HEARING AIDS
It’s no secret that hearing loss can be a debilitating condition, but thankfully, hearing aids are available to help. These life-changing devices have the power to make a world of difference to those who are struggling with hearing loss. The truth is, being able to hear even a little bit better can have a profound impact on one’s quality of life. Better hearing means better communication, and the ability to fully participate in daily activities once again.
The great thing about hearing aids is that they come in many different styles, so you can find the perfect fit for the unique contours of your ear canal. This means that you can enjoy comfort and sound quality without any discomfort.
Of course, with so many different brands and models of hearing devices available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. But don’t worry – with a little bit of research and guidance from your hearing care professional, you’ll be able to find the hearing instrument that best suits your needs. So don’t let hearing loss hold you back any longer – explore the world of hearing aids and take back control of your life.
At Hear Right, we are able to provide the best service out there, starting with:
Over 60 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
With our range of sophisticated and ergonomic hearing aids, you can confidently say goodbye to those old-fashioned devices and hello to a new world of convenience and self-assurance.
Hear Right offers the latest hearing technology for individuals with mild to profound hearing losses, which means you can trust that the aids are designed with your lifestyle, age, and budget in mind. Plus, with no need for repeated visits to the hearing care professional for adjustments, you can enjoy hassle-free use of your hearing aids.
Whether you’re in a quiet meeting or a noisy restaurant, we have you covered. Don’t let self-consciousness hold you back from experiencing the joy of hearing. Rediscover the world around you with Hear Right Canada.
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)
The smallest hearing aid style, IIC hearing aids, rest in the ear canal’s second bend, where it is virtually invisible. These hearing aids are specifically designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.
• The smallest and least visible type
• Customized for the perfect fit
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
The CIC hearing aid is also 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
In-the-canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids fit directly into the ear canal, as opposed to hearing aids which fit behind the ear (BTE) or in the ear (ITE). Although these are somewhat bigger than the CIC model, they also fit inside the ear canal.
• Customized for a perfect fit
• Discreet appearance
In-the-ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids fill the entire ear and are used for a more extensive range of hearing loss than the smaller CIC or ITC models. Although not as discreet, the larger size has advantages since it becomes easier to adjust and handle.
• Customized for a perfect fit
• Suitable for a larger range of hearing loss
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
BTE hearing aids may be the most common style. These hearing aids sit behind the ear, provides more power, and easily handles and adjusts. Sound travels through tubing to a custom-made earmold.
• Customized for a perfect fit
• Suitable for the most comprehensive range of hearing loss, including profound hearing loss
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
RIC hearing aids, also known as “receiver-in-the-ear,” 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
How to buy a hearing aid
The process of buying a hearing aid is not as straightforward as one might think. At Hear Right Canada, we have a highly-skilled team of professionals and hearing industry experts you can trust to guide you through the most important steps:
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?
The next logical step to consider is hearing aid pricing. The good news is that purchasing a hearing aid does not have to be a complex and costly process anymore.
Our quote includes:
- A comprehensive 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**
*three (3) years. Some conditions apply; see the clinic for details.
** two (2) years. Some conditions apply; see the clinic for details.
3-year Manufacturer’s Warranty*
All hearing instruments purchased from Hear Right Canada can be returned within 90 days for any reason. Our goal is to guarantee your complete satisfaction.
The manufacturers warranty the hearing instruments we sell. Therefore, Hear Right Canada will provide full details on your product’s warranty with your hearing device.
* Hearing aids come with a 3-year and 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 long as possible. Therefore, it’s advisable to do regular cleaning and maintenance.
To ensure years of reliable and better hearing, learning how to clean your hearing aids, combined with routine maintenance provided by your trusted hearing care professional, is the best possible scenario.
Cleaning
Taking care of your hearing device is crucial for keeping it in good condition and prolonging its lifespan. While cleaning might seem like a simple task, it’s important to note that different models require different cleaning techniques and varying levels of attention. For example, in-the-canal hearing devices are more prone to contact with ear wax, which means they may require more frequent cleaning.
To ensure you are properly caring for your device, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their recommended cleaning method. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your hearing device for years to come.
Charging batteries
As they are electronic devices, hearing aids need power. Most modern hearing devices include lightweight lithium-ion rechargeable batteries integrated into the device, which implies low maintenance and a battery capacity allowing for extended 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.
Although some hearing aid models still require manual replacement of disposable batteries, seeking guidance from a hearing care professional on the appropriate battery type and quality for your specific hearing aid brand and model can help extend the life of your hearing device.
Trusted hearing aids brands
Many clinics could help you choose a hearing aid, but Hear Right Canada offers the perfect blend of hearing loss treatment and rehabilitation expertise and hearing aid manufacturing know-how.
We partner only with in-name brand hearing aids trusted in the hearing aid industry, such as:
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.
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.
You can schedule an appointment with us if you have a question not covered here. 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 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 sounds. At Hear Right Canada, 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 more accessible by making most sounds available to you again. They are designed to maximize hearing potential and improve your quality of life.
However, adjusting to hearing aids’ amplification requires time and patience because you will be retraining your brain to interpret sounds again, to focus on some, and to filter others out, as you did before when your hearing was normal.
How long will my hearing aid last?
Hearing aids can last three to five years but 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 Canada 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-in-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 activity, except for particular activities such as 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 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 trusted hearing care professionals perform your hearing loss evaluation.
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 will be retraining your brain to interpret sounds again, focus on some and filter others out, as you did before when your hearing was normal. It usually 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 $3000.00 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. 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 Canada, we give you prices and a commitment-free evaluation.
What style of hearing aid should I wear?
At Hear Right Canada, with the help of one of our hearing care professionals, we can bring real expertise in choosing 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 not to 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 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 boasts a tiny tube connecting 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 that 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 work with the top hearing aid manufacturers, not just one brand at Hear Right Canada. So, you’ll have many options, whatever suits your hearing needs and best interests.
These eight brands are considered the top Manufacturers in the hearing industry:
- Oticon
- Unitron
- Resound
- Signia
- Widex
- Starkey
- Phonak
- Bernafon
How do I take care of my hearing aid?
Taking care of your hearing aids is essential to ensure they work effectively and last a long time.
It begins with following the manufacturer's instructions on how to use and maintain them. It is recommended that you learn how to clean them properly yourself, while also seeking routine maintenance from a trusted hearing care professional.
With careful attention and proper care, your hearing aids will continue to provide you with the best possible listening experience.
What should I consider when purchasing a hearing aid?
What is 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 on the market are moisture-resistant but not waterproof. As a result, they are not designed to be worn in the shower or swimming pool and shouldn’t be submerged in water.
Therefore, while swimming or showering, 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 determine 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 Canada, we can help you identify these programs to ensure you can get some help to cover the cost of the initial purchase and replacement hearing aids.
