Hearing Aid Repair in Wilmington & Southport, NC

Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices worn in a uniquely demanding environment — daily exposure to earwax, moisture, body heat, and physical handling. Even the most well-maintained devices occasionally need professional attention. When yours stop working the way they should, Excel Audiology in Wilmington & Southport, NC is here to help.

Dr. Jason Rickman and our team provide comprehensive hearing aid repair and troubleshooting services for both our own patients and individuals who purchased their devices elsewhere. We service all major brands.

Common Hearing Aid Problems We Address

Many hearing aid issues are more common than you might think — and a surprising number can be resolved quickly in our office without the need to send anything to a manufacturer. Problems we regularly diagnose and address include:

No Sound or Intermittent Sound

Often caused by a clogged wax guard, blocked receiver, dead battery, or moisture in the device. This is one of the most common — and most easily fixed — hearing aid problems.

Feedback (Whistling or Squealing)

Acoustic feedback occurs when amplified sound leaks out of the ear and is picked up by the microphone again. Causes include a poor earmold fit, incorrect dome size, earwax buildup in the ear canal, or a damaged receiver. Most cases are resolved in a single visit.

Distorted or Muffled Sound Quality

A partially clogged receiver, damaged microphone, or moisture accumulation can all cause sound to seem unclear or distorted even at appropriate volume levels.

Hearing Aid Won’t Turn On or Won’t Charge

Battery issues, corroded contacts, moisture damage, or a faulty charging case can prevent hearing aids from powering on. We diagnose the cause and advise on the best course of action.

Physical Damage

Cracked shells, broken receiver wires, bent earhooks, detached tubing, and damaged earmolds are common after drops or accidents. Many physical repairs can be completed in-office or through a quick manufacturer turnaround.

Moisture Damage

Coastal North Carolina’s humid climate makes moisture a particular concern for hearing aid users. We can assess moisture damage and advise on protective measures going forward.

Microphone Blockage

Debris or moisture in the microphone port reduces sound pickup. Professional cleaning and microphone restoration is part of our in-office repair capability.

In-Office Repair vs. Manufacturer Service

Not every hearing aid problem requires a trip to the factory. At Excel Audiology, many issues are diagnosed and resolved during a single in-office visit:

We can typically handle in-office:

  • Wax guard and filter replacement
  • Receiver wire replacement (RIC/RITE style devices)
  • Earmold tubing replacement
  • Dome size adjustment or replacement
  • Basic moisture drying and treatment
  • Reprogramming and software-related issues
  • Listening and function checks

Manufacturer service is needed for:

  • Internal circuit or processor damage
  • Receiver replacement (non-user-serviceable models)
  • Shell repairs and rebuilds
  • Microphone replacement
  • Warranty repairs and in-warranty replacements

When your hearing aids need to go to the manufacturer, we manage the process on your behalf — packaging, shipping, and tracking your repair — and provide a loaner hearing aid so you’re not left without sound while you wait.

We Repair All Major Brands

You do not need to have purchased your hearing aids from Excel Audiology to bring them in for service. We work with devices from all leading manufacturers including:

  • Phonak
  • Unitron
  • Oticon
  • Widex
  • ReSound
  • Starkey
  • Signia
  • Rexton
  • Bernafon
  • And others

Preventing Future Repairs — Daily Maintenance Tips

Many of the most common hearing aid problems are preventable with consistent daily care:

  • Wipe down your devices every evening with a soft, dry cloth to remove earwax and moisture
  • Open the battery door overnight on non-rechargeable devices to let moisture escape
  • Use a hearing aid dehumidifier — especially important in Wilmington and Southport’s coastal humid climate
  • Replace wax guards regularly — typically every 2–4 weeks depending on your earwax production
  • Store hearing aids in their case or charger when not being worn
  • Avoid exposing hearing aids to water, hairspray, sunscreen, or perfume
  • Bring your devices in for a free professional cleaning every 3–6 months

What to Do If Your Hearing Aid Stops Working

Before coming in, try these quick troubleshooting steps:

Check the Battery

Replace or recharge as applicable.

Check the Wax Guard

If it’s dark or blocked, replace it with a new one.

Check the Dome or Earmold

Make sure it’s properly attached and not blocked.

Try a Soft Restart

Turn the device off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

Check the Ear Canal

Significant earwax buildup can cause feedback or muffled sound even when the device is functioning correctly.

If none of these steps restore normal function, give us a call or come in. Most issues are quickly diagnosed and we’ll give you an honest assessment of whether an in-office fix or manufacturer service is the right path.

Bring In Your Hearing Aid for Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

In-office repairs such as wax guard replacement and receiver wire replacement are often covered under our service plans or performed at minimal cost. Manufacturer repairs vary by brand, warranty status, and the nature of the damage. We will provide a clear estimate before any paid service is authorized.

Most new hearing aids come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 1–3 years covering defects and certain repairs. Loss and damage coverage varies by policy. We can help you understand what your warranty covers and process warranty repairs on your behalf.

Most manufacturer repairs take 1–2 weeks. We provide loaner hearing aids so you’re not without sound during this time.

Yes. We repair and service hearing aids from all major brands regardless of where they were purchased.

This depends on the age of the devices, the cost of the repair, and the current state of the technology. Hearing aids older than 5–7 years may be approaching the end of their serviceable life, and in some cases an upgrade to current technology makes more sense than a costly repair. We’ll give you an honest, unbiased recommendation.