If you’re not sure where your aid stands, our hearing aid repairs page explains how we can help.
What affects how long a hearing aid lasts
Type of aid. In-the-ear and in-the-canal styles sit in a warm, damp environment and are more exposed to wax, so they tend to need more servicing. Behind-the-ear styles are generally easier to maintain.
How much you wear them. Aids worn all day will see more wear than those worn occasionally, though the benefit is much greater.
Environment. Humidity, sweat, dust and rain all take their toll.
Care and cleaning. Regular cleaning, replacing wax guards and domes on schedule, and overnight drying make a clear difference.
Changes in your hearing. If your hearing changes, an aid that was set up well may no longer be powerful enough, even though it still works.
Is it worth repairing?
Warranties usually cover the first two to five years, and after that, repairs are chargeable. Whether a repair is worthwhile depends on a few things: the age and condition of the aid, whether the manufacturer still supports that technology level, and whether it still suits your hearing.
Age alone isn’t a reason to give up on an aid. Our repair partner is a local repair centre that handles all the main brands, and it has repaired aids that a manufacturer had said it could no longer support because parts were no longer available. If your aid has simply stopped working, start with our checklist on what to check when a hearing aid isn’t working.
Repair or replace?
| Situation | Usually best to |
|---|---|
| Newer aid, one clear fault, still suits your hearing | Repair |
| Wax guard, dome or tubing worn | Replace the part and keep the aid |
| Aid still works but your hearing has changed | Get a hearing test, then reprogramme or consider new aids |
| Frequent faults or repeated repairs | Consider replacing |
| Manufacturer no longer supports it and parts can’t be found | Consider replacing |
| You want newer features (better noise handling, Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries) | Review your options |
Keep a spare set
Even if you’re buying new aids, I’d suggest keeping your older pair in working order. A spare set means a breakdown or a repair doesn’t leave you without hearing help.
Making hearing aids last longer
- Clean them daily with the tools supplied.
- Replace wax guards and domes as recommended.
- Dry them overnight, with the battery door open if yours has one.
- Keep them away from water, heat and hairspray.
- Have your ears checked for wax, because a blocked canal makes aids work harder.
- Have regular check-ups, because a service can spot wear before it becomes a fault.
If you’re leaning towards new aids, you can try a pair first with our free hearing aid trial.
Thinking about repairing or replacing? Find out how our repair service works, or try new aids with no obligation.
Hearing aid repairs
