Hearing Aids
A STYLE AND SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE
Hearing aids are technological marvels! The ongoing research and development into improving the performance of amplification technology is producing devices that are capable of adapting to different listening environments and filtering noise in increasingly sophisticated ways. Speech sounds more natural and music is clearer than ever before. With the available accessories, you can listen to the TV through your hearing aids without disturbing others, or receive a cell phone call without touching your phone. Apps provided by the manufacturers enable you to adjust the volume and features of your aids and even give us the option of providing you with remote care through your cell phone.
Choices
There are a number of choices you will be asked to make when deciding which hearing aids to try. Here are some options you will want to consider:
Styles of Hearing Aids
There are shapes, sizes, and styles for all different needs:
Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) Technology
A device is custom-fitted to your ear canal. It is virtually undetectable: only you know it’s there.
In-The-Canal (ITC) Technology
ITC devices are also customized and extremely discrete.
In-The-Ear (ITE) Technology
ITEs are customized and fit into the outer portion of your ear.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Technology
As you might expect by its name, this type of device is hidden behind your ear: a personalized ear mould is necessary.
Open-Ear/Open-Fit Technology
A small device is hidden behind the ear, while a slim and transparent tube runs over and into your ear.
Receiver-In-Canal/Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIC/RITE) Technology
This device includes a speaker/receiver unit and is positioned inside the ear canal, significantly diminishing the size of the outer housing. This is commonly recognized as the nicest and most invisible type of mechanical hearing assistive.
Technology Level
This is where the latest hearing aids shine! Even the lowest level of technology today processes speech and manages the once annoying aspects of wearing amplification better than ever. Will the experience be perfect? No, there is so much that we have yet to learn about the ear and how the brain processes sound, but that doesn’t mean that you will not be amazed at what you can hear, how much clearer speech can be, and how well you can deal with conversations in the presence of background noise.
Your audiologist will help you to balance your needs with your budget and recommend the best product for you to try. Remember, all hearing aids are sold with a minimum 30 day evaluation period. Our trial period is 60 days and can be extended if you need it. You have the right to return the aids or may choose to exchange them for different models once you have had some experience with amplification.
Batteries or Rechargeable?
We can help you decide. There are advantages to both.
Below is the Hearing Aid Selection Questionnaire we use in our office to help you to set goals for what kind of results you are hoping for when wearing hearing aids. You may download the form to fill it out before you come in. If you have done the reflection work about the people you talk to and why you would improve your hearing, print it or email it to us. The more we get to know you, the better we can serve you.
Funding
We strive to keep our prices fair and competitive. We could mark up the price of the products and services we offer and then give you a discount or a promotion to make you feel that you have scored a deal. Instead, we just offer you the best price we can for the level of service we offer. That’s the way we want to be treated, so that’s the way we treat you.
There are several resources available to help you with the cost of hearing aids.
Private Insurance
It is always wise to check your benefits or insurance policy to see if you have any coverage for hearing aids. The amount varies from policy to policy. The information you want to look for is:
- How much does the policy pay?
- Does it pay per ear or a lump some?
- How often can the hearing aids be replaced?
We know that spending money can be worrisome. We always give you an estimate for your hearing aids and you can check with your insurance before proceeding with the purchase of your hearing aids.
ADP
Hearing aids and FM systems are partially funded by the Ontario Assistive Devices Program. ADP covers hearing aids up to a maximum amount of $500 per ear and FM systems up to a maximum of $1350. Since ADP pays the grant to us directly, we subtract what the program pays from the total cost of the aids. The amount on your invoice is the cost to you. We will supply you with the forms you need for the application.
To qualify for the program you must be an Ontario resident with a valid health card and a disability requiring the equipment or supplies for 6 months or longer. This program is not available to those who receive support for hearing aids under WSIB or VAC (group A). For further information on the program, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/hearing-devices
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Heritage Hearing Care is registered with the ODSP program to offer hearing care services for those who qualify. If you are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support, you may be eligible for help with purchasing our services, hearing aids, alerting systems, and supplies (hearing aid batteries, wax guards, etc.). We are here to help guide you through the ODSP process. Talk with your worker or visit https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/income_support/odsp_add.aspx for more information.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
We serve First Nations and Inuit through this government program. We just need your Client Identification number (that could be your INAC number, band number and family number, GNWT or GN Health Care Number or your FNIHB B or N number) to get started. Complete hearing assessments are now considered open benefits. They are covered by NIHB without prior approval, once every 5 years. You or your doctor may request a hearing reassessment after 2 years if you notice any change in your condition. Your audiologist will need to contact the NIHB regional office to request prior approval for early reassessment. More information can be found in the Audiology Benefits List.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Canadian Forces Members
If you are a veteran and deal with VAC or are starting to deal with VAC, we are here to assist you.
If you are new to hearing aids, all of the official information you need can be found at: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/legislation-policies/policies/document/1911. For the personal touch, we recommend that you consult the caseworkers at the Veterans Affairs at the Pembroke Mall. Their office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am until 4:00pm. The phone number is 1-866-522-2122. They can authorize a hearing or tinnitus assessment.
Are you a veteran or a Canadian Forces member with tinnitus? It is possible to apply for a tinnitus claim online, but that application does not authorize us to do the assessment. For us to do a tinnitus assessment, we need a copy of the letter that VAC will send when they have received your claim and have authorized us to do the work. Please bring the letter with you to your appointment to avoid a delay in service. If you want to be ahead of the game for your appointment, you can download and print the tinnitus assessment forms we use here.
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)
Heritage Hearing Care is registered with the WSIB Program of Care for hearing aids and hearing loss in Ontario and the equivalent services in BC and Quebec. We can assist workers who have been approved by WSIB, WorkSafeBC and CSST to get their hearing aids, ongoing care, and the supplies they need through their program. .
Do you feel you have a hearing loss and have been exposed to noise within a workplace that may make you eligible for a WSIB claim? Visit https://www.wsib.ca/en/claims for more information. We can help you with the paperwork and supply you with information to support your application.
Troubleshooting
It’s Saturday night. You have a big party to attend and your hearing aid conks out. Your audiologist, however much they love you, is nowhere in sight. What do you do?
Here are 4 basic troubleshooting tips to try:
1a. Take the battery out of the hearing aid that is working and put it in the hearing aid that is not working. If the hearing aid still doesn’t work, it is not a battery issue.
1b. If your hearing aid is rechargeable, put the aid back in the charger for at least 30 seconds to reset the aids. Has the appropriate light come on? Take the aid out and try it again.
2. Change the wax guard. (I know, you changed a week ago. Change it again! Wax is unpredictable.)
3. Take out your handy dandy brush and brush the microphone ports to remove debris.
4. If the problem has to do with pairing your aids to your phone or the app, shut down your phone completely. Leave it off for 30 seconds. Power it up again and see if the problem is resolved.
If these tips didn’t solve the problem, click on the logo of your hearing aid manufacturer below. You will find the manufacturer’s educational tips and videos on how to help you get your hearing aids up and running again.
If none of those suggestions work, know that you have done your best. Please call us. You will likely need to bring the aid into the office for us to examine it.
