Advice for Consumers
If you suspect a hearing loss...
- See your medical doctor.
- Your medical doctor will send you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT)
- The ear specialist will take a history and do an examination of your ears.
- The ear specialist will refer you to an audiologist who will assess your hearing and hearing aid candidacy.
- The audiologist will recommend a place to purchase a hearing aid (may dispense hearing aids also).
- In some situations the doctor may send you directly to a hearing instrument specialist, not an audiologist.
- The dispenser of hearing aids will take an impression for an ear mold and fit you with a hearing aid for a trial period.
Know Your Rights
- You should get a 30-day money back guarantee for your trial of a hearing aid. (But not for the ear mold or test).
- Ask to try out different models if you are not completely satisfied or sure of your trial with the aid.
- Ask for a T-switch on your aid and for the opportunity to try it with an induction (or other) loop. Remember that some hearing aids may be too small for a T-switch.
- Ask about a direct audio input jack for your hearing aid, if applicable.
- Talk to experienced hearing aid users before buying.
Beware Of...
- High pressure sales pitches.
- Ads which claim exclusive new technology. (If there is a new development, all manufacturers of hearing aids will have it.)
Problems: What To Do
- Contact the dispenser; if he/she is unwilling to resolve the problem then write a letter to the hearing instrument specialist and send a copy to CHHA-NL detailing the problem and the solution you request.
- Set a time limit for a reply. e.g. 30 days, and if you do not get satisfaction contact CHHA-NL. You should also determine what legal recourse you have in your Province or Territory e.g., law or disciplinary board for hearing aid dispensers.
Please Remember - Batteries
- There are 2 kinds of batteries, the air (zinc air) cell and the mercury cell.
- Air cell batteries do not begin to deteriorate until the small blue sticker is removed.
- The air cell lasts essentially twice as long as the mercury cell.
- Some individuals with more profound types of hearing impairment will prefer the use of a mercury cell battery.
- Severe damage to a hearing aid may occur if the battery is forced. Recheck battery position whenever it appears to require excessive pressure for insertion.
- Keep old batteries and dispose of them safely. Inquire who in your vicinity has a collection program for this, e.g. a hearing aid dispenser, or local service agency or CHHA Branch.