Signs Your Hearing Aids Need Repair
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices that endure daily wear. Over time, exposure to moisture, earwax, and general use can affect performance. Watch for these signs that your devices may need professional attention:
Distorted or Muffled Sound
Sounds are unclear even after cleaning.
Intermittent Cutting Out
Audio drops in and out during conversations.
Feedback or Whistling
Persistent squealing that wasn't present before.
Physical Damage
Cracked casing, broken tubing, or loose components.
Battery Draining Faster
Could indicate an internal issue.
Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
Pairing issues with phones or accessories.
If you notice any of these issues, don't wait: a delay in repair means a delay in the auditory stimulation your brain needs to stay sharp. Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
How Our Repair Process Works
Just like your car, regular care and maintenance will extend the life of your hearing aids far beyond what neglect allows. We recommend coming in for a professional clean and check every 6 months.
For Golden Ears patients: If you purchased your hearing aids at Golden Ears Audiology Lakeway, all maintenance visits are covered for 3 years after your purchase, so there's no reason not to come in.
Outside patients welcome: If you purchased your hearing aids from another clinic, we're happy to help. We offer pay-as-you-go service or a 1-Year Worry-Free Coverage plan for $400 that includes unlimited clean and checks, minor repairs, and supplies.
Typical turnaround: In-office repairs and adjustments are completed same-day. Manufacturer repairs typically take 5–10 business days depending on the issue and brand.
Manufacturer Repairs for All Major Brands
If our audiologist cannot resolve the issue in-office, we coordinate repairs directly with the manufacturer. We work with all six major hearing aid brands:
- Widex
- Oticon
- Phonak
- ReSound
- Starkey
- Signia
You can expect to pay the manufacturer cost for the repair plus shipping/handling fees (quoted before we send the device) plus $75 for the audiologist's time. No surprises.
Repair vs. Replace: How to Decide
Not every hearing aid problem calls for a new device. Here's a general guide:
- Repair is usually the right call when: the device is less than 5 years old, damage is cosmetic or mechanical, or the technology still meets your hearing needs.
- Replacement may make more sense when: the device is over 5 years old, repair costs approach the price of a new device, or your hearing needs have changed significantly since your last hearing evaluation.
Dr. Penaroza will give you an honest assessment and help you weigh the cost of repair against the benefits of upgrading to newer technology. We never pressure you to buy. Our goal is to keep your brain receiving the auditory stimulation it needs.
Complete Hearing Aid Services
Clean and Check
Professional cleaning and performance inspection of your devices.
Re-programming
Software adjustments to match your current hearing needs.
Verification & Validation
Real ear measurements to confirm optimal fit and output.
Drop-off Repair
Leave your device for same-day in-office fixes.
Manufacturer Repair Coordination
We handle shipping and communication with the manufacturer.
Modifications & Adjustments
Physical and software changes for improved comfort and performance.
Earmold Impressions
Custom molds for earmolds, swim plugs, and hearing protection.
Supplies We Carry
Wax guards, domes, disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, tubing, and receivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend a professional clean and check every 6 months. Regular maintenance prevents buildup and catches small issues before they become costly repairs.
Yes. We service all major hearing aid brands regardless of where they were purchased. We offer pay-as-you-go or our Worry-Free Coverage plan.
In-office cleaning, adjustments, and minor repairs are completed same-day. Manufacturer repairs typically take 5–10 business days.
In-office maintenance for Golden Ears patients is included for 3 years. For manufacturer repairs, you'll pay the manufacturer cost plus shipping and a $75 audiologist fee. We provide a quote before sending the device.
If your hearing aids are over 5 years old, repair costs are approaching the price of new devices, or your hearing needs have changed, upgrading may be more cost-effective. We'll help you make an informed decision.
Have more questions? Contact us or explore our hearing aid options and transparent pricing.