Hearing Loss FAQ

How do I know if I need hearing aids?

A good place to start is to decide whether or not you think hearing loss is affecting your daily life.  Are you having trouble communicating?  Do you ask people to repeat themselves?  A hearing assessment will determine the degree of your hearing loss, if any, and walk through options available to you..

How can I recognize hearing problems?

Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually, without discomfort or pain. What’s more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss, without even realizing they are doing it. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether hearing loss is present:

1. Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?

2. Do I have trouble following conversations with more than two people?

3. Do I have difficulty hearing what is said unless I’m facing the speaker?

4. Does it sound like other people are mumbling or slurring their words?

5. Do I struggle to hear in crowded places like restaurants, malls and meeting rooms?

6. Do I have a hard time hearing women or children?

7. Do I prefer the TV or radio volume louder than others?

8. Do I experience ringing or buzzing in my ears?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, chances are you do suffer from hearing loss.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

How long your batteries last depend on different factors, including the brand you buy and how many hours per day you wear your hearing aids.  We also offer rechargeable hearing aids.  Say goodbye to hearing aid batteries for good.  Give us a call for more information.

If I had hearing loss, wouldn’t my doctor have told me?

Not necessarily. Only about 13% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. Since most people with hearing impairments hear just fine in quiet environments (like your doctor’s office), it can be very difficult for your physician to recognize this problem. Only a trained hearing professional can determine the severity of your hearing problem, whether or not you could benefit from a hearing aid, and which type would be best for you.

Are there different types of hearing loss?

Yes. There are three types of hearing loss.

Sensorineural: The most common type, it occurs when the inner ear nerves (and hair cells) are damaged and do not properly transmit auditory signals to the brain. Can be treated with hearing aids.

Conductive: Is typically the result of obstructions in the ear. Can usually be treated medically or surgically.

Mixed: A combination of sensorineural and conductive.

At what age should I start having my hearing checked?

70% of Canadians over the age of 70 will have significant hearing loss but changes in hearing due to aging or noise exposure can emerge as early as 50.

If you notice a sudden change in your hearing, have it checked right away.  For most, hearing loss is subtle and develops slowly over time.  It is never too early to have it checked and it is a great idea to have a baseline to compare to if you notice any changes in hearing senstitivity.

Are there operations or medications I can take for hearing loss?

Only 5% of hearing loss in adults can be improved medically or surgically. The vast majority of Canadians with hearing loss (95%) are treated with hearing aids.

If I think I have a hearing problem, what do I do?

You should make an appointment with a hearing professional for an evaluation, consultation and hearing test. Many hearing care professionals offer this evaluation at no charge.  If your test results raise any concerns, you will be referred to your family doctor for medical clearance before any discussion of amplification occurs.

What happens during a hearing test?

A full hearing assessment consists of the following:

• Case History
• External Ear Canal Examination
• Tympanometry
• Air Conduction Testing
• Bone Conduction Testing
• Masking (if required)
• Speech Testing

What are the most common hearing loss causes?

There are several causes. The main ones include excessive noise, infections, genetics, birth defects, infections to the head or ear, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment.

Do I need to clean my hearing aids?

Regular cleaning is required to ensure your hearing aids are performing properly. We offer professional hearing aid cleaning services. Book an appointment with us and we’ll have it done for you in no time.

How much do hearing aids cost?

We offer a wide range of hearing aids to suit everyone’s budget. Being an independent hearing clinic allows us to dispense all brands of hearing aids. The cost also depends on the type of hearing loss you have, and your lifestyle factors that need to be considered. Visit us for a free hearing test and consultation.

I have limited mobility. Do you offer in home hearing tests?

Yes. If mobility is a issue, we offer home visits in Cambridge, Hespeler, Ayr and surrounding areas. Please call 519-220-1441 to book your visit.

Do you offer any type of payment plan?

Yes!  New Hope Hearing Center offers hearing aid payment plans customized to suit your budget.  We process the payments ourselves and we do not charge you an administration or financing fee.  Just one more reason to chose New Hope Hearing as your Cambridge hearing centre!  For more information on our payment plans, please visit our Hearing Aid Funding page, or email or call us with any questions.  519-220-1441.

What is the Assistive Devices Program, and am I eligible?

The Assistive Devices Program is available to anyone with a valid OHIP card and a permanent hearing loss.  You can receive $500 per ear towards the purchase of hearing aids, every 3-5 years.  Please visit our Hearing Aid Funding page for more information.  Or if you have questions, give us a call and we’d be happy to go over it with you.

What is tinnitus

Tinnitus is a physical condition, experienced mostly as ringing in the ears.  People may also hear hissing, buzzing, clicking or whistling sounds.  Tinnitus is a common problem affecting about 1 in 5 people.  Tinnitus isn’t a condition itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.  It can worsen with age, but with treatment, many people can see improvement.  If you have any further questions about Tinnitus or it’s treatment, please don’t hesitate to call and book an appointment.  519-220-1441.

What should I look for when selecting a hearing aid?

Lifestyle and budget are factors which affect what you should look for when choosing a hearing aid. A person with an active lifestyle would benefit from a different model of hearing aid than a person who spends most of their time at home watching tv. We at New Hope Hearing clinic will ask a variety of questions and assess the type of amplification that will work best for you. As an independent hearing clinic, we can dispense all brands of hearing aids, so we are better able to work within your budget.

Can I return my hearing aids if I’m not satisfied?

We offer a 90 day money back guarantee. Please call us for more details. 519-220-1441.

What are the common causes of hearing loss?

Below is a list of the most common causes of hearing loss.

• Exposure to loud noise
• Natural Aging
• Heredity
• Head Injury
• Ototoxic Medication
• Illness

Are there hearing aids for Tinnitus relief?

Yes.  We offer hearing aids that are designed specifically to help combat the effects of Tinnitus.  Please call our office at 519-220-1441 to make an appointment to come in and speak with our hearing aid specialists about the products we offer.