Prescription hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that spend many hours each day in and around the ear. Over time, exposure to earwax, moisture, perspiration, debris, and everyday wear can affect how they perform.
Sometimes a hearing aid that appears to need a major repair simply needs a thorough cleaning or a small component replaced. Other problems require the hearing aid to be sent to the manufacturer for further assessment and repair.
What to expect
If your prescription hearing aid is not working properly, the first step is to have us take a look at it.
Our staff can troubleshoot and perform many minor in-office repairs on most makes and models of prescription hearing aids. This includes common problems such as:
- Wax or debris buildup
- Plugged receivers (speakers) or microphones
- Damaged earpieces
- Certain moisture-related issues
- Other problems that can often be resolved without sending the device away
For more complex problems, the hearing aid may need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. While we work with most major hearing aid manufacturers, repair services may be limited for certain manufacturers. Manufacturer repairs typically take approximately two weeks.
When manufacturer repair is available, we can send the hearing aid to the manufacturer for assessment to determine whether it can be repaired. Depending on the age of the hearing aid, the cost of the repair, and the overall condition of the device, it may sometimes make more sense to put that cost toward a new prescription hearing aid.
New prescription hearing aids include a manufacturer repair warranty that covers eligible repairs during the warranty period. Once the warranty has expired, repair fees may apply. Manufacturer repairs often include an additional repair warranty, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months. In some cases, third-party funding may also be available to help with repair costs.
Repair options can become more limited as hearing aids get older, and some manufacturers may no longer service devices once they are over five years old. The exact service life varies by manufacturer and model.
In-office hearing aid cleaning and repair
Many hearing aid problems are caused by earwax, debris, or moisture rather than a failure of the hearing aid itself. Our Lloydminster hearing clinic has specialized equipment that allows us to thoroughly clean, dry, inspect, and troubleshoot prescription hearing aids before determining whether manufacturer repair is necessary.
Hearing aid vacuuming
We use specialized hearing aid vacuum equipment to remove wax and debris from areas that can be difficult to clean at home, including microphones, receivers (speakers), and vents.
A buildup in any of these areas can reduce the volume or clarity of a hearing aid and, in some cases, cause it to stop working altogether.
Redux professional drying system
Moisture can also affect hearing aid performance, particularly for people who perspire heavily, work outdoors, or are regularly exposed to humid environments.
As part of professional cleaning and maintenance, we use the Redux professional drying system to remove moisture from prescription hearing aids. The system continues drying until the moisture has been removed and provides a measurement of how much moisture was extracted.
Professional drying can sometimes restore hearing aid function when moisture is contributing to the problem. It can also help us determine whether additional at-home drying or moisture-management strategies would be beneficial.
Hearing aid cleaning supplies and dryers
Earwax and moisture are two of the most common reasons hearing aids require cleaning or service. Regular maintenance at home can help keep hearing aids working reliably and may reduce avoidable repairs.
We carry a variety of hearing aid cleaning supplies as well as passive and active drying systems. Depending on the device and your individual needs, we can recommend an appropriate cleaning and drying routine to help protect your hearing aids between visits.
If your hearing aid is not working properly, we recommend having it assessed rather than continuing to use it while the problem worsens.