Hearing aids come in all different shapes and sizes. Though tech has come a long way, even modern hearing aids are fragile, and can easily get broken. If you don’t look after your hearing aids, they may not last as long. The good news is, if your hearing aids get broken, it’s pretty straightforward to have them fixed. In certain situations, it might be easier to buy a new device. If you’re wondering if you need your hearing aids repaired or replaced, these questions can help.

Are Your Hearing Aids Outdated?

Perhaps your hearing aids are a little outdated? You might have an older pair with limited sound quality? Modern hearing devices offer improved sound quality compared to older models. What’s more, newer models need to be more discreet and smaller. You might like to choose an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid with Bluetooth features? Maybe you’d like an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device with improved frequency response? With so many great hearing aids to choose from, a new model could improve your hearing health.

Do You Have Custom-Made Hearing Aids?

Secondly, you should consider if your hearing aids are custom-made. If they are, it’s definitely easier to get them repaired. If you want to have your hearing aids replaced, you’ll have to undergo a longer process. You’ll need to have your ears re-measured, and wait for a few weeks to receive your new device. On the other hand, it should be fairly straightforward to have your custom-made hearing aids repaired.

How Often Do Our Hearing Aids Break?

When you’re choosing between repair or replace, consider how many times your device has broken. How often have you had your hearing aids repaired already? If you’ve had them repaired on several occasions, and keep having issues, it might be time to buy a new pair. Before you buy a new hearing aid, it’s a good idea to identify your needs and perform research. To help you make a decision, speak to your audiologist. An audiologist can identify which type of hearing aid might be right for you.

Are You Fully Satisfied with Your Current Hearing Aids?

The next question to consider is if you are fully satisfied with your hearing aids. If you’re not fully satisfied, it’s better to buy a new pair. To determine whether you are satisfied the following questions might come in handy:

  • Does this hearing aid limit background noise?
  • Does the sound quality meet my needs?
  • Is it easy to adjust the settings?
  • Does this hearing aid have all the features that I need?

What Are the Signs Your Hearing Aid Needs to Be Repaired?

Under many circumstances, it should be easy enough to have your hearing aids repaired. Here are a few signs that your hearing aids might need to be repaired:

  • If the volume goes up and down, without you touching the controls, you’ll need to take your hearing aid in for repair.
  • There’s cosmetic damage.
  • You notice a whistling sound inside your hearing aid.
  • The device makes it more difficult to hear instead of easier!

How Often Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids?

Expect your hearing aids to last for approximately three to seven years. You may need to replace them before three years have passed. Here are a few reasons you might need to replace your hearing aids:

  • Your hearing health has declined and you require a different model.
  • You can afford a better-quality hearing aid.
  • You’d like a device with a better IP rating.
  • An audiologist has recommended a specific model for your needs.

Are Your Hearing Aids Showing Signs of Moisture Damage?

If your hearing aids are showing severe signs of moisture damage you might need to replace them. There are lots of signs that indicate moisture damage, such as:

  • You notice that the sounds are slightly distorted.
  • There’s a static sound.
  • You notice that the sound fades and then comes back.
  • The hearing aids cut off when you hear a loud noise.
  • The hearing device turns off and back on.

For more information about hearing aids and hearing health, contact

Audiology Associates at 573-332-7000. Audiology Associates have extensive experience in audiology and hearing health. Whether you need a hearing test or advice on a hearing device, we can help.