When to Repair vs. Replace Your Hearing Aids

At Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, we often help patients decide whether to repair or replace their hearing aids. This decision impacts both your hearing health and your finances. You rely on these devices daily, and making the right choice ensures you maintain optimal hearing without unnecessary expense.

Most hearing aid issues—such as feedback, diminished sound quality, or physical damage—can often be resolved through repairs. Our audiologists are skilled at diagnosing and fixing common problems, potentially extending the life of your devices. However, there comes a point when replacement becomes the better option, especially with the technological advancements in newer models.

Assessing Hearing Aid Performance

When your hearing aids aren't functioning properly, our audiologists at Applied Hearing Solutions can help evaluate their performance to determine if repair or replacement is needed.

Identifying Common Issues

• Feedback or Whistling Sounds: This could indicate an ill-fitting hearing aid or wax buildup in your ear canal
• Distorted or Unclear Sound: Sound quality should be consistent; if not, internal components may be damaged
• Intermittent Function: If your hearing aids cut in and out, there could be a connection issue
• Physical Damage: Visible cracks or damage can impact functionality

Frequency of Repairs

• First-Time Repair: If this is your first repair and the device is within warranty, it's typically worth repairing
• Multiple Repairs: If you're frequently bringing your hearing aids in for repair, it might be more cost-effective to consider replacement

Our repair lab at Applied Hearing Solutions is equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment, including Test Box Measures for electroacoustic analysis, to identify exactly what's causing your device failure. Once we pinpoint the issue, our team can repair many problems in our state-of-the-art repair lab, often on the same day.

Factors Influencing Repair or Replacement

Several key factors influence whether repair or replacement is your best option.

Age of the Hearing Aid

Hearing aids typically have a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years when well-maintained. If your devices are approaching or have surpassed this age range, repairs may only offer a short-term solution. Our audiologists can help you assess whether the age of your hearing aids makes repair or replacement more appropriate for your situation.

Advancements in Technology

Hearing aid technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The latest models from manufacturers we work with offer impressive features:

• Oticon Intent: Features 4D User-Intent Sensors that adapt to your listening intentions based on conversation activity, movement, and acoustic environment
• ReSound Vivia: Offers advanced AI technology trained on the equivalent of 25 years of conversation for improved speech clarity in noisy environments
• Starkey Edge AI: Incorporates a G2 Neuro Processor with integrated neural processing for improved speech enhancement and noise reduction
• Widex Allure: Features the W1 chip with Speech Enhancer Pro for better speech-in-noise performance
• Phonak Infinio: Utilizes dual-chip architecture with DEEPSONIC chip dedicated to real-time AI processing
• Signia IX: Delivers crystal-clear speech in noisy environments with advanced sound processing

If your current hearing aids lack these technological advancements, an upgrade might significantly improve your hearing experience, especially in challenging listening environments.

Cost Considerations

Our audiologists will help you compare the cost of repairing your current hearing aids against purchasing new ones. We'll consider:

• Whether your current hearing aids are still meeting your prescription needs
• The potential need for future repairs
• Whether insurance or other financial assistance might help with new purchases
• The long-term value of improved technology

When we program hearing aids at Applied Hearing Solutions, we use Real Ear Measurements to verify they're meeting your prescription targets. If your current devices can't be programmed to match your current hearing needs, replacement may be necessary regardless of repair costs.

When to Repair

In many cases, repairing your hearing aids is the most practical solution.

Minor Malfunctions

Our audiologists and audiology assistants at Applied Hearing Solutions can address many common issues:

• Wax buildup in the receiver: Often causes reduced volume or sound quality
• Battery door problems: We stock replacement parts for many models
• Feedback or whistling sounds: Can often be fixed by adjusting the fit or replacing the earmold
• Blocked sound outlet or microphone port: Our cleaning tools can restore functionality
• Damaged receiver wires: We maintain a supply of receiver wires from many different manufacturers

For these types of issues, repairs are usually quick, affordable, and sufficient to restore your hearing aids to proper working order.

Budget Constraints

• Repair costs: Typically much lower than purchasing new hearing aids
• Warranty coverage: If your hearing aids are still under warranty, repairs may be covered
• Loaner devices: If we need to send your hearing aids to the manufacturer, we can provide loaner devices programmed to your settings

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we understand that hearing aids are a significant investment. Our team works with you to find the most cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise your hearing.

When to Replace

In certain situations, replacing your hearing aids becomes the more practical choice.

Irreparable Damage

Some damage is beyond repair:

• Severe moisture damage: Though our commercial-grade Redux dehydration equipment can often reverse moisture damage, some cases are too severe
• Crushed devices: If your hearing aids have been stepped on or crushed, the internal components may be too damaged to function
• Manufacturer discontinued support: If the manufacturer no longer supports your model with parts or software

Our audiologists will give you an honest assessment of whether repair is possible or if replacement is necessary.

Changes in Hearing Needs

If your hearing has changed significantly since your initial fitting, your current devices may no longer provide adequate amplification:

• A new comprehensive hearing evaluation at Applied Hearing Solutions may show that your hearing needs have evolved
• Using Real Ear Measurements, we can determine if your current devices can be reprogrammed to meet your new prescription targets
• If your devices can't provide enough power for your current hearing loss, replacement becomes necessary

Lifestyle Changes

Your life may have changed since you got your current hearing aids:

• If you've become more active: Newer models offer better moisture resistance and durability
• If you use more technology: Modern hearing aids provide better connectivity with smartphones and other devices
• If you're in noisier environments: Advanced noise reduction and speech enhancement features in newer models may significantly improve your experience

Making the Right Choice for Your Hearing

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we help you make informed decisions about your hearing healthcare. Our audiologists will:

1. Perform a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of your hearing aids
2. Evaluate your current hearing needs with appropriate testing
3. Discuss the pros and cons of repair versus replacement in your specific situation
4. Provide clear information about costs and expected outcomes
5. Support whatever decision best meets your hearing needs and financial situation

If repair is the right choice, our team will work efficiently to fix your devices, often on the same day. If replacement is better, we'll guide you through the selection process and ensure your new hearing aids are properly fitted using our comprehensive Best Practice protocols, including Real Ear Measurements.

Don't struggle with underperforming hearing aids. Contact Applied Hearing Solutions at (602) 877-0000 to schedule an evaluation with one of our audiologists. We'll help you determine whether repair or replacement is the best solution for your hearing needs.