How to Prevent Hearing Aid Malfunction
Hearing aids usually malfunction for one of two reasons.
Moisture: It is critically important to dehumidify hearing instruments on a nightly basis. Many times a hearing device will malfunction if moisture builds up inside the casing. To ensure this doesn't happen, place hearing aids in a Dry 'n Store or Dry Spot dehumidifier each day.
Wax Build-Up: If a hearing aid suddenly stops working, it's usually due to wax build-up. Each hearing aid should come with common tools used to keep the aids minimally clean. If the hearing aid is equipped with a wax trap that becomes filled with wax, the hearing instrument will usually resume normal functioning once the wax trap is replaced. Our office is equipped with more complex tools used specifically to clean hearing aids, remove excess wax build up, and change wax traps. Lifetime service is included with all hearing aids purchased through Appalachian Audiology.
Hearing Aid Repairs- In Warranty
For hearing aids in warranty purchased at Appalachian Audiology: we will repair most of the non-functioning hearing aids brought to us. When we cannot, we will ship it overnight to the manufacturer for repair at no charge to you.
Hearing aids in warranty purchased elsewhere: we will repair most of the non-functioning hearing aids brought to us for a small service fee. When we cannot, we will ship it overnight to the manufacturer for repair for a shipping fee.
Hearing Aid Repairs- Out of Warranty
We will repair in house when we can, but if we must send to the manufacturer, there will be a fixed fee...usually around $250-$300.The aid will be shipped back with a 12 month repair warranty. Damage to the hearing aid case or shell may result in an additional re-casing fee.
All hearing aids older than five years may (on an individual case basis) be sent to an independent lab which performs All Make Repairs. Most manufacturers will not repair aids older than five years, but there are some exceptions.
Loaner or Rental Aids
Speak with one of the audiologists for information about loaner hearing aids while yours are off for repair. Often, we are able to provide rental hearing aids for special circumstances.
When do hearing aids become obsolete?
For many computer users, nothing is more frustrating than the release of new technology that renders their personal computer hardware and software obsolete. It is now reasonable to expect a computer to become "obsolete" within a few years of its purchase. We often assume that this type of obsolescence also applies to hearing aids, which leads to thoughts such as:
"Why would I invest so much time and money into something that's going to be replaced by the manufacturer in a year?"
"I hear that the explosion in hearing aid technology enables the manufacturers to introduce newer, faster hearing aid circuits every six to twelve months. Should I wait a bit?"
A careful examination of hearing aid technology demonstrates how this type of obsolescence does not apply to hearing aids.
While hearing aid manufacturers may release new technology twice a year (typically April and November), these advances do not make "older" hearing aid models obsolete. Changes in hearing usually happen slowly and incrementally. Because of this, an audiologist will recommend a hearing instrument with enough reserve to add more power and to respond to an individual's hearing changes.
Therefore, while newer hearing aids may contain features not available in a user's current model of hearing instrument, it does not impact the device's ability to compensate for reasonable changes in hearing for several years.
Proper care and maintenance of the hearing aids, biennial hearing evaluations, and a skilled audiologist will enable maximal benefit for years to come.
Some advances in hearing technology come in the form of firmware and software upgrades for the devices. These upgrades are installed by linking the current instruments and/or accessories to the audiologist's computer
IMPORTANT:
The take-away message should be: what is the "latest and greatest" may not apply to your hearing needs. When a new device is released that could benefit an individual, it does not make the current hearing aid less effective. It merely means that the user will have yet another option when the time comes to purchase new hearing aids.
When is it time to buy new hearing aids?
As noted before, hearing aids do not become “outdated” like computers. An individual's changes hearing loss can be properly addressed using their current model of hearing aids most of the time. However, there are a few warning signs that indicate it may be time for new hearing aids:
Are your hearing aids requiring more frequent repairs?
Have you had your hearing aids for more than five years?
Does the audiologist tell you there are new advances in hearing technology that would better address your hearing loss and lifestyle?
Do you have difficulty talking on the phone?
Is the volume of the television a subject of family "conversations?"
Does a change in lifestyle necessitate more durable and/or waterproof hearing instruments?
If you answered yes to these questions, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your audiologist and talk about new hearing technology.
Ongoing Maintenance
At Appalachian Audiology, we recommend having an audiologist check the function of your devices every 6 months. Hearing aids can be re-tuned for changes in hearing or to address sound quality concerns. We pride ourselves on our low “lost to follow-up” rates. For our self-pay patients, ongoing maintenance is included in your service package with the hearing aids. For insurance patients and those who originally purchased their devices elsewhere, we offer fee for service hearing aid checks.
Services for Hearing Aids Purchased Elsewhere:
Appalachian Audiology services hearing aids from all premium hearing aid manufacturers including Phonak, Signia, Resound, Oticon, Widex, Starkey and Unitron. Please contact our office to speak with an audiologist to see if we are able to work with your devices.
Hearing Aids Purchased Online
It is our experience that many hearing aids purchased on the secondary internet market are resales and do not include a genuine manufacturer warranty. Hearing aid manufacturers discourage the sale of prescription level hearing aids via the internet. If you purchased hearing aids over the internet, we can perform an electro-acoustic analysis of the hearing aid to ensure that the electronics match the product name and promise.
Hearing Aids Purchased at a "Big Box" Store
We are happy to offer a second opinion for hearing aid fittings performed at larger, big box stores by performing real ear probe microphone measurements and speech-in-noise testing to detail how the hearing aid is actually performing. Service fees apply for hearing aids purchased elsewhere.
