Hearing > Resources

Hearing/Audiology

Fact Sheets: Our national association, the Canadian Association for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA), has developed a series of informative fact sheets on speech-language disorders

BC Early Hearing Program: A service of the Provincial Health Services Authority

Richmond Public Library Hearing Checklist: Interactive checklist enables you to check on your child’s hearing, understanding and talking progress

HealthLink BC: Your child's hearing

HealthLink BC: Hearing loss, hearing aids, and other hearing-related topics

Long Range Acoustic Device document: Long Range Acoustic Device document

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know what to expect from my new hearing aids?

The amount of benefit a hearing aid will provide can vary significantly from person to person, and for different listening situations.

You can reasonably expect the following:

  • In both quiet and noisy situations, you should hear better with hearing aids than without hearing aids.
  • Your hearing aids should be comfortable in your ears.
  • You should be able to hear speech comfortably. Loud sounds should sound loud, but not uncomfortable.
  • The sound of your voice may at first be unusual, however, you should be able to tolerate the sound of your own voice.
  • You should not have feedback (whistling) at the volume you need to use the hearing aid.

Things you can not reasonably expect:

  • You will not hear as well in noise as you will in quiet. You may still have significant difficulty hearing in noisy situations. The degree of difficulty can depend on your degree of loss and word recognition abilities.
  • Hearing aids will not make your hearing as good as you remember it to be. They are not a cure for hearing loss; they are a treatment.

Be patient. It likely took many years for your hearing loss to happen. Your brain has adapted to not hearing well. It may take some time for you to adapt to hearing many sounds that you haven't heard for a long time. The more you wear your hearing aids, the better your brain will become at hearing the new sounds.

What kind of warranty comes with my hearing aid(s)?

All hearing aids should come with a repair and service warranty. Hearing aids should have a minimum of a one year repair warranty on them. Many hearing aids have two year repair warranties. You may also have the option to purchase an extended warranty. After the repair warranty has expired, you may be responsible for the cost of hearing aid repairs. Some hearing aids come with a loss or damage warranty. There is usually a one-time replacement limit and a deductible applies.

What is the difference between 'directional' and 'omnidirectional' microphones?

Omnidirectional microphones are standard on all hearing aids. They pick-up sounds all around you equally, and provide 'surround sound'. Directional (dual) microphones are an option in most mid-range and advanced hearing aids. They consist of two microphones: A front and a rear microphone. The microphones work together to reduce sounds coming from behind you. This results in a reduction of background noise. Directional microphones can significantly improve speech understanding in noise. While they reduce the effect of background noise to a greater extent, there is still no technology that can eliminate background noise completely.

What is the difference between digital hearing aids and analog hearing aids? How do I know what is best for me?

Analog hearing aids convert sound to an electrical signal and amplify it. Analog hearing aids come in basic and advanced technology. Advanced analog hearing aids can have multiple programs for different listening environments as well as directional microphones for improved hearing in noise. Advanced analog hearing aids can perform as well, or, in some cases, better than digital hearing aids. The digital hearing aid market has changed significantly over the past year or two. Digital hearing aids now account for approximately 50% of hearing aids sold in Canada. In British Columbia, this percentage is much higher. Hearing aid manufacturers are attempting to phase out analog hearing aids from the market, and, instead, offer different levels of digital hearing aid technology. Basic-level digital hearing aids cost the same, or less than basic analog hearing aids. Digital hearing aids contain a computer chip in them, like a computer, that converts sound into a special code before amplifying it. Digital hearing aids are not all created equally. They range from basic digital hearing aids that perform similarly to basic analog hearing aids, to advanced digital hearing aids whose potential capabilities are seemingly endless. Digital hearing aids have the capability to not only amplify sound, but to analyze and manipulate it as well. The most advanced digital hearing aids can, for instance, determine if the sound is speech or noise, and if it is noise, determine what direction it is coming from, and then attempt to reduce it. They can also enhance speech. This is digital sound processing (DSP), and it is designed to improve speech understanding in noisy situations. Digital hearing aids may have additional features, such as a low-battery indicator or beep, feedback reduction capabilities, directional microphones, and multiple programs for different listening environments. If your hearing loss is very unusual, or you are very sensitive to loud sounds, a digital hearing aid can also offer improved comfort for loud sounds while maintaining audibility for soft sounds. Most hearing aids, regardless of technology, perform well in quiet situations. The main advantage of mid-range and advanced hearing aid technology is better hearing in noisy situations. The best hearing aids for you depend largely on your expectations (i.e. Do you want hearing aids to reduce background noise?), your lifestyle (i.e. Are you active? Do you attend meetings, work, lectures or have frequent social gatherings?), your experience (i.e. Do you currently have hearing aids, and if so, are you happy with them?), your hearing loss (i.e. Do you have an unusual hearing loss configuration and/or are you very sensitive to loud sounds?) and your budget (i.e. Can you afford advanced hearing aids?).

What is the difference between an ear specialist (ENT), an audiologist and a hearing instrument practitioner/dealer?

An ear specialist (ENT) or otolaryngologist is a medical doctor who treats and diagnoses diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Ear specialists will typically complete a four-year university undergraduate degree, followed by a four-year medical degree, followed by a four or five year specialty residency program. In Canada, ear specialists do not dispense or prescribe hearing aids, although they may recommend them. Audiologists are health care professionals who are trained in communication disorders, including the physiology of speech and hearing organs, physics of sound, hearing loss, hearing loss prevention, aural rehabilitation, and treatment of hearing loss. Audiologists will typically complete a four-year university undergraduate degree, followed by a two or three year master's (graduate) degree. 'Dispensing' audiologists will have further specialized training in fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Hearing instrument specialists (also called hearing aid dispensers, practitioners or dealers) have training in hearing testing, hearing aid fitting and servicing. Their level of education can vary, but it normally includes a minimum of two years of college-level education following high school, as well as a course in hearing testing and hearing aid dispensing and fitting. Only those individuals licensed with the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Consultants are legally allowed to dispense hearing aids in the province of British Columbia. In order to obtain licensing, individuals must pass a comprehensive oral and written examination, as well as complete a set number of clinical hours under the training of a licensed dispenser. To check the status of any license, or to lodge a complaint, you may contact the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Consultants at (250) 952-1502. The proper fitting of hearing aids requires careful evaluation and testing, followed by post-fitting care and adjustments. Purchasing hearing aids by mail or over-the-counter bypasses all of these important processes and is certain to lead to an unsatisfactory solution to your hearing problem.

What is the difference between a hearing 'screening' and a hearing 'test'? Why are some hearing tests advertised as 'free'?

Hearing assessments are not all created equally. A complete hearing test, also referred to as a 'diagnostic hearing test' or a 'hearing evaluation' includes a full assessment of your hearing ability, your speech understanding ability, and an assessment of your outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. This type of test can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on the degree and type of your hearing loss. This type of test is typically performed by an audiologist. A hearing screening is an abbreviated version of a standard hearing test. It is a test only of your ability to hear different tones for each ear. The screening will only indicate if a hearing loss is present or not. A hearing screening typically takes less than 15 minutes. This type of test can be performed by any number of individuals, including public health or school nurses, Speech-Language Pathologists, ENT medical office assistants, hearing aid dispensers or dealers, audiometric technicians and audiologists. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia does not cover the cost of hearing screenings or tests, unless performed at a hospital (under the direction of an ENT). Hearing tests performed in public health units are also free of charge to the public. All other tests are subject to a charge, at the discretion of the audiologist or dealer. Full diagnostic hearing tests typically cost anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00. 'Free' hearing tests, are normally in fact hearing screenings.

What if I am not satisfied with my hearing aids after I have purchased them? What is the refund policy on hearing aids?

When you are fit with hearing aids, you should be informed about the refund policy or exchange privilege. This is commonly referred to as a 'trial period', and it is a period of at least 30 days, that is provided by the manufacturer, allowing you to obtain a refund or exchange if you are not satisfied with the hearing aid(s). Following this period, you may not be able to obtain a refund. If the aid(s) are lost or damaged during the trial period, your return privilege may also be canceled. If you return the hearing aid(s) for a refund, some clinics may charge a fee for the clinician's time spent testing and evaluating the hearing aids. There is no reason for hearing aids to be in the drawer and not in your ear. If you are not happy with your hearing aids, return to your clinic and discuss your options with your audiologist or dispenser. Never keep a hearing aid that you are not fully satisfied with. If you are unhappy with the service you are receiving, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Consultants at (250) 952-1502. Be aware that fitting hearing aids may take several weeks and may require several visits to the clinic before you are satisfied. Do not 'give up' on hearing aids if you are not satisfied with them immediately. Make sure you understand the details of the return or exchange policy and discuss any fees that you may be responsible for if you do decide to return the hearing aid(s).

What can I do to prepare for my visit with an audiologist?

The following is a list of suggestions for your first visit with an audiologist for a hearing aid consultation:

  • Bring any previous test results with you. This can help the audiologist to determine whether your hearing has changed, or whether it has remained stable.
  • Bring a friend or family member with you to take notes when you go to the hearing clinic for a consultation. There is an awful lot of information presented during a hearing aid consultation, and four ears are better than two!
  • Before you purchase hearing aids, list all of the situations where you have difficulty hearing and understanding conversation. Ask your audiologist which of these situations you can reasonably expect improvement in your hearing. For example, will your ability to hear conversations at the dinner table improve? What about at a night club or restaurant?
  • Ask for information about various kinds of hearing aids, how they will help you, what their limitations are, and the pros and cons of the different makes and models. You should come away from a hearing aid consultation appointment understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different styles and hearing aid technologies.
  • Ask for a copy of your audiogram. This is helpful for the audiologist so that she/he is able to determine whether there has been a significant change in your hearing.
What can I do to improve my chances of success and satisfaction with my hearing aids?

As mentioned before, having realistic expectations from your hearing aids is very important. Support from family and friends, is equally important. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is a non-profit organization that provides information and support to hard of hearing individuals. There are local branches in many B.C. cities and across Canada. Contact www.chha.ca for more information. Speech-reading classes, offered through various organizations, including the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver, can also greatly improve your chances of success with hearing aids, as can Assistive Listening Devises (ALDs).

What are some common myths regarding hearing aids?

Myth: Behind-the-ear hearing aids are 'old-fashioned'. The smaller the hearing aid, the more technologically advanced it must be.
Fact: The size of the hearing aid has nothing to do with how technologically advanced it is. In fact, if anything, the larger hearing aids have the capability to be more technologically advanced, because the hearing aid manufacturers have more room to fit components and features into the hearing aid.

Myth: Hearing aids are so advanced now that you can buy 'invisible' hearing aids.
Fact: Cosmetic appearance and visibility can vary significantly and depend largely on ear canal size and degree of hearing loss. In general, men have larger ear canals and therefore have a higher chance of obtaining a less visible hearing aid. Even the smallest hearing aids however, can still usually be seen if someone is looking directly into your ear canal.

Myth: You can now get hearing aids that eliminate background noise.
Fact: There is currently no hearing aid on the market that can eliminate background noise. Some hearing aids are able to reduce background noise, but none are able to eliminate it. Unfortunately, hearing aids are not 'smart' enough to know what you consider to be background noise!

Myth: Digital hearing aids are the 'best'.
Fact: Countless research studies to date have failed to prove that digital hearing aids are 'significantly' better than analog hearing aids in terms of sound quality, background noise reduction, and hearing aid satisfaction, among other things. Only directional microphone technology, which is available in both analog and digital hearing aids, has been proven to reduce background noise. Advanced digital hearing aids do have additional features that may be beneficial, but caution should be applied when choosing hearing aids solely on the claim that they are 'digital' and therefore superior.