Step One:  Hearing Assessment

The hearing assessment gives the audiologist information about how your ears are functioning.  It helps her to determine if hearing aids, assistive devices, or further counselling could benefit you. 

During the hearing assessment you will be asked to listen to some soft sounds and to repeat some words.  It is completely painless and takes about half an hour. 

Depending on the results of the hearing assessment, a personal hearing consultation may be recommended and booked at this time.

For a copy of our referral form click here.

Step Two:  Consultation & Recommendation

A personal hearing consultation is a 1 hour appointment with the audiologist to discuss the results of the hearing assessment and to learn  more about your  personal communication needs and lifestyle.  This information will help the audiologist make specific recommendations to improve your ability to communicate.

 These could include:

• detailed information about hearing aids, including the various technology, styles, and features available;
• a demonstration of hearing aids (if appropriate);
• information about assistive devices (for television, or telephones);
• funding options.

If you decide to buy your hearing aid(s) at Mount Sinai Hospital, an impression of your ear will be taken.  The earmold impression is then sent to the hearing aid manufacturer who will build a custom made earmold or hearing aid(s) for you.  It typically takes 2 weeks to order custom hearing aid(s).

Read this article from Healthy Hearing about why hearing aids are worth the investment!

Step Three:  Hearing Aid Fitting

The Hearing Aid Fitting is a 1 hour appointment to check the physical fit and verify the settings of your hearing aid(s) to make sure they are providing you with appropriate amplification.  At this appointment, the audiologist will also instruct you on the use, care, and maintenance of your hearing aid(s). 

For people who have private health benefits and can submit a claim, all necessary paperwork will be provided to you at this time.  Also, the portion of the cost of the hearing aid(s) that you pay , plus any expenses for batteries can be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax, so it is important that you keep your hearing aid invoice and any hearing aid battery receipts
 

Step Four:  Follow-Up Visit

Once you are fitted with your hearing aid(s), you will have a 30-day trial period with your hearing aid(s).  You will return to see your audiologist approximately 3 weeks after the hearing aid fitting.  At this visit the audiologist will review the fit and comfort of the hearing aid(s), the sound quality, discuss the extent to which the hearing aid(s) have helped you, review any questions you may have, and recommend any necessary changes.
 

Exchange or Return of Hearing Aids

During the trial period you may return the hearing aid(s) for exchange or credit if you are not satisfied with them.  There is no financial penalty for exchanging the hearing aid(s), but should you return the hearing aid(s), there will be a $200 non-refundable administrative fee.
 

Step 5:  Additional Follow-Up Visits

There are 2 additional follow-up visits during the course of the first year of use during which the audiologist will clean, check, and possibly reprogram the hearing aids if needed.