Do I need a referral?
No referral needed! While doctor and other third party referrals are welcomed, they are not necessary. Just call 274-4533 and we would be happy to book you an appointment.
What type of funding sources exist for hearing aids?
The government of Ontario provides every Ontarian ,with a valid health card, $500 per hearing aid through the provincial Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible for funding through third parties such as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or the First Nation Inuit Health Branch. Many private insurance companies offer some level of hearing aid coverage through employment health benefit plans and many local service clubs will consider providing assistance to those with a demonstrated financial need.
Is there a cost for the hearing test?
There is currently no cost for a standard hearing assessment at the Frequency Hearing Centre.
Will you look in my ears?
Yes! The very first step of a hearing test is looking in the patient’s ears. If there are any concerns, we will let you know.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
Hearing aids are basically tiny computers that live in a very inhospitable environment. They are attempting to replicate a very intricate body system. Many resources go into the research and development of hearing aids, it often takes years of work behind the scenes to develop a new model.
What is this ringing in my ears?
Ringing (or any buzzing, humming, thumping, roaring etc) is called tinnitus. Tinnitus is very common, but it can also be a sign that something might be going on with your hearing. Anyone who suffers from tinnitus should make an appointment for a hearing assessment.
How long do hearing aids last?
The average lifespan of a hearing aid is approximately 5-7 years.
Will I need 2 hearing aids?
That depends on your hearing levels in both ears. If there is hearing loss in both ears, then two hearing aids is recommended. Binaural (both sides) hearing is needed to be able to tell which direction sound is coming from and it will dramatically improve listening performance in the presence of competing sounds. Think of it being similar to sight….we do not see many monocles walking around!
How long does it take to get used to a hearing aid?
This is different from one person to the next. Some people find they can begin full time wearing immediately, while others take a few weeks to get there. One thing that is consistent with everyone is that you must wear your aids to get used to them. Saving hearing aids for special occasions is the wrong thing to do. You will need to wear your hearing aids daily to help your brain get used to all the new sounds and relearn how to process them.
Do hearing aids come with any type of guarantee?
Hearing aids purchased at the Frequency Hearing Centre come with a 60 day trial period. You do pay for the hearing aids when you pick them up but you have 60 days to make sure you like them. If you are not satisfied for any reason you can return the aids to us as long as it is within the 60 days and you would be entitled to 100% of your money back. Additionally, hearing aids will typically come with a 3 year repair warranty and and 2 year loss and damage warranty.
What are the common symptoms of hearing loss?
Some signs that you might be having difficulty hearing include:
- Frequently asking for repetition
- Increasing the volume on your TV or radio
- Feeling like people are mumbling or that sound is muffled
- Avoiding social situations
- You mishear words
- Having difficulty carrying on a conversation in groups or background noise