95%
of hearing loss can be treated
with hearing aids.
#2
Hearing loss is the #2 most common complaint among older adults, arthritis is #1.
90%
of patients need hearing aids
for both ears.
You may have hearing loss if…
- You frequently require repetition.
- You think people are mumbling or their speech is not clear.
- You have difficulty understanding others in the presence of background noise such as in groups or restaurants.
- You have difficulty hearing and understanding children and women’s voices.
- You withdraw from social situations that you once enjoyed attending due to your hearing.
- You have difficulty hearing on the telephone or require the television to be louder than what others would prefer.
FAQ
How much do hearing aids cost?
Advances in technology means there are now great hearing aid options available for every budget. The price of a hearing aid is essentially determined by the level of technology in the hearing aid. Entry level hearing aids are less expensive but have fewer automatic features. More advanced hearing aids will have the latest technologies available to enhance hearing in more difficult listening situations. Our audiologists can help you in determining which level of technology is best suited for you, your lifestyle and budget.
Do I really need them?
Hearing loss is most often a gradual progression. Untreated hearing loss causes the auditory centres of the brain to receive less stimulation resulting in decreased ability to process sounds and a decline in speech understanding over time. If you go a long time without hearing sound normally, it’s more difficult to adjust to hearing aids when you do decide to get them because of auditory deprivation. Early treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids helps to prevent this decline in speech processing.
What happens if I don’t treat my hearing loss?
Untreated hearing loss can have a significant impact on your quality of life, potentially causing: withdrawal from social activities, embarrassment, frustration, loneliness, anxiety and even depression. Research has also established a relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Other medical conditions often co-exist with hearing loss, including: heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease.
With even mild hearing loss, the use of hearing aids can improve job performance, enhance communication skills, increase earning potential, improve your professional and interpersonal relationships and help enhance your quality of life.
What age does hearing loss typically happen at?
Hearing loss is cumulative over your entire life but typically most people don’t experience symptoms until they reach their late 20s or early 30s. Dependent upon your results your audiologist will work with you to determine a schedule for reassessments based on your unique needs. A yearly hearing check becomes important if hearing loss has been identified. Half of people beyond the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss, however mild or severe, and increases as you age.
How Often do I need my hearing checked?
Individuals with hearing loss should have their hearing monitored on an annual basis. This is especially true if you wear hearing aids, as hearing can change over time and it’s important to ensure your aids are programmed appropriately for your hearing loss.
Do I actually need 2 hearing aids?
A lot of people ask if they can get just one hearing aid. If you have aid-able hearing loss in both ears, it is important to wear two hearing aids. Our brain requires equal input from both ears to tell where sounds are coming from. Balanced hearing from both ears is essential to allow speech to be heard more clearly and with less effort, especially in background noise.
Additionally, many of today’s newest hearing aid technologies feature advances in binaural technology. In these devices the left and right hearing aids exchange information wirelessly, enhancing the sound quality of the aids.
How long will they last?
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid is approximately 5 years. Hearing aids can last longer depending on care and maintenance, and hearing aids over five year old may be appropriate if they are in good working order and are still providing good benefit for your hearing loss. Most manufacturers will not repair hearing aids older than 5 years.
Can I try them before I buy?
All hearing aids come with a minimum 60 day adjustment period. These hearing aids are ordered, programmed and fit to your unique hearing needs. It is important that you try the hearing aids in your own environment. If you’re not finding benefit from the hearing aids you can try a different style or technology, or return it at the end of the adjustment period.
Do I need ongoing care?
Hearing aids are exposed to moisture and wax on a daily basis and it is not uncommon for a hearing aid to need repair over time. Minor repairs can often be done in our office while you wait. We provide ongoing hearing aid maintenance to ensure your hearing aids are functioning optimally for you. This includes regularly scheduled appointments to ensure longevity and success with your hearing aids. If we are not able to fix your hearing aid in our office, it may need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. We service hearing aids from the major hearing aid manufacturers.