Have you ever forgotten to take your hearing aids out before you got in the shower? Or returned from a walk in Hampton Park only to find out one fell out somewhere along the way?
If so, you know that hearing aids sometimes need to be repaired or replaced. Thankfully, your hearing aids come with a warranty that can help protect you from having to spend a lot to keep your device working well.
Let’s go over what is normally covered in most hearing aid warranties, extended warranty options, and steps you can take to help avoid unnecessary repairs.
Quick Facts About Hearing Aid Warranties 
- Your warranty will cover you for at least a year. Some models come with warranties for several years. Have your audiologist go through your warranty with you, so you know just how long you are covered.
- Warranties are through the manufacturer but fulfilled through your audiologist or hearing aid expert.
- Warranties cover both in-office repairs as well as repairs that occur when the device needs to be sent out to the manufacturer. However, different warranties may have fees associated with some repairs and office visits, so it’s always important to know the details of your warranty beforehand.
- If your hearing aid gets lost or is damaged beyond repair, your warranty should offer one-time replacement coverage. There may be a service fee, but it’s a fraction of the cost of replacing a pair of hearing aids.
Should You Consider an Extended Warranty
The average lifespan of a hearing aid is 5-6 years, and the average warranty is from 1-3 years. Obviously, this means there might be a gap between how long you have your device and how long it’s covered. One way to fill that gap is by getting an extended warranty. Talk with your audiologist about your options.
When thinking about getting an extended warranty some things to consider include:
- When you’re planning to upgrade to a new pair
- Whether or not your insurance offers any hearing aid coverage
- What your budget is when it comes to affording repairs without a warranty
- How frequently you have needed your hearing aids repaired or replaced in the past
Protecting Your Hearing Aids
While it’s likely not possible to completely avoid the need for repairs the entire time you have your hearing aids, there are some steps you can take to protect your device:
- Stick to a daily cleaning routine
- Store them in a cool, dry place at night
- Replace dead batteries immediately
- Turn them off when they aren’t in use
- Have regular checkups every six months to a year with your audiologist or hearing aid expert. They can catch problems earlier and potentially help avoid more serious repairs down the road.
If you have more questions about hearing aid warranties or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.