Sound processing technology
Analog, programmable, or digital — single-channel or multi-channel. Modern digital hearing aids offer the most flexibility, but the right level depends on your hearing loss and listening environments.
Buying Guide
Selecting a Hearing Aid
There are many decisions to make when deciding which hearing instruments to try. Following your audiological assessment, your hearing healthcare professional will provide information specific to your hearing loss and lifestyle so you can make an informed decision about which hearing instruments will work best for you.
Some of these decisions are made independently of one another — others require prioritization and small compromises.
What to Consider
Six Factors Worth Weighing
Use these to start the conversation with your audiologist — every recommendation we make is based on your answers.
Style or size
From behind-the-ear (BTE) instruments to completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and Lyric. The right style balances cosmetic preference with the level of amplification you need.
Additional options
Volume controls, multiple listening programs, directional microphones, telecoil for assistive systems, remote controls, and smartphone app pairing all affect everyday convenience.
Monaural vs. binaural
One hearing aid or two? Binaural fittings usually deliver better speech understanding in noise and a more natural sense of where sound is coming from.
Assistive listening devices
TV streamers, remote microphones, and FM systems extend what your hearing aids can do in tougher environments — restaurants, lectures, and the car.
Financial considerations
Government funding (ADP, NIHB, WSIB), private insurance, and partner discounts all factor in. We'll walk you through what you qualify for during your consultation.
The Basics
How Hearing Devices Work
Every hearing aid — no matter the size or style — has the same three core components.
1
Microphone
Collects sound from the world around you.
2
Amplifier
Filters, processes, and increases the volume of sound based on your prescription.
3
Receiver
Channels the processed sound toward your eardrum.
Hearing instruments are designed to amplify sound and reduce the effects of hearing loss by making soft sounds audible, average sounds comfortable, and very loud sounds tolerable.
Important to Know
Realistic Expectations Matter
- No hearing aid can restore normal hearing — but they can make soft sounds louder and listening easier.
- Outcomes depend on your type of hearing loss, its severity, your listening needs, and your lifestyle.
- Modern hearing aids include speech enhancement, noise reduction, feedback management, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Amplification technology is constantly improving. Sophisticated designs, speech enhancement features, noise reduction, feedback management, and Bluetooth compatibility all combine to bring real value to the variety of hearing devices available today.
Explore hearing aid styles we carryNot sure which hearing aid is right for you?
Book a consultation and one of our audiologists will help you weigh these factors based on your hearing profile and lifestyle.