How much do hearing aids cost in Canada?

Hearing aid prices range from $995 to $4,000 per ear (or from $28 to $111 per month), which is determined by the sound quality and processing features along with client’s severity of hearing loss and lifestyle. There are several factors to consider when making your decision. Before purchasing hearing aids, it is important to understand these factors and feel comfortable discussing them with your hearing aid provider.

Health contribution and cognitive stimulation

It is important to understand how hearing aids are related to our overall physical and mental well-being. Research has shown how untreated hearing loss leads to isolation. This not only leads to poor quality of life but also increased symptoms of depression. Johns Hopkins University reports how untreated hearing loss is linked to fatigue, anxiety, depression, social isolation and frustration. More recently, Johns Hopkins University also reported how hearing loss is also associated with mental wellness. According to the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), hearing aids stimulate your hearing nerves and prevent important areas in your brain from being reorganized or even shrinking, therefore preventing cognitive deficits. It is quite remarkable what hearing aids can do with an investment in your hearing health.

Style and technology of hearing aids

Before purchasing hearing aids, it is important to choose hearing aids which best suit your hearing loss and personal lifestyle. Hearing aid prices vary based on their level of technology, although hearing aid styles may slightly affect the cost as well. Hearing aids are available in several styles including Invisible in the canal (IIC), Completely in Canal (CIC), In the canal (ITC), In the Ear (ITE), Behind the Ear (BTE), and Receiver in the Ear (RITE).

Basic hearing aids have little to no background noise reduction. They also only have few options when it comes to making adjustments to their sound. Premium hearing aids have the highest amount of background noise reduction and will seek out and amplify important speech cues. Premium hearing aid software allows your hearing professional to make many adjustments based on your listening needs and lifestyle.

Professional service and hearing professional consultation

One-on-one consultations with your hearing professional are part of the package.

When purchasing hearing aids from a hearing healthcare clinic, you are also paying for the knowledge and expertise of an educated and highly-trained professional who will advise you appropriately on your hearing needs. They will ensure you are receiving the proper care and benefit from your hearing aids.

Hearing aids are unlike prescription glasses, for example. Prescription glasses may require an initial adjustment, although most often do not need further adjustment until the prescription changes. People often adjust to new glasses in a few hours to days with little to no trouble. Most notably, people typically seek professional advice as soon as they start having vision issues. Whereas according to the Center for Hearing and Communication, people typically wait up to seven years before seeking professional advice for their hearing.

Online and big retail stores

It is unfortunate that sometimes due to the investment cost of hearing aids, people with hearing loss forego purchasing hearing aids altogether or choose to purchase them online or over the counter as a less expensive option. While there are many great products available online, purchasing hearing aids over the counter or online is simply not a good solution for hearing loss.

Big retail stores have begun to sell store-specific branded hearing aids which can only be programmed at that store. It is important that your hearing aids can be adjusted at any clinic should you relocate or travel. In addition, if you are ever unhappy with the aid or the service you are receiving at that store, you will be disappointed unless you purchase new hearing aids at a hearing clinic that provides a variety of manufactured hearing aid brands.

Local repair and service

Reputable clinics will only sell hearing aids made in Europe or North America. They will also usually have a repair facility in the same country you reside in. Most repair and warranty services are included in the price of hearing aids for an extended period. Hearing aids require maintenance, cleaning and repair over time and this included warranty will assist with that.

Research and development

Hearing aids have experienced the greatest leap in technological advancements in recent years. They are now fully wireless and compatible with smartphones, so phone calls and music can be streamed right through your hearing aids. iPhones and Android phones can also be used to discretely change hearing aid settings, and even help track them should they ever get lost. Hearing aids communicate wirelessly with each other to ensure the user is always hearing speech sound above background noise.

Questions to ask before purchasing aids

Before purchasing your hearing aids, there are a few important questions to ask your hearing care provider to ensure you are receiving the optimal solution for your hearing loss and investing in a high-quality product from a dependable clinic.

• Which hearing aids are best suited for my hearing loss and lifestyle?
• Do I have a trial period?
• Where are the hearing aids made, and where will they be repaired?
• What type of warranty will come with my hearing aids?
• Are there additional costs?
• How often should I come back to have my hearing aids cleaned and adjusted?
• How long will my hearing aids last?
• If I am travelling or relocate, can my hearing aids be serviced at a different clinic?
• Do you use verification equipment to ensure my hearing aids are set appropriately for me?

Purchasing hearing aids is an important investment in your quality of life, relationships and overall health. The right hearing care professional will understand your hearing loss as well as your financial situation, lifestyle and expectations. They will be well-equipped to work with all types of budgets by offering products in the appropriate price range that will suit your needs. Don’t put off this important step to a better quality of life. Visit our directory to find a hearing instrument specialist or audiologist near you and make that call today.

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