Hearing Health FAQs

Knowing how to identify the signs of hearing loss and protect your hearing in the first place is key to enjoying good hearing for life. Here, our Mississauga Hearing Specialist answers some of our most frequently asked questions, to get you started.

About Our Clinic

How long will it take to treat my hearing problem?

Treatment typically starts within 1-2 weeks of diagnosis. Hearing generally decreases over time, therefore retesting and adjustments are made to accommodate any changes that may occur.

Do you do home visits?

We do make home visits when required. Please contact us for more information.

Can I move from my current clinic to Brittany Glen Hearing?

Absolutely. At Brittany Glen Hearing, we always welcome new patients and will work with you to ensure an easy transition.

What are my payment options?

At Brittany Glen Hearing, we accept Interac, cash, cheques, Visa, Mastercard, and we offer Monthly Payment Plans.

Can I claim my hearing tests or aids on my insurance?

Each insurance company is different, so please be sure to contact your insurance company with any questions ahead of your appointment. If you have audiology insurance, please bring your insurance information with you and we can advise you to maximize your insurance benefits for you or your loved one.

What happens during my first appointment?

During your first visit with us, we will discuss your concerns about your hearing and the environments in which you have difficulty hearing. Then, we conduct a series of hearing tests to determine the nature and extent of your hearing loss.

Once the testing portion of your appointment is complete, your Hearing Specialist will discuss the results with you, as well as your options for treatment, hearing aids, or hearing protection, as required.

What happens during my hearing aid fitting?

During your fitting at Brittany Glen Hearing, your Hearing Specialist will discuss your hearing aid options with you, and help you settle on the best type of aid for your comfort, daily hearing environments, and budget.

Once you have settled on a hearing aid, the Hearing Specialist will carefully program it to provide the best possible hearing experience for you, in terms of volume, clarity, and comfort.

What if my hearing aid doesn't fit well?

We understand that sometimes, our patients need to wear their hearing aids for a while in their day to day lives to determine whether the fit and programming are ideal. You can come back to Brittany Glen Hearing for as many fittings and adjustments as you need to achieve the right fit and hearing experience with your new hearing aid.

What brands of hearing aids do you sell?

At Brittany Glen Hearing, we're proud to offer Signia hearing aids, as well as many other manufacturers you may be looking for. These high quality, rechargeable hearing aids offer a natural sounding own voice and direct streaming. Learn More  

Hearing Health

What is the difference between a Hearing Specialist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

Hearing Specialists are health professionals regulated by The College of Hearing Specialists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). A Hearing Specialist must have a Masters Degree in Audiology, and this designation allows the practitioner to prescribe hearing aids. Hearing Instrument Specialists largely deal with adult and senior clients. 

What are the primary types of hearing loss?

There are three primary types of hearing loss. 

  • Conductive Hearing Loss
    Conductive hearing loss is mechanical, meaning that something, usually a physical condition or disease, is preventing sound from being conducted from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear, where nerves are stimulated to carry sound to the brain.
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss
    Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when there is a problem with the sensory and/or neural structures in the cochlea (the inner ear).
  • Mixed Hearing Loss
    Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

How can I tell if I am experiencing hearing loss?

There is a wide variety of mental, physical, and emotional signs and symptoms of hearing loss. If you find you feel stressed out, anxious, or annoyed when trying to communicate with other people, are turning your TV up louder than you normally do, or find yourself trying to read people's lips when they are talking to you, you may be experiencing hearing loss.

However, only a hearing health specialist can positively diagnose you with hearing loss. To find out for sure if you have hearing loss, please contact our office today.

What is an audiogram?

An audiogram is a hearing test that is performed in a soundproof room by a trained professional, most commonly a Hearing Specialist. Earphones are placed over/in your ears, and tones are presented to each ear, one at a time. The softest level at which the sounds can be heard is recorded.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of internal noises when there is no external acoustic stimuli. Tinnitus sufferers often describe the noise they hear as similar to a high pitch whistle, or steam escaping. Others describe what they are hearing as akin to the sound of high voltage wires, a humming sound, or even music.

What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a hearing-related problem that affects about 5% of school-aged children. Children with this condition can't process what they hear in the same way other kids do because their ears and brain don't fully coordinate.

Hearing Aids

How do I select a hearing aid?

We guide you through the entire process, starting with the testing phase, through to selecting a hearing aid model, and tuning it to meet your needs. We'll help you select a hearing aid that suits your lifestyle, listening environments, and budget.

Will my hearing aid be noticeable?

There are several different styles of hearing aids to choose from, including a few that are somewhat visible when worn, and others that are completely hidden. All of our Signia hearing aids are as low-profile as the model allows. 

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, each with a different price tag attached. That said, hearing aids are a regulated medical device in Ontario, and so the cost of each style of device is the same in every clinic. At Brittany Glen Hearing, we make sure each patient gets a hearing aid the fits their hearing loss, lifestyle, and budgetary needs.

How do I know if my hearing aids need tuning?

After you have been fitted for your hearing aid, we will periodically monitor your hearing and reprogram your hearing aids on a regular schedule. You are welcome to drop in any time during office hours if you have any concerns or questions.

Building long-term relationships with our clients is the Brittany Glen way.

Visit us today to hear the difference.

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(905) 821-0202