Hearing Aids
in Ottawa

Answer: If you have concerns that you are not hearing as well as you used to, such as with family and friends, at work, socially, watching TV, etc. you should have your hearing checked to find out if there are any changes in your hearing that may explain these problems and that you should be aware of.  

Other good reasons to have your hearing checked: a “blocked” or “full” sensation in your ears, Hearing a constant ringing sound in your ears, or a family history or hearing loss, or a history of being exposed to loud noise, either through work (occupational) or recreationally (hunting, power tools, etc.)

It’s also just a good idea for your general health: since hearing generally declines as we get older, if you’re over 50 years old, it’s a good idea to have your hearing checked, in the same way you may have your vision checked and your teeth checked. This is particularly relevant now that we know that hearing health is related to cognitive health.

Answer: Most people wear hearing aids that have a small piece behind the ear (the microphone) with a wire that runs invisibly along the skin to a small piece that sits in the ear (the speaker). It is also possible to have a hearing aid where both the microphone and speaker are situated in the ear, with nothing behind the ear.

Answer: At big chain hearing aid clinics a pair of premium hearing instruments can easily cost between $6000-$7000, even after the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) grant. On the other end of the spectrum, hearing aids at Costco Wholesale are sold for a fraction of this cost, but with minimal service and aftercare. At Treat Hearing, a pair of premium hearing aids fit by our experienced audiologists with our exceptional ongoing care and service included is $4590, after ADP.

Answer: Many health insurance policies include coverage for hearing aids. While some plans only contribute a relatively small amount (say $500), others can cover the entire cost. However, most plans are somewhere in between. For example, public servants with the Federal Government get 80% coverage, up to a maximum of $1500 through Canada Life.

Answer: While it does take some time and adjustments to get used to wearing hearing aids, most people can completely forget that they are wearing them shortly after putting them on, because they are light-weight and open-feeling.

Answer: Cleaning hearing aids is straightforward and often requires little more than wiping them off with a tissue at the end of the day. Regular maintenance involves changing a wax filter, as needed (usually every 2-4 weeks).

Cleaning hearing aids is straightforward and often requires little more than wiping them off with a tissue at the end of the day. Regular maintenance involves changing a wax filter, as needed (usually every 2-4 weeks).

Answer: Our hearing aids come with a 3 year repair warranty; most people wear their hearing aids for 4 – 5 years before considering (or needing to) replace them.

Answer: Most people who have constant ringing in the ears also have an aidable hearing loss. Most of the time, simply treating the hearing loss with hearing aids significantly reduces the perception of tinnitus, when the hearing aids are worn.