 | Frequently Asked Questions |
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- How do I book an appointment?
In order to have your hearing test completed at no charge to you, you will need a referral from your family doctor. This is because of the Halton Hearing Centre's affiliation with Oakville's Dr. Jack Kolenda (ENT). The referral can then be faxed to this office or brought in to us in person. A referral form can be printed from home. Simply click on the link at the left-hand side of this page.
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- What can I expect during my hearing test?
The assessment begins with an examination of the ear, the ear canals, and the ear drums. A measurement is then taken to assess your middle ear health and function. Speech Testing is then carried out to determine how clearly speech is perceived at a comfortable listening level. Lastly, Pure-Tone Testing is completed by having the patient listen for very soft tones or beeps.
The Audiologist will then review the results with you after the assessment is completed.
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- How much does a hearing aid cost?
The cost of a hearing aid is influenced by a variety of factors, but mostly by the level or sophistication of the hearing aid technology. An entry-level hearing aid will be less expensive and will also have fewer features, whereas a more advanced hearing aid may be more expensive and will have many more features that are meant to help enhance sound quality and your ability to hear speech when in background noise.
In Ontario there is a government grant available to help cover a portion of the cost of hearing aids. The Assistive Devices Program allows for $500 towards the cost of each hearing aid every 3 years.
If you are interested in discussing available hearing aid options, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
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- How often do I need a hearing test?
If you have hearing loss you should have a hearing test completed on an annual basis for monitoring purposes.
This is especially true if you wear hearing aids. Your hearing aids should be examined and adjusted to accomodate possible changes in your hearing over time.
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- How long will a hearing aid last me?
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid is approximately 3-5 years. This is also dependent on the maintenance and care of the hearing aid over this time period.
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- Do I need a prescription for a hearing aid?
Individuals applying for funding assistance through the Assistive Devices Program must have their hearing tested and hearing aids authorized by an ADP-registered authorizer. An "Authorizer" includes an Audiologist who is a practicing member in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
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- How do I know which hearing aid is right for me?
First a hearing test is completed. Then a recommendation (prescription) for a hearing aid (or aids) is made according to the type and severity of the hearing loss. We work with you to review your options, as well as to choose the most appropriate hearing aid that will meet your hearing needs and lifestyle.
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- Do I need two hearing aids?
There are definite advantages to wearing two hearing aids when you have hearing loss in both ears: Improved sound quality, improved localization for sound, improved listening comfort, and most importantly - improved speech understanding when in quiet and when in the presence of background noise.
Wearing hearing aids essentially keeps the ears "stimulated" with sound. This stimulation has been shown to help preserve speech understanding (i.e. your perception of speech clarity). When only one hearing aid is worn, the unaided ear tends to lose its ability to clearly hear and understand speech over time - A term referred to as "Auditory Deprivation". Wearing two hearing aids when it is recommended will provide you with immediate and long-term hearing benefit!
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- Is there any funding available for hearing aids?
There is funding available from the Ministry of Health to cover a portion of the cost of your hearing aids. Every resident of Ontario with a valid OHIP card who hasn't accessed the grant in 3 years is eligible for $500 per hearing aid.
Some individuals may also be eligible for coverage through Veterans Affairs Canada or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
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- How long will the batteries last?
Battery life varies by the style of hearing aid you wear, by the severity of your hearing loss, as well as by the amount of time you wear your hearing aid. Your hearing healthcare professional can tell you more about battery life based on the hearing aid you are most interested in.
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Have we adequately answered your hearing aid and hearing test-related questions?
To inquire further, please contact us at the Halton Hearing Centre
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