HEARING AIDS
Hearing aids are life-changing devices that can make a world of difference to someone who’s struggling with hearing loss.
But how come such a simple piece of technology has the power of improving your quality of life? It is important to never underestimate the benefits of being able to hear a little bit better. To hear better means communicating better and fully participating in your daily activities again.
And because everyone is different, with unique needs, hearing aids come in many different styles and should be designed specifically to fit the unique contours of your ear canal, providing comfort and sound quality without any uncomfortable pressure points.
However, with so many different brands and models of hearing devices, choosing the hearing instrument that better suits you or your family member’s level of hearing loss range is a difficult process.
At Hear Right, we are able to provide the best service out there, starting with:
Over 50 locations, in a clinic near you
Cost-free personalized evaluation, with prices always upfront
A caring and knowledgeable team of audiologists and hearing specialists
Hearing aid products from the world's top audiology manufacturers.
Starting with showing you the variety of hearing aids models and options we provide, we can help you find the solution that better fits your hearing needs and budget.
Types of Hearing Aids
It’s quite understandable that the hearing aids you have in mind are the traditional and old-fashioned ones, often large, visible, uncomfortable, and, in some cases, costly.
With Hear Right, you’ll have no reason to feel self-conscious about using hearing aids anymore.
Hearing technology has enabled the development of sophisticated aids to amplify sounds in individuals with mild to profound hearing losses. The same technology has also allowed ergonomic simplicity that avoids repeated visits to the audiologist for any fittings and adjustments, at a fraction of the cost. Therefore, no matter your lifestyle, age, or budget, there will always be a hearing aid that suits your or your family member’s needs and pricing preferences.
Have a look at the top 6 types of hearing aid options available for you to choose:
- Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) or MicroCIC
- In-the-canal (ITC)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
This is the smallest hearing aid style, which rests in the ear canal’s second bend, where virtually nobody can see it. This model is specifically designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.- The smallest and least visible type
- Customized for the perfect fit
- Less costly alternative
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
Right after the ICC model, the CIC hearing aid is one of the smallest choices and, as suggested, goes inside the ear canal. It’s very discrete and custom-made to fit the shape of your ear canal.- Customized for the perfect fit
- Invisible appearance
- Less costly alternative
In-the-canal (ITC)
A hearing aid that fits directly into the ear canal, as opposed to those which fit behind the ear (BTE) or in the ear (ITE). Although these are somewhat bigger than the CIC model above, they also fit inside the ear canal.- Customized for a perfect fit
- Discreet appearance
- Less costly alternative
In-the-ear (ITE)
These hearing aids fill the entire ear and can be used for a more extensive range of hearing loss than the smaller CIC or ITC listed above. Although not as discreet, the larger size comes with advantages since it becomes easier to adjust and handle. Also custom made.- Customized for a perfect fit
- Suitable for a larger range of hearing loss
- Less costly alternative
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Sound travels through tubing to a custom-made earmold. This may be the most common hearing aid style. It fits behind the ear, provides more power, and easily handles and adjusts.- Customized for a perfect fit
- Suitable for the most comprehensive range of hearing loss, including profound hearing loss
- Less costly alternative
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
Also known as “receiver-in-the-ear,” these are tiny behind-the-ear aids that attach to a thin tube that transmits the sound to the ear. They allow more sound to enter and exit the ear, suitable for moderate and severe hearing loss in the mid-to-high frequencies.
- Open fit, with tube receiver
- Hear sounds more naturally
- Less costly alternative
How to buy a hearing aid
1 - Scheduling an appointment near you
The first step is making an appointment with a qualified hearing care provider. You might not even need a hearing aid yet, but only a professional can confirm that. To make things even easier for you, at Hear Right you have access to over 40 locations, with a clinic near you. You can schedule a cost-free consultation with one of our hearing care professionals online now.
2 - Diagnosing the level of hearing loss
Suppose your hearing test does return a mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss diagnosis. In that case.
3 - Choosing the right hearing aid model
Through this careful and personalized evaluation, after our hearing care professional has helped you test different hearing aids and gradually tuned them to different environments, we are now able to tell you what’s the perfect hearing solution for you: one that fits your needs and your budget.
How much does a hearing aid cost?
Hearing aids pricing: that’s the next logical step to consider. But the good news is that hearing aid purchase does not have to be a complex and costly process anymore.
Our quote includes:
- A complimentary hearing test and hearing health assessment
- A quality hearing instrument programmed to your individual needs
- Instruction on the use and care of your hearing instrument
- 2-week risk-free trial to start
- 90 day trial period, so you may return the hearing aid(s) during this period for a full refund if you are not satisfied
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty*
- Free ongoing support, including counseling, follow up evaluations and assessments as needed, and unlimited cleaning and reprogramming services
- Free replacement in case of loss or damage**
* 3 years. Some conditions apply; see clinic for details.
** 2 years. Some conditions apply; see clinic for details.
3-year Manufacturer’s Warranty*
All hearing instruments purchased from Hear Right can be returned within 90 days for any reason. Our goal is to guarantee your complete satisfaction.
The hearing instruments we sell are warrantied by the manufacturers. Therefore, full details on your product’s warranty will be provided with your hearing device.
* Hearing aids come with a 3-year warranty and a 2-year loss and damage warranty. However, some aids have only a 2-year warranty and a 1-year loss and damage warranty. Some conditions apply, and details will be provided at the time of purchase.
Maintenance of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are an essential investment in your quality of life, so you want them to last as much as possible. Therefore, it’s advisable to do regular cleaning and maintenance.
The best possible scenario is that you learn how to clean them yourself, combined with routine maintenance provided by your trusted hearing care professional. This will certainly give you years of reliable better hearing.
Cleaning
Cleaning a hearing device is a simple process. Still, different hearing aids models may need other cleaning techniques and different cleaning regularity. If we consider an in-the-canal hearing device, we know it will be in constant contact with ear wax, which may imply more care and cleaning regularity.
The cleaning method may also differ between manufacturers. So, we strongly recommend that you check the information and follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer when you purchase a hearing device.
Charging batteries
As they are electronic devices, hearing aids need power. Most modern hearing devices include light-weight lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, integrated into the device, which implies low maintenance and a battery capacity allowing for long use after a short charge cycle.
You can recharge them in a special charger when not in use, at night, or whenever you need, just like you recharge your mobile phone.
However, some hearing aids models still rely on disposable batteries that need to be changed manually. In any case, being able to count on the hearing care professional’s advice on the type of battery your hearing aid brand and type needs, and on the quality of the disposable batteries you should purchase, will help extend the life of your hearing device.
Trusted hearing aids brands
Many clinics could help you choose a hearing aid. But, at Hear Right, we offer the perfect blend between hearing loss treatment and rehabilitation expertise and hearing aids manufacturing know-how.
We partner only with in name brand hearing aids, trusted in the hearing aid industry, such as:
Bernafon
Your hearing . your passion
Bernafon is a global hearing healthcare company that is empowering people to hear and communicate better. We market high-performance hearing solutions by combining leading hearing technology with more than 70 years of company know-how in the industry.
Oticon
Signia
Starkey
Unitron
Widex
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about hearing aids
Here are several questions Hear Right frequently receives from patients with hearing loss all over the country, and we’ll be addressing each of them with our hearing experts’ insights.
If you have a particular question not covered here, you can simply schedule an appointment with us. Remember, this commitment is cost-free.
In any case, we’ll ensure you get the answers you need and help you find a hearing support solution that you feel comfortable with.
How do I know if I need a hearing aid?
Signs that you may be experiencing hearing loss may start with having trouble understanding conversations, and people sound like they are mumbling. But you may notice other early warning signs that may be related to hearing loss, like:
- Frequently asking people to repeat what they have just said
- Preferring the TV louder than most people do
- Have difficulty understanding when listening to other people on the phone or when you cannot see their faces
- Finding yourself more impatient, irritable, frustrated, or withdrawn than before
However, hearing aids can help you amplify and separate out sounds. At Hear Right, we can evaluate the extent of your hearing loss and help you find the solution that better fits your hearing needs and budget.
Will a hearing aid restore my hearing to normal?
Although hearing aids cannot cure hearing loss, they can help make communication easier by making most sounds available to you again. They are designed to maximize hearing potential, and therefore, improve your quality of life.
However, adjusting to hearing aids’ amplification requires time and patience, because you’ll be retraining your brain to interpret sounds again, to focus on some and filter others out, as you did before when your hearing was normal.
How long will my hearing aid last?
Hearing aids can last anywhere from three to five years, but they can last even longer for some people. Some of the variables affecting this lifespan include:
- the quality of the materials of the hearing instrument;
- how well it’s maintained and frequency;
- how much wear and tear it experiences;
- how hearing aids are stored.
As you can see, hearing aid durability is impacted by various factors, but Hear Right can help you make your hearing aid last as long as possible.
Do hearing aids use special batteries?
Modern hearing aid models come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are usually recharged when the hearing aids are not in use, at night, for example. Current technology allows rechargeable batteries In the ear and behind-the-ear styles of hearing aids.
In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-the-canal (CIC), for example, do require different types of non-rechargeable batteries, with varying spans of durability.
How many hours a day should you wear hearing aids?
Hearing aids should be worn through your waking hours, even if you’re at home or not engaged in any particular activity, except for activities like showering or swimming.
Wearing them while you are awake helps you keep your hearing and brain sharp, and the only time you should be removing your hearing aids is for sleeping and any in-water activities.
What are the side effects of a hearing aid?
Whenever hearing aids are not well adjusted to your ear canal, or if the model was chosen is not the right one for your condition, you’ll be more likely to feel some of the following side effects:
- Soreness in the ear canal;
- Excessive feedback
This is why it is so important that your hearing loss evaluation is performed by trusted healthcare professionals.
How long does it take for your brain to adjust to a hearing aid?
Adjusting your brain to hearing aids’ amplification requires time and patience because you’ll be retraining your brain to interpret sounds again, focus on some and filter others out, as you did before when your hearing was normal. Normally it takes about 30 days.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Depending on the brand and the level of technology, the price of hearing aids may vary between $2500.00 to $900.00 for each device.
Find out about hearing aid prices, what is included in the cost and how an investment in better hearing can change your life. Be sure to always ask your hearing care professional what is included in the price of the hearing aids, so you fully understand what you are purchasing.
At Hear Right, we give you prices and a commitment-free evaluation.
What style of hearing aid should I wear?
At Hear Right, with the help of one of our audiologists or hearing instrument specialists , we can bring real expertise in the field of hearing aids, on the hearing aid best suited to your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget.
Generally, hearing aids fall within three categories:
- In the canal (ITC) – in the opening of the ear canal. They tend to not have as much amplification power as the other devices, meaning they’re mainly used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- In the ear (ITE) – in the outer bowl, typically work best for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are slightly larger in size and have longer battery life than ITC hearing aids but are not suited to people with manual dexterity issues.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – behind the ear and often boast a tiny tube that connects to the canal. They tend to offer the best noise amplification ranges.
What brand of hearing aids should I choose?
With so many different hearing aid brands in the market, it’s only natural that you feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start. While it’s true some brands are better than others, your choice should also be based on the type of hearing loss you have. At Hear Right Canada, our hearing care professionals and audiologists work with the top hearing aid manufacturers and not just one brand at Hear Right Canda. So, you’ll have many options to choose from, whatever suits your hearing needs and best interests. These are the 6 brands that are considered the top Manufacturers in the hearing industry.
- Oticon.
- Unitron.
- Resound.
- Signia/Siemens.
- Widex.
- Starkey.
How do I take care of my hearing aid?
The right way to care for your hearing aids starts by strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ideally, you learn how to clean them yourself, combined with routine maintenance provided by your trusted hearing care professional.
What should I consider when purchasing a hearing aid?
What’s at stake is your quality of life; therefore, you’ll want a hearing device that:
- helps with your specific type of hearing loss
- fits your lifestyle
- matches your budget
- is comfortable to wear
In any case, always consider the advice of hearing care professionals at Hear Right first. We can help you choose the right hearing aid by:
- Having a hearing test first
- Finding the right type of hearing aid and price ranges
- Inform you about special features you may need or not, like background noise filtering, smartphone connectivity, battery rechargeability, comfort, among others.
Are hearing aids waterproof?
Most hearing aids you’ll find on the market are moisture-resistant but not waterproof. This means they are not designed to be worn in the shower or swimming pool and shouldn’t be submerged in water.
Therefore, it is advisable to remove your hearing aids and store them in a safe, dry place or waterproof container.
Are hearing aids covered by insurance?
We can help you find out if your hearing aids are covered under your private insurance plan.
However, there are programs available that have coverage for hearing aids. At Hear Right, we can help you identify these programs to ensure that you can get some help to cover the cost of initial purchase and replacement hearing aids.
