While the technology for hearing impairment remains better than ever, you can sometimes experience problems with hearing aids or other hearing devices. This is not uncommon, but luckily, you can do many things to get your devices up and working again.
However, often a simple question remains: should I replace my hearing aids or simply repair them?
If you’ve experienced problems with your hearing aids, you may be weighing up your options when it comes to repairing and replacing them. Hearing aids can function for years without any troubles, but nothing lasts forever: even these devices are susceptible to damage.
When Should You Repair Your Hearing Aids?
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning as well as expected, or if you happened to damage your hearing aids or have gotten them wet, it’s a good idea to seek advice. No one wants to continue using hearing aids that don’t work correctly, and there may be a simple solution. Before you contact support, look at your hearing aids and see if you can spot any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear.
It may also be a good idea to clean your hearing aids and replace the batteries before concluding that you need hearing aid repairs. If you have done this and can’t see any visible problems, it’s wise to get in touch with your audiologist. If your hearing aids are relatively new and repairs are likely to be successful, it’s almost always better to repair than replace.
When Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids?
Over the years, general wear and tear can take their toll on hearing aids. You may also find that your hearing aids aren’t as sharp as they used to be. If you’ve damaged your hearing aids or they’re not working as well as they used to, it’s essential to consult your audiologist.
It may be possible to carry out hearing aid repairs, but if the devices are damaged extensively or are old and approaching the end of their life, replacing them may be the best option.
Which Is the Better Option: To Repair Or Replace?
The answer to this question depends on the individual case. In some instances, repairing hearing aids is a much faster and more straightforward path to take. In others, replacing hearing aids is a better course of action. If the repairs for your hearing aid are going to take a good amount of time, the cost is likely to be similar to a new hearing aid price. If the hearing aids are old, your audiologist may recommend replacement rather than repair.
It’s also important to consider your personal preferences. If you’re happy with your current hearing aid and it is possible to repair it, you may feel like there’s no need to consider replacing it. If there happens to be a choice between the two options, your audiologist will help you weigh up the pros and cons and compare prices.
Do You Have Old Hearing Aids?
If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than five years, you might be interested in getting a new pair. This is generally because your hearing situation may have changed so that you may benefit from different features or styles. You might even get a better deal for a set of hearing aids.
However, if your hearing aids are relatively new and you don’t necessarily need added features, then it might be too soon to replace them, and it will probably be cheaper and more effective just to repair them.
Do You Have Custom-Fit Hearing Aids?
If you’ve had your hearing aids custom-made to fit your ears, then it makes more sense to repair them than to replace them simply. This is mainly because creating new fittings requires time, and this means you may need to continue your daily life without hearing aids for a while.
This can be incredibly difficult for many people with hearing aids, primarily if they’ve grown used to using hearing aids for things like social outings. However, if you don’t have custom-made hearing aids, it may be acceptable to simply replace them if it’s better for your financial situation.
Are Your Hearing Aids Performing Well?
If you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aids, then you can usually take them to your audiologist for repair. However, if you consult your audiologist and learn about hearing aids with better features that can help you, you might want to replace them.
For instance, if your current hearing aids don’t work very well when you’re on the phone or if you’d like a better pair of hearing aids for listening to music, then you should discuss your options with your audiologist.
Do Your Hearing Aids Malfunction Often?
If you’ve noticed that your hearing aids are malfunctioning regularly, then it could be a lousy manufacturing process that is causing your specific type of hearing aid to fail. As a result, you may want to replace your hearing aids with a different make or model so that you can continue using them without constant problems.
Hearing aids are impressive devices, but they’re not immune to damage, and they do have a shelf life. If your hearing aids are damaged, or you’re concerned that they’re not working as well as they did before, don’t hesitate to contact your audiologist and ask for advice about hearing aid repairs and replacements. Your audiologist can go through your options with you and help you make the right decision.
If you live in the Las Vegas area, consider using Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for all of your hearing aid needs. Call or visit us anytime to let us help you on your journey to better hearing.
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