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Hearing aids: Everything you need to know



If you think you might benefit from wearing hearing aids, you have come to the right place to learn some good information to get you started.


If you have any additional questions, request an appointment with one of our hearing care professional.

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How do digital hearing aids work?

Hearing aids work by amplifying sound via a three-component system:

  1. Microphone – receives the sound waves and converts it into electrical signals
  2. Amplifier – increases the strength of the sound signals and sends them to the ear 
  3. Receiver/speaker - converts the amplified electrical signal into sound and delivers it into the ear canal

Digital hearing aids have features that can automatically adjust the volume and listening programs based on different listening environments. 

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What are the different types of hearing aids?

Hearing aid types can be classified into two main categories: They either sit behind the ear (BTE) or inside the ear canal (ITE). There are several factors that determine what kind of hearing aid you need, including the severity of your hearing loss, aesthetic preferences, dexterity, lifestyle needs and budget.

The overview below will help you to understand the differences between each type of hearing aid.

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Behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE)

Comfort & high performance: Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the most frequently selected hearing aid models due to their high level of comfort. They are available in various sizes and styles and are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. 

Learn how to choose the right BTE hearing aid:
Behind-the-ear hearing aid

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In-the-ear hearing aids (ITE)

Customizable & almost invisible: In-the-ear hearing aids are often custom made so that they fit directly in the ear. Because of their small size, they are best for mild to moderate hearing loss. Whether you can be fitted with ITE hearing aids depends on your ear canal’s shape and size.

Learn how to choose the right ITE hearing aid:
In-the-ear hearing aid

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Bluetooth hearing aids 

With Bluetooth functionality, hearing devices allow you to wirelessly connect to a range of devices. You can hear music, take phone calls, and listen to TV audio either directly from your hearing aids or via a hearing aid app at a distance of up to 100 meters. 

5 ways Bluetooth hearing aids will make your life easier:
Bluetooth hearing aids

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Remarkable speech clarity - Practically invisible - Try them at home for 30 days without obligation

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Tips from an audiologist

It is important to keep in mind that online hearing aid reviews can be subjective, as needs and preferences vary highly from person to person. A hearing device might seem like a good fit based on reviews, but unless you have your hearing tested and your hearing aid adjusted to your hearing needs, it is difficult to know for sure if the hearing aid will work for you. That said, hearing aid reviews may give you a general idea of what you can expect from the device.

What are the best hearing aids on the market?

Hearing aids are not one size fits all solutions. Hearing aid users’ needs will vary greatly from person to person, depending on their needs and preferences. In order to find out which hearing aid is the best for your needs, you should consider the following factors:

  1. Your level of hearing loss

  2. Hearing aid technology

  3. Comfort 

  4. Price and quality

  5. Style of hearing aid

  6. Your lifestyle and listening situations

  7. Other medical conditions

  8. Your dexterity/vision

Start your research with our guide to finding the best hearing aid and work with your local hearing care expert to find the best choice for you.

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    Question 1 - watching TV
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  • Do you wear hearing aids today?

    Question 2 - at dinner
    Yes No

  • Have you had a hearing test within the last 12 months?

    Question 3 - family has proposed getting tested
    Yes No
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Hearing aid prices in Canada

The prices of hearings aid can vary depending on where you live and what product you chose, but prices generally range from $1,200 to $4,400 per unit depending on the specific style and features. Insurance plans and medical coverage can also have an effect on the final price of the hearing aids. The more advanced technology and more features a hearing device offers, the higher the price. Finding the right price point for you is a matter of weighing the costs and advantages of hearing aid features and technologies then matching it with your needs and budget.

View a hearing aid price comparison table:
Hearing aid prices 

Prices may vary and are based on a 3-year lifespan and after government funding is applied.

A highly advanced pair of hearing aids costs as low as $5.18 per day, which is approximately the price of a latte. This means that for as affordable as the price of a cup of coffee, you may experience a great difference in your quality of life.

Interested in special offers on hearing aids?
Hearing aid special offers

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Invisible hearing aids

The invisible in canal hearing aids are the smallest hearing devices available. They offer the ultimate discretion because they are custom-made to fit inside your ear canal. This makes them almost, if not completely, invisible. Tiny cords are fit to this type of hearing aid so you can remove them easily.

Read about invisible hearing aids

How do hearing aid batteries work?

Hearing aid batteries are a crucial part of the hearing device. A new hearing aid battery will last for anytime between three and ten days before you need to replace it. The lifetime of the battery depends on multiple factors, including the hearing aid type, battery type and capacity, and how much you use it. 

 

Rechargeable hearing aids 

Rechargeable hearing aids are often referred to as hearing aids without batteries. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries are beneficial for both the environment and your wallet, when compared to exchangeable batteries (which must be re-purchased - and therefore thrown out - more frequently.  Rechargeable hearing aids work in much the same way as rechargeable batteries. However, instead of charging the batteries, you simply charge the entire hearing device on its mobile charging pod that comes with it. 

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Hearing solutions for people with conductive, severe or profound hearing losses

If your hearing loss is due to problems in your middle ear or you have single-sided deafness, then a bone anchored hearing solutions (1) might be the best option for you. If you have severe or profound hearing loss in your inner ear, then a cochlear implant (2) might be the best option for you.

Bone anchored hearing systems send sound directly into your inner ear by delivering sound vibrations through the bone (thereby bypassing the outer and middle ear.) A cochlear implant replaces the function of the inner ear.

Both hearing solutions – unlike hearing aids – involve surgery.

 

How to get a hearing aid?

At first glance, buying a hearing aid online or over the counter without a hearing test might seem to be the easiest and quickest option. However, over the counter options do not typically give you the opportunity of working with an experienced medical professional who is licensed to dispense the best quality and trusted products.

In order to get a hearing device that best meets your unique hearing needs, follow these steps:

Step 1 - Get an online overview of the different types of hearing aids that exist. 

Step 2 - Make an appointment with a hearing care professional where you can take a free hearing test and try different types of hearing aids.

Step 3 - Choose the best hearing aid that suits your needs - with the help of your hearing care expert.

Step 4 - Let the hearing care expert fit the chosen hearing aid to your unique hearing needs.

Step 5 - Take the hearing aid home and wear them as a part of your everyday routine. Also, follow any additional steps or recommendations given by your hearing healthcare provider.

Step 6 - Purchase the hearing aid or return it and try another type or model if you wish. 

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Why HearingLife?

  • You will get a free hearing test performed by a hearing care professional. 
  • You receive a free trial of hearing aids with the latest and most advanced technology.
  • Throughout the trial, you can always go back to your hearing care professional for help or to receive a tune-up on your hearing aids.
  • You can simply return your hearing aid and get a full refund in case you are not satisfied with the device.
 

Getting hearing aids repaired 

Like any device, hearing aids are fallible and may experience the need for repair or troubleshooting from time to time. Your hearing aid can stop working for several reasons. You might consider one of the following options when having a problem with hearing aids:

  1. Quick fixes – Sometimes, routine check-ups and cleaning can fix the problem. It can be done either by yourself or a local hearing care professional.

  2. Hearing aid repair – Hearing clinics work closely with hearing aid manufacturers and can submit your hearing aids to them for repairs. The cost will depend on the following factors: whether your hearing aid is under warranty, which part of the hearing aid needs repairing, and how much it is damaged.

  3. Replacing your hearing aid – If your hearing aid is beyond repair due to visible damage, extensive repair history, or because your device is more than three years old, replacing it might be your best option.

Would you like to try hearing aids for free?

Remarkable speech clarity - Practically invisible - Try them at home for 30 days without obligation

Book your trial today

FAQ about hearing aids  

The journey to better hearing might be easier than you think

Dr. Nishat FatimaDr. Nishat Fatima, Clinical Audiologist & International Trainer
is a clinical audiologist who completed her and Bachelors degree from Texas A&M University. She has worked in the public and private sector on amplification, rehabilitation, tinnitus therapy, and occupational safety.