Getting a hearing aid doesn’t have to be intimidating. While people are often concerned about what a hearing aid will look like or what it means to experience hearing loss, it’s not much different from getting a pair of glasses. A hearing aid helps you relate to the world around you and helps you adapt to a very common condition.
The Benefits of Using a Hearing Aid
There are many benefits of hearing aids in your day-to-day life if you have hearing loss. They can provide you with:
- Improved Safety: Hearing aids help you become more alert and aware of your surroundings, which can help with activities like driving.
- Better Mood: When you’re not struggling to hear what’s going on around you, you’ll find yourself in a better mood and become less prone to depression.
- More Confidence: The first time you’re in a social situation with the help of your new hearing aid, you’ll realize you’ve regained your old confidence. You can engage more freely when you’re not struggling to hear.
- Higher Earning Potential: Hearing loss doesn’t wait for retirement, and it can occur when you’re still in the peak of your career. A hearing aid helps you make sure that you’re still on the top of your game.
- More Energy: When you experience hearing loss, you can struggle with listening fatigue from trying to concentrate in noisy environments. Hearing aids will reduce listening fatigue and give back more of your energy.
Different Types of Hearing Aids
Once you’ve made the decision to wear a hearing aid, it helps to understand the different types of hearing aids in Canada that are commonly worn. Hearing aids have changed over the years, and many models are more discreet and fashionable than the old-fashioned devices most people first think of.
Our hearing clinic in Toronto is entirely independent, and it’s our goal to match our patients with the best hearing aids for them. We’re not associated with any hearing aid manufacturer, which gives us the freedom to find the right device for you at your hearing aid fitting.
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Types of Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aid styles can typically be broken down into two main styles: behind-the ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE). These are the two most common types of BTE devices that you’ll find.
Receiver in Canal (RIC)
This is a small, discreet type of device that’s very light and hardly noticeable. This is the most popular type of device, and it’s suitable for almost any hearing loss patient. The device features a small body that sits behind the ear with a thin receiver that transmits sounds into the ear canal. Receiver in Canal devices are comfortable, inconspicuous, and stylish.
Traditional Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
A Traditional Behind-the-Ear device may be used for devices that need to provide more significant volume to patients. They can be used to fit any hearing loss but are often recommended for patients with more profound hearing loss.
The model consists of the body of the hearing aid and an earmold. The earmold is attached to the hearing aid with a tube.
In-the-Ear Types of Hearing Aids
In-the-ear hearing aids are customized and molded to fit the patient’s ear. They fit snugly into the ear, so an earmold impression has to be taken to ensure that the device fits properly. These are some of the most popular styles of custom in-the-ear hearing aids.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are ideal for most types of hearing loss. They sit directly in your ear canal, but not as deep as invisible in the canal IIC devices. There’s no body or portion of the device that sits behind the ear, making it an incredible choice for anyone who doesn’t want to visibly be wearing a hearing aid.
Invisible in the Canal (IIC)
These are the smallest custom hearing aids available, and they usually require that a deep earmold impression is made to make sure it fits. The exact depth of the device depends on the length of the patient’s ear canal.
In the Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids sit in the outer portion of the ear canal. They are not completely invisible, but sitting inside the ear, they are very discreet.
In the Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are among the larger types of ITE devices, and sit at the outside of the ear. They can be very good for patients who may have dexterity issues with removing and placing smaller devices, or who just don’t feel quite as comfortable with a hearing aid that sits deeper in their ear.
Modern Hearing Aid Styles
In addition to the traditional styles of hearing aids, we also offer several modern hearing aids that put a more fashionable twist on your hearing aid.
Styletto Hearing Aids
If you’re looking for a more modern, fashionable choice of hearing aid, Styletto is a sleek take on the Receiver in the Canal type of device. They’re available in stylish colour combinations like rose gold and white, cosmic blue and rose gold, or black and silver.
Silk Hearing Aids
This is a Completely in the Canal type of hearing aid that does not require an earmold impression. It provides a comfortable fit deep in the air canal that’s possible because the earpieces come in a number of different shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit.
Active Pro Hearing Aids
Active Pro hearing aids provide a stylish and comfortable hearing aid that comes with a portable, pocket-sized charger. The design imitates wireless earbuds, making them modern and stylish.
Hearing Aid Cost and Coverage
If you’ve been wondering whether or not you should get your hearing checked, you may also want to know how much hearing aids cost in Toronto. The cost can vary widely based on what type of hearing aid you get, but our estimates typically range from approximately $1200 to $3200 out of pocket for one hearing aid, based on the type of device and technology level you get.
Keep in mind that there is OHIP coverage for hearing aids. OHIP can provide assistance of up to $500 for each hearing aid. That totals $1,000 if you wear two.
Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover hearing tests. They will contribute the $500 per hearing device every 3=5 years. Follow-up services with the clinic are all included for 3 years when a hearing aid is purchased. Part of a hearing aid fitting is programming hearing aids to meet the patient’s unique needs. You can also bring in your hearing device to be reprogrammed if your hearing needs have changed.
There are many different types of hearing aids to choose from that will fit your hearing needs and your sense of style. Let us help you find the right Toronto hearing aids for your needs. We can help with everything from your hearing test to your hearing aid fitting.
