How to Cut Down on Hearing Aid Repairs

Even if they’re covered under a warranty, hearing aid repairs can cost valuable time and compromise your hearing while they’re being completed. The good news is that you don’t have to take your hearing aid in for every little problem. There are many simple ways to troubleshoot your own hearing aid; keeping you out of the hearing healthcare professional’s office and living life with fully functional devices.

You’re not expected to be an expert on how your hearing aid works and how to repair it, but the more you learn and apply, the more independent and frugal you can be. Where do you learn how to troubleshoot? There are a number of places to gather this information, but here are a few of the best places to look.

Hearing aid manuals

Yes, we all like to avoid them, but manuals do come in handy for troubleshooting. Make sure to keep yours handy for the lifetime of your hearing aid.

Your hearing care professional

The person who fit your hearing aid is also the best resource for troubleshooting. You’ll learn some basic tips during your hearing aid fitting, so be sure to pay attention and take any materials you’re offered. Still, if you have a simple question, your hearing healthcare professional will be more than willing to help.

Reputable hearing care resources

If you prefer to do your own sleuthing and the manual doesn’t cover it, check the Internet –your manufacturer’s, hearing healthcare professional’s, or a major hearing organization’s website will have helpful, reputable resources.

Friends and user forums

Although it’s best to follow advice from a professional, don’t discount the personal experience of others like yourself. Those who have lived with hearing aids and encountered the same problems in the course of everyday life often have the most practical knowledge to share. This is especially true if you have friends who wear the same brand or model of hearing aid. Secondly, look for online forums that deal with hearing aid troubleshooting and simply repairs, but make sure they’re hosted on reputable websites and not biased to specific repair services or clinics.

All of these resources can help you gain confidence by learning how to perform simple repairs on your hearing aid that save your time and money. Don’t be afraid to learn, and – even better – share what you learn with others.