Hearing aid repairs

Hearing aids are powerful devices. They have tiny, sophisticated parts and perform many advanced functions.

Regular maintenance of hearing aids can reduce the need for frequent repair service. It can also provide you with years of reliable better hearing. Still, your hearing aids may need repairs from time to time. 

Need your hearing aids repaired? Visit our hearing directory to find a hearing clinic near you.

How can I get my hearing aid repaired? 

In most cases, you can have your hearing aids repaired at a hearing clinic, as an “in-house” repair. If your hearing professional cannot repair it, he or she may send it to the manufacturer.

You may have a warranty that covers these repairs. If the warranty has expired, there may be a service fee.Your hearing professional should consult you before sending your hearing aids for repair.

Note: most hearing aid manufacturers in Canada are in Ontario. It can take five to ten business days to receive your hearing aids back from the manufacturer.

Hearing aid repair troubleshooting tips

Before you drop your hearing aids off for repairs, here are some troubleshooting tips you can try:

• Check the battery: Make sure disposable batteries are in their compartment properly. The positive shiny side should be facing upwards. Test or change the batteries in your hearing aids using a fresh batch. If your battery is rechargeable, check that you've been charging them correctly. Also check that the recharging case has power.
• Clean the hearing aid: Use the brush and wax loop to swipe away any dirt, wax or debris. Clean near the sound ports and vents.
• Change the wax system: Change the wax filter on your hearing aids to unplug earwax, dirt or debris. It may be clogging up the microphone or ports preventing sound to flow through. If unchanged, you may experience reduced volume or feedback whistling.
• Check silicone domes or tubing: Replace silicone domes every two to four weeks. You can also visit your hearing care provider to change the tubing on your hearing aid. If it has become hard or shows signs of wear and tear, it is time to be changed. We recommend having your hearing aid tubing changed every three months. 

Contact your hearing care provider if you are still having issues with your hearing aids. Your hearing aids may need more repairs that your hearing provider can assist you with.

Hearing aid care tips

Here are some hearing aid care tips you can practice to keep your hearing aids in pristine condition:

• Keep hearing aids away from hot or humid environments, such as a parked car. Heat and humidity can cause battery corrosion and damage to the hearing aids.
• Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming.
• Keep hearing aids away from children and pets. Dogs in particular are attracted to the earwax scent on your hearing aids and may attempt to chew on them. Cats enjoy playing with small devices and hiding them.
• Remove hearing aids before using body care products like lotion, hairspray or make-up. These products may clog the microphone input and volume control switch.
• Keep hearing aids in a dry dehumidifier container when not in use.
• Always carry your hearing aids in their case to protect them from damage and dirt when not in use.

Get your hearing aids checked as recommended by your hearing care provider. Your provider will ensure they are working and adjusted to your hearing level.

Keep your hearing aids dry 

Moisture can accumulate in and around the hearing aid and cause damage to the device. Prolonged exposure to moisture may cause your hearing aids to malfunction. Moisture can be the result of sweat or steam from the shower or bath. To prevent this,

• Remove your hearing aids before any activity that may cause you to sweat profusely. 
• On occasion, Wipe your devices dry while in use. 
• Wear a sweatband on your head to absorb perspiration before it can get into your hearing aids.

Placing hearing aids in a dehumidifier or dryer when not in use will keep them dry and well maintained as well:

A dehumidifier dry kit protects your hearing aids from moisture. It can also prevent any damage to your devices. Be sure to open the battery door when placing aids in your dehumidifier to allow aids to air out.

A UV-light kit is another option that prevents moisture damage to your hearing aids. It can also reduce the accumulation of harmful bacteria and viruses. These can put you at risk for skin and/or ear infections.

Ask your hearing care provider which kit is best for your hearing aid care routine.

Keep your hearing aids maintained

Wax buildup is another one of the main causes for hearing aid repair. 

Earwax can accumulate and clog sound ports and vents. This may result in weak, distorted sound coming from your hearing aids or no sound at all. You may experience feedback from your hearing aids when this happens. 

You'll often hear feedback as a whistling sound. It is produced by the hearing aid microphone when your ears or hearing aids are plugged up with earwax.

Use a hearing aid wax system to keep your hearing aids well maintained and long-lasting. Your wax system acts as a filter to block earwax from accumulating inside your device. 

Ask your hearing care provider which wax system is appropriate for your hearing aids. Get into the routine of changing this filter weekly or more frequently if needed.

Consult with your hearing care provider if 

• you can no longer remove earwax from the earpiece opening, 
• the earpiece tube is yellow and brittle or 
• you can no longer turn up the volume without getting feedback/whistling.

Need a hearing care provider?

If you need help with your hearing aids, our hearing professionals can help. Visit our directory to find a hearing healthcare clinic near you.