Hearing aids are built to provide many years of useful service. However, regular exposure to a harsh environment means they will occasionally encounter problems. No matter how fastidious you are when it comes to hygiene, the ear canals inevitably attract dirt, moisture and earwax buildup – all of which can wreak havoc with the electronic components in your hearing aids.
Regular maintenance can help keep them in great working condition, but once in a while, they may need servicing or repair. Comprehensive ENT can help. If you have tried the troubleshooting tips below and still can’t get your hearing aids to work properly, please contact us to schedule an evaluation.
Troubleshooting Your Hearing Aids
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly, try the following techniques for a quick fix.
- If there is no sound:
- Make sure the battery is inserted correctly.
- Replace the battery if you suspect it is dead or weak.
- Remove excess earwax from the earmold or replace the wax guard.
- Check tubing for wax buildup or moisture and clean it with a blower tool if necessary.
- Make sure the hearing aid isn’t accidentally set to telecoil mode.
- If you are experiencing feedback or whistling:
- Remove and reinsert your hearing aid.
- Turn down the volume.
- Make sure there is nothing blocking or covering your hearing aid.
- Have your doctor check your ears for excess wax and remove if necessary.
- If the sound is weak or distorted:
- The battery may be dead or weak; replace it.
- Open the battery compartment and clean the contacts with a dry cloth.
- Clean the earmold or tubing with wax removal tools; replace wax guard.
What Can I Expect to Pay for a Hearing Aid Repair?
The cost of having your hearing aids repaired depends on a number of factors including:
- Whether your hearing aids are under warranty (basic or extended).
- The extent of damage.
- The price of replacement parts.
If your hearing aids are still under warranty and were purchased from Comprehensive ENT, repair costs will be nominal or free. If the warranty has expired, we’ll need to assess the level of damage before providing you with an estimate.
The expert staff at Comprehensive ENT is happy to evaluate your hearing aids and help you decide whether having them repaired makes the most financial sense. We service most makes and models and are here to provide you with assistance.
Please call Comprehensive ENT at (804) 228-4480 for more information or to schedule an appointment.