dead circuit.  Overtime, hearing aid circuits can cease to function due to moisture exposure, age, debris, or lack of proper maintenance.  If your hearing aids are still under warranty, a manufacturer will replace the circuitry at no-charge.

Most of the time an audiologist can repair hearing aids on site in a matter of a few minutes.  Appalachian Audiology includes lifetime service, adjustment, and maintenance for all hearing aids purchased through our clinic.  If your hearing aid has stopped working, please don't hesitate to consult with one of our clinical audiologists.

If your hearing aid must been sent in for repairs, how much will it cost?  How important are hearing aid warranties?   Next blog...