A damaged or broken hearing aid can interfere with your day or become a safety concern. Here are a few ways to prevent your hearing aids from being damaged and what to do if something happens.
Before you panic about a potentially broken hearing aid, go through these questions first. Oftentimes, there’s an easy fix to the problem.
If you have rechargeable battery-operated hearing aids, your best bet is to stay on top of their lifespan. Plan to have your batteries replaced before your hearing aids go out of warranty.
Read more about how long rechargeable hearing aids should last.
If your wax guard is filled with earwax or other debris, that could limit the sound you can hear.
Tip: Clean your wax guards regularly, at least once a month. Replace them once they’re so worn that cleaning doesn’t make a difference. Make sure you replace them with the correct model, otherwise, your hearing aids may not work as well or as clearly.
If you have Bluetooth hearing aids, they may have lost their connection. In this case, a simple disconnect and reconnect can often do the trick. Depending on your devices, this may require uninstalling and reinstalling your hearing aid app.
If you get a new phone, your Bluetooth hearing aids may have trouble connecting. Try reconnecting it on your own, following the hearing aid instructions. If that doesn’t work, you can always schedule an appointment, and one of our staff members can help determine compatibility and reconnect them properly.
If none of these have resolved the issue, it’s time to get an audiologist involved!
By taking care of your hearing aids, you can prolong their lifespan and keep them working for you.
Clean your hearing aids every day with a clean, dry cloth. Not only will cleaning hearing aids extend their lifespan, but it’s also the perfect time to spot any potential issues.
Moisture is a hearing aid’s worst enemy. Store your hearing aids in a dry place. Avoid storing them in the bathroom, as tempting as that may be. Keep your hearing aids dry, especially after a particularly sweaty or rainy day. To help, you can invest in a hearing aid drying device. These can also eliminate bacteria!
Hearing aids are a personal decision, with a lot of opportunities to customize them to your lifestyle. Getting the right hearing aids hopefully means they fit seamlessly into your life and last for a long time!
Don’t neglect your ears; after all, they’re in very close proximity to your hearing aids. You can use ear wax drops to get rid of wax or schedule ear wax removal services. However, don’t stick a Q-tip in your inner ear and expect that to work. Q-tips have a nasty habit of pushing ear wax further into the canal and exacerbating the situation. Here’s how to use a Q-tip properly.
It depends on the issue! Sometimes it’s a simple task. Other times, it must be returned to the manufacturer. If you’ve tried the above remedies and none have worked, you may need to contact a local audiologist for help.
If you’ve had your hearing aid for a while, it may be time to upgrade to a new model. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent care, hearing aids do wear down over time.
Your hearing aid repair cost is dependent on the issue. Sometimes we can remedy the situation quickly, other times it’s a more involved process. You can call our locations to understand what to expect before scheduling an appointment.
Most hearing aid manufacturers offer warranties on their products. When you purchase your hearing aids, we’ll discuss the warranty details. At this time, we can also discuss whether or not you’ll want additional insurance to cover theft or damage or if your homeowners’ insurance is enough.
If you’re noticing your hearing aids aren’t working as they used to or you’re worried you’re dealing with a broken hearing aid, visit SoundGate Hearing. With four locations surrounding the Twin Cities, our team is happy to take a closer look and help get your hearing aid fixed.
Learn more about SoundGate’s repair services, then schedule an appointment at our Blaine, Buffalo, Edina, or Monticello locations!
About the Audiologist: Dr. Sarah Binfet received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota in 2006. She established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 after proudly serving Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly nine years. In 2015, she purchased SoundGate Hearing from her mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis, where she practices today.
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.