Just like with any other electronic device that you use, hearing aids are things that do wear out over time, break, or stop working. In some instances, as with other technology and devices, they can seem to stop for no real reason too. Even if you have taken as much care as possible to look after your hearing aids, keep them dry, keep them clean, and keep them free from being crushed or damaged, there are parts of the hearing aid that are delicate and can still get damaged through normal wear and tear. Parts of the hearing aid can also get damaged by dust, ear wax, oils, creams, and just general wear. Part of the outer casing can start to crack, and circuits in the device can short out. If you are a hearing aid owner, then you should know the ins and outs of repairs, because problems will happen in their lifespan. You can wear a variety of different hearing aids, and the kind that you wear will depend on the kind of repair that is needed, if they don’t need to be replaced completely. There are warranties available too, which can help, but otherwise, there are costs involved with repairing hearing aids.

Hearing aid warranty

A lot of hearing specialists will offer a warranty for one or two years usually. The precise terms of a warranty will vary, so it is good to be clear on them beforehand, it usually means replacement hearing aids or repairs of parts are covered. There is a chance that you will need to pay for a deductible for complete replacements, which could be a couple of hundred dollars, though that is going to be more desirable than having to pay out for new ones completely out of pocket.

Extended warranty and insurance

After having a warranty and it expires, it will mean that you are the only one eligible to cover the costs of repairs and replacements. This is the case unless you opt for an extended warranty or you get yourself some insurance to cover the costs. A lot of hearing aids do tend to last for at least five years, as long as they are looked after, so you need to think about what is going to be the most cost-effective for you. Other than an extended warranty with the hearing aid manufacturer, you could also look into getting some insurance, as briefly mentioned. Sometimes this kind of item can be covered on home insurance, but it is best to speak to your provider for some clarity.

Out-of-pocket costs

If you haven’t got an extended warranty or insurance, and you’re out of the initial warranty, then you need to think about what to expect. Hearing aids will survive well when they are looked after well. However, accidents do happen, and just like with anything, wear and tear can play a part in how long they last. Knowing what kind of costs to expect is important, so that you can save and plan ahead, as you will never know when they might need to be repaired or replaced. For a mechanical problem, such as to fix a microphone or a receiver, then you can expect to pay around $300-400 to repair something like that. For a case replacement, when it gets cracked or damaged, then it could cost up to $600 for something like that to be replaced. Of course, these kinds of costs can vary slightly, depending on the model of hearing aid you have and the specific modifications and features that you have on yours. It is important to note that for some replacement parts, like casings, they do come with their own warranties, so that is worth noting too. Hearing aids do cost money, just like glasses or contact lenses do. There are things to help in place, like warranties and insurance, but you may need to pay some money towards them at some point, which is important to note. They are an investment for your health and overall quality of life, though, so it can be an investment that is worth it. Looking after them and avoiding things that are going to damage them can go a long way in prolonging their life and avoiding wear and tear. If you want to find out more about hearing aids, hearing loss, or speak to one of our expert audiologists, then get in touch with us today. Call us as Quality Hearing Aid Center on (248) 430-8791 to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you.