Should You Repair or Replace Your Hearing Aids?

In a perfect world, hearing aids would last a lifetime without ever needing to think about repair, replacement, or anything else. However, in reality, even the most expensive hearing aids can work fine for an average of about three to seven years.

Luckily, it is a good thing that a quality audiologist will never just fit the hearing aids of your choice and send you your way. Instead, they'll concentrate on your ongoing hearing health by conducting regular hearing assessments and, most importantly, repairing or replacing the hearing aids when they encounter any issues.

The issue is that for many of us, the decision of whether to replace or repair hearing aids is a complex one. To assist you in reaching a solution, it's worthwhile to answer the following questions.

How old your hearing aids are?

While you'll typically be able to stretch a well-maintained hearing aid to around the seven-year mark; however, it's unlikely that you'll make it past that point, particularly if you are using your hearing aid on a daily basis. In this instance, Replacements can also be a problem due to a variety of reasons. One reason is that they're unlikely to make a long-term impact if the hearing aid is beginning to deteriorate or experience permanent damage. Even if that's not the situation, older hearing aids are becoming increasingly difficult to find parts for, which means hearing aid repairs may be impossible or more expensive than an entire replacement would be.

Do your hearing aids have the most up-to-date technology?

As with everything else in the medical sphere, our knowledge of hearing problems and their treatments is changing daily, meaning that hearing aid technology tends to grow at a rapid pace. Instead of the heavy behind-ear hearing aids of the yesteryears, you can purchase discreet in-ear solutions equipped with Bluetooth functions, rechargeable batteries and better protection from background noises such as wind noise. You can even purchase hearing aids with options like white noise that can aid in treating tinnitus!

 

In this regard, It's possible that repairing an older model could hinder you from enjoying the full benefits you receive from modern hearing aids. Before you begin with the hearing aid repair process, you should always look over the market and make sure that the model you have is a high-end one and, if not, consider replacing it.

 

Are your hearing aids prone to breakage or wear out frequently?

One or two repairs in the life of a hearing aid are pretty normal, particularly when it's used for a long time. In these rarer cases, repairs are usually much more beneficial in these instances, especially if you're satisfied with the overall performance of your hearing aid. In some cases, persistent deterioration or manufacturing issues could result in more frequent repairs than you'd expect. Although each visit to your Audiologist will likely be less costly than a total replacement, it could cost you more over the long term. Not to mention that when your hearing aid is frequently breaking, a repair will not fully address the issue at the root. Only a brand-new hearing aid can do this.

Are you happy with your existing hearing aids?

In some instances, especially where age is concerned, replacements may be required regardless of your feelings about your existing hearing aids. In most cases, whether replacement or repair is the best option can be made simpler by looking at how you get along with the aids you currently have.

 

If you do not like the feel or experience of a hearing aid, for instance, then breakage can be a great reason to purchase a new one. Equally, if you are awed by how your hearing aids function for you, then even the latest technologies available aren't worth replacement over repair. Before diving into anything, think long and hard about the working quality of the hearing aids you currently have and whether you can enhance that with a newer model or not.

 

How the Hearing Aid Specialists SA in Australia can assist

Whether you're looking to repair and replace the hearing aids you currently own or aren't sure either way, our friendly team here at Hearing Aid Specialists SA, the most reputable hearing clinic Adelaide, is here to help you. We know how challenging it is to make this decision, so that's why we're here with professional advice you can count on.

 

From the beginning of your journey with hearing aids, we'll collaborate with you to understand your needs and preferences in hearing to provide repairs and replacements while keeping your hearing health always in mind.