How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids aim to amplify sound, and they do so selectively so that sounds that are harder to hear – at quieter levels or higher pitches – are amplified while sounds that are already loud enough are not. Most hearing aids today also display specific features aimed at particularly difficult hearing situations. For example, hearing aids today feature wind noise suppression programs and feedback-cancelling applications, as well as the ability to automatically adapt to different listening situations (for example, a restaurant vs. a quiet living room). Many also have the option of connectivity with technology like the television and the telephone.

What are the advantages of wearing hearing aids?

There are a number of advantages to being able to hear again that will affect all aspects of your lifestyle:

• Renewed ability to hear your television, stereo system, computer and other electronics.
• Ability to speak on the telephone, both for everyday necessities and with family and friends for long periods of time.
• Appreciation of the sounds of nature, such as leaves rustling and birds in the trees.
• Maintained closeness with the people you love, in that you’ll be able to listen to them and engage in conversation with them again.
• The self-esteem that will come from your renewed confidence in your ability to hear.

Are there different types of hearing aids?

Yes, there are five main types of hearing aids.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE): BTE aids consist of a custom-made shell that fits behind the ear, and an ear mould that nestles into the ear canal, connected to the shell via a short tube. These are appropriate when dealing with various levels of hearing impairment. Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are small and are worn tucked behind the ear in a way that is not overly noticeable. BTE hearing aids also come in the form of Mini BTEs, which are simply a smaller version of BTE aids, and RICs, Receiver-in-the-Canal aids, which are barely visible as the sound receiver is placed inside the ear canal. Behind-the-Ear hearing aids come in all kinds of appealing styles and are a popular choice when purchasing a hearing aid today.

In-the-Ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids consist of custom-made shells that fit securely in the outer ear, which makes for easier positioning and adjustment. These too can address a wide range of hearing losses.

In-the-Canal (ITC): ITC devices, also called Half-Shell aids, are small and cosmetically appealing. They nestle further into the canal than the ITE hearing aids do. These hearing aids can address a mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids are increasingly smaller and are inserted into and worn completely in the ear canal. These aids can address mild to moderately severe cases of hearing loss.

Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC): IIC hearing aids are worn so completely in the ear canal that they are actually invisible when worn. They are made to be removed daily just like most other hearing aids, but this kind of hearing aid makes it very easy to virtually forget about the presence of a hearing loss throughout day-to-day life. IIC aids are made for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss.

Along with hearing aids from all across this spread of types and styles, Niagara Hearing Solutions also offers new extended-wear products, hearing aids that are worn deep within the ear canal for months at a time without removal. These hearing aids are completely invisible, and they join the ranks of the comfortable, easy to use and affordable hearing products sold our clinic every day.

What kind of hearing aid would be the best option for me?

There are advantages to each of the five main types of hearing aids. CIC devices are barely visible and thus tend to be cosmetically appealing. This, of course, is also applicable to extended wear hearing aids. However, ITE, and even more so BTE, hearing aids are able to offer a wider range of special programming and connectivity with your everyday electronics and other kinds of accessories. A no-cost hearing aid evaluation with our Professionals will be able to help you determine what kind of hearing aid is the best fit for you.

How much do hearing aids cost?

At Niagara Hearing Solutions, we offer a wide variety of hearing aids at the entry, economy, advanced and premium levels, and so we are always able to match our clients up with the hearing aid that perfectly suits their requirements. The price of your hearing aid will depend on the technology needed to address the degree of your hearing loss, your personal preferences and lifestyle needs, and your budget.

The government of Ontario frequently offers funding for the purchase of hearing aids through their Assistive Devices Program, and we accept coverage as well from organizations such as the Workplace Safety Insurance Board, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Ontario Disability Support Program, and private insurance programs.

Furthermore, our clinics offer a 60-day trial period after the purchase of a hearing aid. Your satisfaction is guaranteed within the initial 60 days, or you’ll receive your money back. Rest assured that we will work with you to find the hearing aid that properly addresses your hearing loss while perfectly filling your budgetary and lifestyle requirements. Call or drop in to your nearest clinic to receive a quote for a hearing aid based on the options suitable for you.