FAQ

In Ontario, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover services provided by private hearing healthcare clinics, including hearing tests and hearing aid fittings. OHIP coverage for audiology services was discontinued in 2001, shifting the responsibility for these costs to patients.

However, there are programs to assist with these expenses:

Assistive Devices Program (ADP): This program helps Ontario residents with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, such as hearing aids. ADP covers $500 per hearing aid. To qualify, you must be an Ontario resident with a valid health card and have a disability requiring the equipment for six months or longer.

Private Insurance: Some private health insurance plans may offer coverage for hearing tests and hearing aids. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage details.

At our clinic, we are not covered by OHIP. However, we can assist you in navigating the ADP application process and provide information on other funding options to help make hearing healthcare more accessible.

Yes, Brampton Audiology does offer ear wax removal services as part of our comprehensive hearing healthcare services. Our Doctors of Audiology are trained to safely remove excessive earwax (cerumen) using specialized techniques, such as manual removal with suction, tools or irrigation. It’s important to avoid trying to remove earwax yourself with cotton swabs or other objects, as this can push the wax deeper into the ear or cause damage.

There are several signs that may indicate you have a hearing loss. If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked by an audiologist:

Difficulty Understanding Conversations: You often have trouble hearing or following conversations, especially in noisy environments, or you frequently ask people to repeat themselves.

Turning Up the Volume: You notice that you need to increase the volume on the TV, radio, or phone higher than what others around you find comfortable.

Muffled Sounds: Sounds, especially speech, may seem muffled or unclear, making it harder to understand words even when the speaker is near you.

Struggling in Group Settings: It becomes challenging to follow conversations in group settings or when there’s background noise, like in restaurants or social gatherings.

Ringing in Your Ears (Tinnitus): Constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears (tinnitus) can sometimes be a sign of hearing loss.

Difficulty on the Phone: You find it harder to understand speech on the phone compared to face-to-face conversations.

Avoiding Social Situations: You may start avoiding social situations because it’s too difficult or frustrating to keep up with conversations.

Family or Friends Noticing: Often, family or friends may notice your hearing loss before you do. They might mention that you seem to miss parts of conversations or ask them to repeat things often.

If you think you have hearing loss, the best professional to see is a Doctor of Audiology or an Audiologist. They are specialists in hearing health and are extensively trained to diagnose and manage hearing loss.

You do not need a referral from your physician to see an audiologist or to get a hearing aid. You can directly schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test or consultation.

If you suspect a loved one has hearing loss, it’s important to approach the situation with sensitivity and support, as family influence can play a key role in their decision to seek help and eventually use hearing aids. Here’s what you should do:

Start a Compassionate Conversation: Gently bring up the topic by expressing your concern. You can mention specific instances where you’ve noticed difficulty hearing (e.g., trouble following conversations or frequently asking people to repeat themselves). Use “I” statements, such as, “I’ve noticed you’ve had a hard time hearing lately, and I’m concerned.”

Encourage a Hearing Test: Suggest scheduling a hearing test with a Doctor of Audiology / Audiologist for a professional evaluation. Highlight the benefits of early detection and treatment, and how improved hearing can enhance their quality of life and social interactions.

Offer Emotional Support: Hearing loss can be difficult to accept, especially for older adults. Let them know you are there for them, and offer to accompany them to their audiologist appointment. Family support during this process can make them feel less isolated and more willing to seek help.

Discuss Treatment Options: After a diagnosis, discuss the potential benefits of hearing aids and how modern devices are smaller, more discreet, and highly effective. Emphasize how hearing aids can reduce the strain of communication, improve relationships, and maintain their independence.

Be Patient and Respectful: Accept that they might need time to come to terms with the diagnosis and the idea of using hearing aids. Stay patient, encourage them, and avoid pushing too hard, as this may cause resistance.

Doctors of Audiology are highly trained professionals with a minimum of 10 years of university who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss. Here’s why pursuing hearing aids with a Doctor of Audiology is beneficial:

Personalized Care: Audiologists provide thorough hearing evaluations and can recommend the most appropriate hearing aid based on your specific type and degree of hearing loss.

Expert Fitting: They ensure the hearing aid is correctly fitted to your ear and programmed to your individual hearing needs, maximizing comfort and effectiveness.

Follow-Up Support: Audiologists offer ongoing support, adjustments, and maintenance of your hearing aids, ensuring they continue to work optimally. They can also provide training on how to use and care for your devices.

Comprehensive Treatment: If your hearing loss requires more than just a hearing aid (e.g., assistive devices or therapies), audiologists can offer a wide range of solutions. They can also collaborate with ENT doctors if your hearing loss has a medical cause.

Better Device Selection: Audiologists have access to a wide variety of hearing aid brands and models, allowing them to choose the most suitable option for your lifestyle, needs, and budget.

You should consider seeing an audiologist or Doctor of Audiology at any age if you notice signs of hearing loss or ear-related issues. There’s no specific age requirement, as audiologists treat patients from infancy through adulthood.

Here are some common reasons to see an audiologist at various life stages:

Infants and Children: If there are concerns about delayed speech or language development, or if a newborn fails a hearing screening, it’s important to consult an audiologist early.

Adults: If you experience difficulty hearing conversations, constant ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, it’s a good idea to get a hearing evaluation.

Seniors: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common, so many older adults benefit from regular hearing tests to monitor changes in their hearing over time.

In general, if you’re experiencing hearing difficulties at any age, it’s advisable to see an audiologist for evaluation and treatment.

Sensorineural hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve is often permanent and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants. In contrast, conductive hearing loss (due to earwax, infections, or fluid) is often treatable through medical or surgical interventions.