When Is a Hearing Aid Too Old To Be Repaired?

No matter how well you take care of your hearing aids, the reality is that they won’t last forever. On the other hand, there are many parts and components of hearing aids that can easily be replaced without having to purchase an entirely new device (which, as you’re probably aware, can run into the thousands of dollars). Still, at some point in its lifetime, a hearing aid reaches ‘non-repairable’ status. When is that, and whose opinion should you trust? 

The more you know about your hearing aid’s expected lifespan, the resources available to you, and what can or cannot be repaired, the less likely you’ll spend unnecessary funds and the longer you’ll benefit from a functional hearing aid – regardless of its age.

Average lifespan

The typical hearing aid will last anywhere from five to seven years, but that’s just an estimate. If your hearing aid holds out until the upper range of that timespan, don’t worry – it won’t suddenly stop working. At the same time, the older your particular model is, the more difficult it may be for a hearing instrument specialist or dealer to source replacement parts for it.

Aging of hearing device

Even if a specialist says your hearing aid is too old to repair, replacement may not be your only option. Independent labs can often repair ‘non-repairable’ hearing aids for a reasonable price. What’s more, they will often include a one-year warranty for any parts they repair or replace. Depending on your particular hearing aid, this might not be an option, but it’s worth checking into if there’s even a remote possibility of returning your hearing aid to ‘like-new’ condition for a fraction of the price.

Cost of replacement or repair

You might be wondering if the cost of repairing an older model is worth the cost of replacement. To give you an idea, purchasing an entirely new digital hearing aid can cost over $3,000. In comparison, a re-casing (replacement of the outer shell of a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid) costs an average of $500-$600. So, unless your hearing aid is still under warranty, choosing to repair it is still your best option.

Of course, there is still one instance you’ll want to replace your hearing aid, regardless of its age: a significant change in your hearing. A hearing instrument specialist can make adjustments to your current hearing aid, but a different type may be better able to meet your needs. Having your hearing evaluated and returning for routine checkups will ensure that not only are your hearing aids working optimally, but also they’re providing you with the optimal daily hearing experience you deserve.