Hearing aids are an investment in time, money, and your health, so it makes sense you would want to do your research to see what’s best for you.

Interviewing your hearing clinic to make sure you’re getting the best service possible is always a wise move. Below is a list of what to discuss with your potential hearing healthcare provider.

Hearing Test & Consultation

Patient History

  • You should be asked to provide a background of your hearing health and concerns before starting the hearing test

What’s Involved In The Hearing Test?

  • Otoscopy – A visual examination of the auditory canal and the eardrum with an otoscope
  • Tympanometry –  An examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum
  • Word Recognition & Speech Reception Threshold Testing – Word Recognition results in a percentage score reflecting your ability to discriminate single-syllable words from a phonetically balanced word list. Speech Reception Threshold records the faintest speech that you hear half of the time. These results combined help us understand how well you hear in conversations.
  • Pure Tone Testing – A hearing test that determines the faintest tones a person can hear at selected pictures from low to high. Performed via headphones/ear inserts and bone conduction
  • An explanation of your test results

All parts of the hearing test should be explained in an easy-to-understand manner.

Products & Fitting

A Range Of Hearing Aid Manufacturers

  • Your hearing aid provider should offer a range of hearing aids from different hearing aid manufacturers

Variety Of Behind-The-Ear And Custom-Made Products

  • A discussion should be had on the assorted styles and sizes of hearing aids and which are most applicable to you

Ear Impressions Are Taken For Custom Products Or Earmolds

  • An impression of your ear is made for any custom hearing products

Hearing Aids Programmed To Your Specific Needs

  • Your fitting appointment must include the customized programming of your hearing aid to match your test results

Education On Use And Care

  • The fitting appointment should also include instructions and directions on how to use and care for your hearing aid

Ongoing Fees

  • What type of fees are you looking at after the initial hearing aid purchase? Ask about batteries, service visits, warranties, etc…

Follow Up & Support

Follow-Up Visits

  • Ask what service you will receive after your hearing aid fitting, specifically things like cleaning, adjustments, and in-office repairs

Questions Answered By The Same Professional

  • Ensure that the professional that did your test and helped you choose a hearing aid, will be there to help with ongoing service. Always make sure that all your adjustments are made by a licensed professional, be it a hearing instrument practitioner or audiologist

Loss And Damage Insurance

  • Check how long you’re covered, and the deductible cost, of replacing a lost or damaged hearing aid

Call Your Clinician Directly

  • Ask who you will be talking to when you call for help. Is it the same place where you bought your hearing aids, or are you talking to a call centre?

Remember that hearing aids are not a ‘one visit purchase’, meaning you should expect your provider to give you top-notch care and service well after the initial sale.

With some help from the list above, you’ll be able to find out where to get the best hearing health service.

At Arnold Hearing Centres we do all of the above and would be happy to help you with your hearing health needs. Contact us today to book your hearing test!

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Chris Arnold - Owner & HIS

Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Chris went to Durham and George Brown College. As the owner of Arnold Hearing Centres, he manages all locations, as well as handles all the marketing, reporting, meetings, and makes sure that both the staff and patients have a positive experience. Ultimately, there is a lot of pressure on Chris to ensure he delivers results year after year, but he credits the clinic’s success down to the amazing staff that has now become family. Truly, he enjoys working alongside everyone each day.