Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Hearing aids work very hard every day. They can deal with stressful situations like noise in a coffee shop, quiet times at home, and family get-togethers. But even with regular care, they sometimes need more attention.
If they stop operating or working well, the best thing to do is send them in for repair. The first few times may be awkward or worrisome. Knowing what to expect makes the procedure smoother and less scary from the time help is needed until the sound comes back.
Noticing When Something Isn’t Right
Hearing aids are designed to last a long time, but like any other thing that is used often, issues can always happen. The sound might seem weaker, more distorted, or drop out completely. There could also be feedback or buzzing. Sometimes, the solution is to clean or replace a filter. But other times, something deeper is going on that requires repair.
A hearing health professional will first assess the device to figure out what’s wrong with it. If the troubleshooting process does not resolve the issue, the next step is to send the hearing aid to the manufacturer or a repair center.
What the Repair Process Usually Looks Like
When the hearing aid has to be fixed, it will be sent to the manufacturer’s repair shop or a trusted repair shop. At this point, the professionals at the hearing clinic will take care of transportation, tracking, and paperwork. Sometimes the device is evaluated immediately, and basic repairs might be completed within a few days.
Repairs that are more complicated, especially for older models, take longer or need parts that are out of stock. Hearing health professionals will supply a loaner device to continue hearing aid use while the device is fixed.
Costs and Warranties Can Vary
Cost is a common concern for hearing aid users, especially when the repair comes up suddenly. The original manufacturer’s warranty covers some hearing aids, sometimes requiring free repairs or replacements for a particular period. After the warranty period ends, there might be other options like insurance or an extended service plan.
The cost of repairs will vary depending on the type of damage and the model of the hearing aid. The hearing health professional will go over the repair costs first and also recommend what’s best. Sometimes, it’s useful to repair, but other times, buying a new model is best.
Backup Support Keeps Things Manageable
Being unable to enjoy conversations while your hearing aid is being repaired can be a significant issue. Regular conversations become harder, especially for people who wear hearing aids every day. Watching TV, making calls, and attending meetings become difficult during this time.
Many clinics provide backup or loaner equipment while patients’ devices are serviced. Even though these may not be as good as a customized device, they will ensure a connection. Wearing a loaner demands some adjustment, but it pays off. It reduces the impact of moving around without a hearing aid.
Getting the Device Back and What Happens Next?
After the repaired hearing aid is returned, the hearing health professional will check it again to make sure it works before giving it to you. After repairs, the components will be tested, cleaned, and reset to their personalized settings. Sometimes a proper fitting is needed to restore sound.
If natural wear and tear caused the problem, the professional may propose ways to prevent it. For instance, battery cleaning, care, and storage instructions are supplied. The fixed device will be returned when all components are verified independently.
Reach Out Early to Avoid Long Delays
Hearing aids don’t always stop working overnight. Often, the signs start small. Lower volume, more feedback, or a slight drop in clarity may show up first. Acting early can prevent bigger issues down the road. Waiting too long might mean the device stops working altogether or takes longer to fix.
A hearing health professional can quickly test for simple solutions and send the device for repair if needed. Starting the process early means more time with working hearing aids and fewer interruptions to daily life. If something feels off, schedule a visit and get things checked out soon.