Most people, when they shop around for hearing aids in order to get the
best prices and features, they often don't think about repair services.
Hearing aids are marvels of electronic technology; but they are breakable
and need repair. In addition, hearing aids often need to be re-made to
better reflect hearing or ear changes instead of a costly replacements. A
wise consumer will ask good questions before having the hearing aid
repaired.
How much will my repair cost? Some hearing aid repair labs offer more than
one price for hearing aid repairs. For example, the repair lab that the
Mid-East Tennessee Regional Speech and Hearing Center uses, has three
different repair options with differing coverage. The consumer can choose
how much he or she wants to pay for before the hearing aid goes to the
repair lab. They can choose differing options as to what they want the
warranty to cover. So, they have a flexible cost schedule to choose from.
What does the Warranty cover? Since hearing aids are electronic, the fee
rates often reflect other electronic devices repair practices. For
example, some warranty plans will cover any specific repair during a
certain period of time at no additional cost to the consumer. Other
warranty plans will give added coverage for damage or breakage to the
hearing aid such as caused by dropping it or stepping on it. But the
length of time that the warranty covers is the most common determining
factor in the price of the repair.
How long will the repair cost last? Some repair labs require payment each
time the hearing aid is fixed. Some repair labs give six months, one year,
or two year coverage so that any additional repairs needed during that
repair period is at no extra cost. It depends on the choice of the repair
lab which is usually selected by the hearing aid dispenser.
What is the most common cause of hearing aid failure? Ear wax and dirt
getting down into the receiver, the part which places the sound into the
ear, are the most common causes of hearing aid repair. Most hearing aids
come with changeable wax guards today to protect from this common repair.
However, some people produce more ear wax or work in dirty environments
requiring constant hearing aid repairs. If that is the consumer's
difficulty, there are extra protection options available to use on a
hearing aid to give additional assistance in this area. Also, consumers
need to know that, usually, the smaller the hearing aid; the more repairs
which might be necessary.
Can hearing aids be re-built? Yes, they can. As we age, the cartilage in
our ears thin and may cause the hearing aid to start whistling or not
fitting as well as they used to. Sometimes, when a person gains or loses
weight, the hearing aids no longer fit properly. It will take a new ear
impression; but hearing aids can be re-made to fit better. Occasionally,
if a person's hearing has changed but they can not afford a new hearing
aid, a few repair labs will rebuild the hearing aid from the inside out,
giving the individual more "power" to fit their current hearing loss.
Usually this remake requires a hearing test while wearing the hearing aids
and a new ear impression. But this service is often less expensive than
buying a new hearing aid. Any brand of hearing aid can be rebuilt.
Our Speech and Hearing Center offers repair services to any make and
manufacturer and can mail direct the repaired hearing aid back to the
user. However, a wise consumer will discuss warranty repair options with
their dispenser before they purchase the hearing aid.
If you would like more information about repair plans and services, please
call the Mid- East Tennessee Regional Speech and Hearing Center,
1-423-775-0303. Or send a stamped self-addressed business sized envelope
to Mid-East Tennessee Regional Speech and Hearing Center, P.O. Box 258,
Dayton, Tenn. 37321. We are pleased to be a United Way Agency.
| Margie Littell
Ulrich, CCC-A is a clinical audiologist and a contributing
writer at HearingExchange. She practices audiology at the
Mid-East Tennessee Regional Speech and Hearing Center in
Dayton. She is also the chairperson of the Children's
Wellness Council of Tennessee. |
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Recommended Reading:
Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and
Hearing Aids: A Bridge to Healing
© Copyright 2001 Margie Littell Ulrich. All rights reserved.
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