An Informed Consumer

Factors to consider when choosing the right hearing instruments for you:

• your hearing loss characteristics: the nature and severity of your hearing loss will determine which hearing instruments will optimize your hearing ability
  
  
• your lifestyle: consider the demands on your ability to hear – at home, with family and friends, your work, your leisure time activities. Generally speaking, the more active your lifestyle, the more the precision provided by advanced technology is needed.
  
  
• dexterity and ease of use: would you prefer the instrument to be fully automatic so that it does all the volume adjustments for you? Or do you prefer to have some manual controls?
  
  your physiology: physical factors such as the shape and size of your ear canal, and the natural condition of your ear canal tissue, will determine which style of device is best for you
  
  
• One ear or two? If your hearing loss affects just one of your ears, you may only need one hearing instrument. But most hearing losses – due to aging or accumulated noise exposure – tend to affect both ears. In general, aiding both ears is most effective to locate the source of sound and to give best clarity of speech, particularly in noisy surroundings. Research clearly shows that hearing aid users who aid both ears report greater satisfaction.

Value and Pricing

• Your hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life – in your ability to fully participate in your relationships, your work, and your activities. They keep you connected to your world.
  
  
• Think about what you would value most in a hearing solution. Is it comfort or ease of use? Is it the ability to hear better in certain situations? Defining your priorities and goals will help you decide how much you’re willing to spend for your instruments.
  
  
• Hearing instruments generally cost a few thousand dollars. Each dispensary of course sets their own fees, but generally will be in a similar range for the same product and services. The cost of your hearing instruments generally includes a manufacturer’s warranty, loss insurance and professional services such as your testing, taking earmold impressions, fitting and follow up care.
  
  
• The most technically advanced instruments are usually the most costly, reflecting the amount of research and development that has gone into that product. However, most people can find a quality hearing instrument that suits their listening needs and their budget requirements.
  
  
• Coverage of hearing aids: most provincial medical plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids (Alberta, Ontario, Quebec are the exceptions). A veteran, or an individual who has hearing loss because of occupational noise exposure, may be eligible for hearing aid benefits. Your hearing professional will be able to advise you about the application process.
  

Professional Expertise

• The quality of your hearing experience will depend largely on the service and follow-up care you receive after purchasing your hearing devices. Hearing is dynamic and ever changing. The shape and size of your ear canal will change. Your sophisticated electronic device is delicate and requires ongoing maintenance. It is important to work with a licensed hearing professional and manufacturer who can provide the quality of care you need to protect and preserve your hearing and achieve your best hearing ability. It is never advisable to purchase hearing devices by mail order or over the internet.

Adapting to your Hearing Devices

Using hearing instruments involves retraining the brain to hear sounds you may not have heard for many years. Learning to listen and accept sounds in all kinds of situations takes time, like any new skill. Your hearing professional can help you make a smooth transition to this new way of hearing.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Hearing aids from a reputable manufacturer come with a warranty for parts and labour (generally 2 years) and a return guarantee. Many manufacturers also provide loss insurance for a limited time (generally 1 year). A deductible and re-dispensing fee may apply.

Return Policies

Return policies may vary from province to province, and from dispensary to dispensary, however all reputable clinics provide a 30, 60, or 90 day return privilege. A small portion of the hearing aid cost may be non-refundable.

Give us a call (604) 278.0900