How to Use This Guide

Hearing Solutions is Ontario’s largest independent hearing care provider. We operate clinics across the province, staffed by registered Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists who hold themselves to the highest clinical standards in the industry.

Because we are not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, we have the freedom to offer a full range of treatment options across all available manufacturers and to recommend whatever is genuinely best for each patient. We were founded in Ontario in 1999 and have grown steadily for over 25 years, driven entirely by patient trust.

This guide is designed as a comprehensive resource – one that addresses nearly every clinical question Hearing Solutions commonly receives from patients. Whether you are just beginning to understand your hearing, comparing treatment options, or trying to work out costs and funding, it is meant to be something you can return to at any stage of the process.

It was written because informed patients make better decisions. Most people arrive with questions about their diagnosis, their options, and what to expect. This is an honest attempt to answer all of them in one place.

This guide was written, reviewed, and approved by our experienced team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists. Everything in this guide reflects current clinical evidence and real-world practice.

This guide is designed to support clinical conversations and processes, but should not replace professional judgment, individualized patient care, or formal clinical guidance. For further guidance specific to your individual needs, please contact our clinic to schedule an appointment.

Our buying guide covers 19 sections across the full spectrum of hearing health – from the anatomy of the ear and the causes of hearing loss, to every major hearing aid brand carried, technology levels, treatment plans, and available funding programs. You do not need to read it in order. Use it at your own pace, in whatever sequence makes sense for where you are right now in your hearing journey.

How to Use This Guide
Candidacy for This Guide
Understanding Your Ears and Hearing System
- How the Ear Works
- How the Brain Processes Sound
How Hearing is Tested
Understanding Types of Hearing Loss
Understanding Causes of Hearing Loss
Tinnitus
Hearing Aid Styles
- Custom and In-Ear Styles
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Options
Hearing Aid Brands Overview
Introduction to Hearing Aid Technology Levels
Hearing Solutions Treatment Plans
Hearing Aid Financing Options
- Available Payment Plans
- Eligibility and How to Apply for Hearing Aid Financing
Hearing Aid Government Funding Programs
Essential Hearing Made Affordable
- Entry Level Technology
Your First 30 Days with Hearing Aids: What to Expect
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s)
Why Choose Hearing Solutions
Services We Offer
Your Appointment Journey: What to Expect

Candidacy for This Guide

This guide was written for individuals who may be experiencing changes in their hearing, have concerns raised by family or friends, or simply want to better understand their hearing health. If any of the following situations sound familiar, this guide may be helpful for you.

The following self-assessment includes some of the common questions we ask patients during a hearing appointment to better understand their hearing concerns and day-to-day listening difficulties.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Check any statements that apply to you. There are no right or wrong answers. This is simply a way to help you recognise what you may already be experiencing.

You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
You find it harder to follow conversations when there is background noise, like at restaurants, at family gatherings, or in group settings.
You have the television or radio turned up louder than others in your household prefer.
You miss words or parts of sentences, particularly when you cannot see the speaker's face.
You find phone calls more difficult than face-to-face conversation.

You have noticed a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears.
You feel mentally tired after long conversations or social events.
Someone close to you has suggested that your hearing may have changed.
You have started to avoid certain situations — like parties, meetings, or busy restaurants — because they feel overwhelming.
You are 65 years or older and have not had a hearing assessment in the last two years, or ever.

If you’ve checked one or more items on this list, a hearing assessment is a reasonable next step. Hearing loss in many cases is gradual, and most people are unaware of how much their hearing has changed over time.

What Does Hearing Loss Feel Like?

Many people tend to associate hearing loss with total “deafness”. We hear many people in appointments say “if I really had hearing loss, wouldn’t it be obvious to me? Wouldn’t I be deaf?”

In many cases, hearing loss can be compared to vision loss; people who have vision impairment or wear glasses are not entirely blind but have difficulty seeing objects at certain distances or in certain lighting conditions. Similarly, most people who experience hearing loss are not entirely “deaf” – they are able to hear, but no longer at normal level across the typical range of human hearing.

Additionally, most people with hearing loss don’t experience any sudden drops in hearing. Instead, hearing loss typically results in gradual declines in both the loudness of what people hear, and the clarity of the speech that they’re trying to understand. The following symptoms are some of commonly reported:

You stop hearing soft background noises
Speech sounds less clear, even if it sounds “loud enough”
Conversations require much more focus and effort – hearing becomes effortful, rather than automatic
Background noise and distractions make it harder to understand conversations – particularly in restaurants and social gatherings
We feel that others are “mumbling” – it can be easy to confuse our hearing loss with the speaking patterns of others

Many patients describe it less as “not hearing” and more as “hearing but not understanding.”

Why Does Hearing Loss Go Unnoticed?

Hearing loss is one of the few health changes people can adapt to without realizing it. This is because our sense of hearing doesn’t always provide immediate feedback. For example, if you were to lose your sense of vision or taste, your body gives you clear, instant signals that something is missing. You might be eating a meal and immediately notice that the food you’re chewing has no taste.

With hearing, it’s different. If someone calls your name from behind and you don’t hear it, you’re completely unaware it happened. Similarly, if someone gives you their phone number and you mishear a digit, you likely wouldn’t realize it unless they correct you.

This delayed feedback makes it easier to confuse a change in our hearing with the speaking patterns of others or the environment. We may start to blame others for mumbling or speaking less clearly. While these factors may be contributing to your hearing difficulty, it is often the hearing loss that is the most significant issue.

Because of this, many people don’t recognize the extent of the change until it begins to impact daily life more consistently.

There is a myth that hearing loss is a health condition that only affects the elderly. The statistical data across the world shows that hearing loss affects people of all ages. As we’ll cover later in this guide, there are various causes of hearing loss, and it is much more common than people assume.

Most people don’t know their hearing has changed until they get tested

The only way to know for sure is a comprehensive hearing assessment. Books yours at any of our 20 Ontario locations. No referral needed.

Understanding Your Ears and Hearing System

Hearing is something a lot of us take for granted until it starts to change. Understanding how the ear and brain work together to process sound can help make sense of what hearing loss means, why it happens, and why treating it early matters.

How the Ear Works

Your ear is made up of three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Each plays a distinct role in collecting, transmitting, and processing sound.

The Outer Ear:

The outer ear is the part you can see. The curved structure on the side of your head, called the pinna, and the canal that leads inward toward the eardrum. Its job is to collect sound from the environment and funnel it inward. The shape of the outer ear is not purely cosmetic: the curves and contours help the brain determine whether sounds are coming from in front of you, behind you, or above you.

The Middle Ear:

The middle ear is a small, air-filled space behind the eardrum. It contains three tiny bones: the malleus, incus, and stapes that form a chain connecting the eardrum to the inner ear. When the eardrum vibrates in response to incoming sound, these bones amplify and transmit those vibrations through to the cochlea.

The Inner Ear (Cochlea):

The cochlea is a fluid-filled, snail-shaped structure located deep inside the skull. It is lined with thousands of tiny hair cells, each tuned to respond to a slightly different pitch of sound – like the keys of a musical instrument. When vibrations from the middle ear enter the cochlea, they create waves in the fluid, which bend these hair cells. That bending converts mechanical movement into electrical signals, which is the form of information the brain can understand.

Damage to these hair cells is the most common cause of permanent hearing loss. Unlike many other cells in the body, cochlear hair cells do not regenerate and once they are gone, they are gone. This is why noise-induced and age-related hearing loss are both typically permanent, and why early intervention matters.

For a more in-depth look at how the ear works,
read our full guide

How the Brain Processes Sound

Hearing isn’t just about your ears; it’s also a powerful function of your brain. Your brain is the ultimate interpreter of sound, taking the electrical signals from your ears and turning them into meaningful information.

Here’s a simplified look at the key brain areas involved:

Auditory Cortex: Think of this as your brain’s main hearing center. Found in the temporal lobe (the side part of your brain, near your temples), its primary job is to receive and begin processing those electrical signals from your ears. It helps you recognize sounds like speech, music, or a car horn.
Other Brain Regions:
- Memory: Your brain uses past experiences to help identify sounds. If you hear a dog barking, your memory tells you what a dog sounds like.
- Language Centres: Specific areas, like Wernicke’s area (important for understanding speech) and Broca’s area (important for producing speech), are crucial for making sense of spoken words.
- Emotional Centres: The sound of a favorite song or a sudden loud noise can trigger emotions, showing how hearing connects to other brain functions.

Once your auditory nerve delivers signals to your brain, these areas work together to actively process sound. Your brain rapidly identifies what the sound is, where it’s coming from, and its meaning.

Understanding speech demands significant cognitive effort. Your brain constantly works to:

Fill in the Gaps: It predicts missed words using context.
Filter Noise: It helps you focus on desired sounds while suppressing distractions.
Use Context: It leverages surrounding information like who’s speaking and the environment to assist with comprehension.

This processing explains why hearing loss often leads to listening fatigue. When the sound signal is incomplete, your brain works harder to compensate. This is also why quiet environments are manageable, but noisy situations become a major struggle: your brain can only compensate so much.

Treating hearing loss early is crucial for maintaining your brain’s auditory pathways. Without clear signals, these pathways can weaken over time, a process called auditory deprivation. Hearing technology helps by restoring that vital stimulation, keeping your brain actively engaged with sound.

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears – it affects your brain

Hearing loss isn’t just about volume – it affects how your brain works to understand speech. A comprehensive hearing assessment shows exactly what’s happening and where.

How Hearing is Tested

Our clinics use a consistent, evidence‑based test battery at every assessment. These best practices give a complete, real‑world picture of your hearing, so recommendations are accurate, fittings are precise, and results are comparable across all Hearing Solutions locations.

Pure-Tone Audiometry

You’ll hear a series of beeps through headphones or soft ear inserts and press a button when you hear them.

What it measures: The quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches.
What it means: Shows the type and degree of hearing loss in each ear and whether treatment with hearing instruments is likely necessary.

Speech Recognition in Quiet

You’ll repeat words played at a comfortable volume in a quiet room.

What it measures: How accurately you understand words without background noise, conducted at different volume levels.
What it means: Predicts the clarity you can expect with hearing aids in quiet and helps set expectations.

Speech-in-Noise Testing

You’ll repeat sentences or words while background noise plays, similar to a restaurant or group setting.

What it measures: How well you understand speech in everyday noise.
What it means: Measures your real‑world hearing difficulty in challenging environments and guides our technology and accessory recommendations to match your lifestyle.

Tympanometry

A small probe gently changes air pressure in your ear for a few seconds; there is no discomfort.

What it measures: Eardrum movement and middle‑ear function.
What it means: Flags issues like fluid or negative pressure that may be medical or temporary.

Video Otoscopy

A small camera lets us view your ear canal and eardrum together on a screen.

What it measures: The visual health of the ear canal and eardrum.
What it means: Confirms the ear is clear for accurate testing and safe device use; identifies wax or medical concerns for referral.

Real Ear Measurement (REM)

Completed at a fitting appointment – a thin microphone tube sits in your ear with the hearing aid so we can measure the actual sound reaching your eardrum.

What it measures: The sound levels produced by the hearing aid in your ear canal.
What it means: Verifies amplification matches your prescription for your unique ear shape – key to comfort and clarity.

Electroacoustic Analysis (EAA)

We place the hearing aid in a calibrated test box and run performance tests to confirm it’s working as specified.

What it measures: Whether the device meets manufacturer performance standards.
What it means: Confirms proper function before fitting and after any repairs or service.

Amplified Sound Quality Assessment

Because perception of sound can vary significantly between individuals with similar hearing test results, this step allows you to experience amplified sound with hearing aids in real time and provide feedback on clarity, comfort, and overall sound quality.

What it measures: This step allows you to experience amplified sound in real time and provide feedback on clarity, comfort, and overall sound quality.
What it means: Rather than relying only on standard hearing test results, this assessment helps us understand how you personally perceive sound when it is amplified with hearing technology. This includes whether speech sounds clear or distorted and how natural or comfortable the listening experience feels.

This step provides valuable insight into what hearing loss treatment options should be considered.

Understanding Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not a single condition. It comes in different forms, affects people to varying degrees, and can impact daily life in profound ways. Understanding the type and severity of your hearing loss is the first step toward finding the most effective treatment.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve, most often caused by aging, noise exposure, genetics, or certain medical conditions.

Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent. The hair cells in the cochlea that convert sound into electrical signals do not regenerate once damaged. People with this type of hearing loss often describe sounds as muffled or unclear, meaning they are audible, but difficult to make out.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked or reduced before it reaches the inner ear. It typically involves a problem in the outer or middle ear such as earwax buildup, fluid behind the eardrum, a perforated eardrum, or damage to the ossicles (the three small bones in the middle ear).

Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss has the potential to be treated medically or surgically. In some cases, hearing can be fully or partially restored once the underlying cause is addressed.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive components. There is damage or dysfunction in more than one part of the auditory system. For example, age-related inner ear changes alongside a buildup of earwax, or noise-induced cochlear damage alongside a middle ear infection.

In these cases, the conductive component may be treatable, while the sensorineural component is likely permanent. Your clinician will assess each part separately and work to address both in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Most adults with hearing loss have sensorineural hearing loss, but the only way to know the type, degree, and configuration of your hearing loss is through a comprehensive hearing assessment. That assessment is the foundation of everything that follows.

Not sure which type of hearing loss applies to you?

Learn more about the types of hearing loss, or book a comprehensive hearing assessment to find out exactly where you stand.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is measured in decibels of hearing level (dB HL) using an audiogram – a graph from your hearing test that shows the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches. The results are classified into the following degrees:

Normal Hearing

If your hearing falls into the normal range, you typically experience no significant difficulty hearing across a wide array of environments. You can easily follow soft speech, engage in quiet conversations, and make out subtle environmental sounds.

Borderline Normal Hearing Loss

Often, this slight degree of hearing loss goes entirely unnoticed by the individual, sometimes for years. You might occasionally struggle with very soft speech or find yourself needing to focus a little harder in slightly noisy environments to catch every word. This increased listening effort can gradually accumulate, leading to subtle feelings of fatigue after demanding listening situations, even if you don’t connect it directly to your hearing.

Mild Hearing Loss

While medically classified as “mild,” the real-world impact of mild hearing loss can be surprisingly significant. You might frequently find yourself struggling to follow soft conversations, especially if the speaker is a little distant or if there’s any background noise. Think a quiet restaurant or a family gathering. Additionally, consonant sounds (like ‘s’, ‘f’, ‘t’, ‘k’) are often the first to be missed, causing words to sound muffled or “blur together.” This often leads to miscommunications, where others might perceive you as inattentive or distracted.

The increased mental energy spent just trying to hear can quickly lead to social fatigue. Many people who benefit most significantly from hearing treatment have hearing loss at this “mild” level, because it’s where the subtle frustrations of communication strain truly begin to impact daily life.

Moderate Hearing Loss

At the moderate stage, normal conversational speech is consistently missed unless you’re looking directly at the speaker or they repeat themselves. Everyday interactions become a noticeable struggle: phone calls are difficult, understanding colleagues in meetings is a chore, and watching television requires the volume to be uncomfortably loud for others.

You’ll likely begin making accommodations, perhaps unconsciously, like nodding along even when you haven’t fully understood, or strategically positioning yourself in rooms. For many, this is where the early signs of social withdrawal begin, as the effort of constant deciphering makes social occasions less enjoyable.

Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

Without hearing technology, even face-to-face communication becomes severely challenged. Most conversational speech is either inaudible or very difficult to understand, forcing you to rely heavily on lip-reading and visual cues to piece together meaning. Group settings or any environment with competing sounds become overwhelming and highly fatiguing. The energy expended just to participate is high and can often lead to genuine social isolation. You might find yourself avoiding gatherings, preferring quiet activities, or feeling increasingly disconnected from conversations happening around you.

Severe Hearing Loss

When you have severe hearing loss, even loud speech spoken close to your ear may be detected but not clearly understood without hearing technology. Independent communication becomes extremely difficult, and the impact on overall quality of life, ability to participate in daily activities, and fostering relationships is substantial. The world starts to feel very quiet, creating a profound sense of disconnection.

Profound Hearing Loss

Individuals with profound hearing loss have very limited hearing, even with powerful amplification. They may only perceive extremely loud sounds as vibrations rather than distinct noises, and conventional hearing aids might offer only partial benefit.

At this stage, a specialized assessment is critical to determine the most appropriate pathway forward, and may often involve a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or discussions about advanced options like cochlear implants to help restore a sense of hearing.

The only way to know your degree of hearing loss is to get tested

A comprehensive hearing assessment gives you a clear answer – your exact degree of hearing loss, what it means for you, and what your options are.

Hearing Loss and Associated Health Risks

Untreated hearing loss is associated with a range of broader health risks. The research in this area has grown substantially over the past decade and the findings show that hearing loss is not an isolated condition.

Dementia and Cognitive Decline

There is a strong link between hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. Even mild hearing loss can significantly elevate this risk, with the risk increasing as hearing loss becomes more severe. Researchers believe that several factors may contribute to the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including reduced auditory stimulation (leading to auditory deprivation), increased listening effort, and social isolation.

Emerging evidence suggests that addressing hearing loss, including the use of hearing aids when appropriate, may help support cognitive health and may play a part in slowing cognitive decline in some individuals.

Falls and Physical Safety

Hearing loss significantly increases the risk of accidental falls. Even a mild hearing loss can make you nearly three times more likely to have experienced a fall. This connection is both physical and cognitive: the inner ear plays a role in balance and spatial awareness, and the increased mental effort required just to hear and understand means fewer cognitive resources are available for monitoring your environment and maintaining stability. This distraction can make you more prone to mishaps.

Depression and Social Isolation

Untreated hearing loss is consistently associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. As communication becomes more effortful and frustrating, many people begin to withdraw from social situations. They might avoid family gatherings, group activities, or even phone calls, gradually reducing the connections and engagements that are vital for mental health and overall quality of life. When hearing loss is treated, it can lead to significant improvements in self-reported well-being, social engagement, and mood.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

People with diabetes are significantly more likely to have hearing loss. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those in the inner ear. Similarly, individuals with chronic kidney disease, particularly those undergoing dialysis, show a higher prevalence of hearing loss, possibly due to metabolic changes and toxins affecting the auditory system.

Cardiovascular Health

There is a connection between hearing loss and cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke. The link is thought to lie in the fact that healthy blood flow is vital for the delicate hair cells and structures of the inner ear. When cardiovascular health is compromised, it can impact the ear’s ability to function properly.

Thyroid Disorders and Autoimmune Conditions

Certain thyroid disorders can impact hearing by affecting the metabolic functions necessary for inner ear health. Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, can also target the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.

Early and Advanced Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is significantly underdiagnosed, in part because it develops gradually and because the early signs are easy to dismiss. Understanding the difference between early and advanced signs can help identify where someone is in the progression and how long it may have been going on.

Early Signs:

Difficulty following speech in background noise
Occasionally asking people to repeat themselves
Turning up the television slightly higher than before
Mishearing words in conversation, particularly over the phone
Mild tinnitus (an occasional ringing or buzzing)
Increased listening effort without a clear sense of why

Advanced Signs:

Regularly missing large portions of conversations, even in quiet
Significant difficulty on the phone, in meetings, or in group settings
Avoiding social situations because of communication difficulty
Persistent or intrusive tinnitus affecting concentration or sleep
Relying heavily on lip-reading and facial expressions
Family members or colleagues raising concerns repeatedly

Why Hearing Loss Gets Underdiagnosed

Hearing loss is not routinely screened for in adults the way vision is. Many people go years between medical appointments and hearing is rarely assessed unless symptoms are raised directly. Even when symptoms are present, the gradual nature of the condition and the tendency to normalize or explain away the early signs means that diagnosis is often delayed until the condition is already moderate or advanced.

There is also a gap between when hearing loss begins and when it becomes disruptive enough to prompt action. By the time someone books a hearing assessment, the condition has typically been progressing for years. Early and regular hearing screening, particularly after age 50 is one of the most effective ways to close that gap.

Early treatment leads to better outcomes.

Don’t wait for it to get worse.

The earlier an assessment is done, the more treatment options are available and the better the long-term
outcomes

Understanding Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not an isolated condition. The evidence is clear that when left untreated, it is associated with a range of broader health risks that extend well beyond the ability to hear, including:

Noise Exposure

Loud noise is a common and entirely preventable cause of hearing loss. Sustained or repeated exposure to intense sounds permanently damages the delicate hair cells within the cochlea, and these cells do not regenerate. This damage accumulates over time, meaning years of exposure to occupational noise (e.g., in construction, manufacturing, or music) or regular recreational activities (such as concerts, using power tools, or listening to earbuds at high volumes) can lead to significant hearing impairment, even if individual exposures seem manageable. Additionally, a single, very loud event, like a blast or a gunshot close to the ear, can cause immediate and irreversible damage.

Genetics

There is often a hereditary component to hearing loss, which can be present at birth or develop gradually over time. If close family members, such as a parent, grandparent, or sibling, have experienced substantial hearing loss, especially at a younger age, genetic factors may be at play.

Medications

A number of medications are known to damage the inner ear, called ototoxicity. The most common categories include certain powerful antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, though other medications can also carry this risk. Drug interactions can also increase the risk.

Aging

Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis is the most common cause of hearing loss. As the body ages, the hair cells in the cochlea gradually deteriorate. This typically begins with the loss of high-frequency sounds, which is why speech clarity tends to go before overall volume. You may still hear that someone is talking but find it harder to make out what they are saying, particularly in noisy environments. Age-related hearing loss is gradual, typically affects both ears, and progresses over time.

Physical Trauma

A head injury, a serious fall, a direct blow to the ear, or a sudden extreme change in pressure can damage structures anywhere along the auditory pathway, the eardrum, the small bones of the middle ear, the cochlea, or the auditory nerve. Some trauma related hearing loss responds to medical treatment while other cases result in permanent change. If hearing loss follows an injury or accident, an evaluation as soon as possible is important.

Cardiovascular Conditions

High blood pressure and heart disease can all compromise that blood supply and contribute to hearing loss over time. In some cases, low-frequency hearing loss may appear before other cardiovascular symptoms, making it a potential early indicator of underlying vascular changes.

Thyroid Disorders

Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) have been associated with hearing changes. In some cases, treating the thyroid condition improves hearing, while in others the change may be permanent.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects the small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those that supply the inner ear, making it one of several health conditions directly linked to hearing loss.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease and some of the medications used to manage it are associated with an increased risk of hearing loss. Patients on dialysis are particularly vulnerable. If you are managing kidney disease, regular hearing monitoring is worth including as part of your overall care.

Other Conditions and Diseases

A number of other conditions can affect hearing. Autoimmune inner ear disease, Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis have all been associated with hearing changes. Some infections can also cause sudden or permanent hearing loss. If your hearing loss came on suddenly, is worsening rapidly, or is accompanied by dizziness, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, it is important to speak to a medical professional.

Do you have any of these risk factors?

If you have any of the risk factors covered above, a hearing assessment is a proactive step worth taking. Early detection makes a difference.

Tinnitus

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is one of the most common and most misunderstood conditions associated with hearing health. If you experience a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming sound that others cannot hear, you are not alone. It affects millions of Canadians, and for many it is closely linked to hearing loss.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. It is not a disease but a symptom. It’s the auditory system’s way of signalling that something has changed. The sound can take many forms: a high-pitched ringing is most common, but it can also present as buzzing, hissing, whooshing, clicking, or a low hum. It may be constant or intermittent, affect one ear or both, and range from a mild background presence to something that significantly disrupts concentration, sleep, and daily life.

For most people, tinnitus does not come alone. The majority of those who experience it also have some degree of hearing loss.

Why Does Tinnitus Occur?

Tinnitus arises when the auditory system (the ear and the brain together) is not receiving a complete or clear signal.

Tinnitus is believed to occur when the brain tries to compensate for reduced or altered hearing input. When the ears are no longer sending normal sound signals – often due to hearing loss or noise damage – the brain may increase its sensitivity or “turn up the volume” in response. This increased neural activity can sometimes be perceived as ringing, buzzing, or other sounds that are not actually present externally.

Current research suggests tinnitus involves both the auditory system and the brain’s attention and emotional centers, which is why stress, fatigue, and anxiety can sometimes make it more noticeable. The most common causes include:

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Damage to the hair cells of the inner ear from prolonged or sudden loud noise exposure is one of the leading causes of tinnitus. The damaged cells send incomplete signals to the brain, which responds by generating its own sound to fill the gap.

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

As hearing naturally changes with age, the brain can begin to compensate in a way that produces the perception of sound. Tinnitus and presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) very commonly occur together.

Ear Health Issues

Earwax buildup, ear infections, or fluid in the middle ear can all cause or worsen tinnitus. In these cases, treating the underlying condition often resolves the symptom.

Medications

Certain medications including some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of anti-inflammatory medications are known to cause or aggravate tinnitus as a side effect.

Other Contributing Factors

Stress, fatigue, cardiovascular conditions, jaw disorders (TMJ), and head or neck injuries have all been associated with tinnitus. In some cases, no single cause is identified but the experience is real even when the origin is not immediately clear.

How Does Tinnitus Impact Daily Life?

For some people tinnitus is a minor background annoyance. For others it is a persistent presence that affects nearly every part of daily life. When left untreated, persistent tinnitus is associated with difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and memory problems. Over time, these effects can contribute to anxiety and depression, making early assessment and treatment all the more important.

Is Tinnitus Permanent?

Tinnitus is not always permanent. Tinnitus that follows a one-time exposure like a concert or a loud event will often fade on its own within hours or days. Tinnitus caused by ongoing noise exposure, hearing loss, or an underlying health condition is more likely to persist without intervention.

This is why prevention matters. Where loud noise is unavoidable, hearing protection significantly reduces the risk of both noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Limiting earphone volume and taking breaks from noise-heavy environments are practical steps anyone can take.

Tinnitus Treatment and Management

There is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are effective ways to manage it, and for many people, treatment significantly reduces its impact on daily life.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are the most common and effective first-line treatment. By amplifying external sound, they reduce the contrast that makes tinnitus more noticeable. Many modern hearing aids also include built-in sound therapy features like white noise, nature sounds, or other calming audio that can be streamed to the ear for relief.

Sound Therapy

Using background sound, white noise, or relaxing audio to reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus. Over time, sound therapy can help retrain the brain to shift attention away from the tinnitus and toward meaningful sound.

Counselling and Relaxation

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other counselling approaches help change the emotional response to tinnitus, reducing its impact on mood and sleep. Relaxation techniques and stress management can also reduce the severity of symptoms, particularly when stress is a contributing factor.

Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand in hand – and so does the treatment

For most people, treating the hearing loss treats the tinnitus. A hearing assessment is the first step to understanding what’s driving your symptoms.

Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles. Each designed to suit different degrees of hearing loss, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences. Understanding the options available will help you and your Hearing Solutions clinician make the best choice for you.

Custom and In-Ear Styles

These styles fit entirely within the ear and can be custom-molded to your ear canal for a precise, discreet fit.

Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)

Suitable For: Mild to moderate hearing loss

The smallest and most discreet option available. Sits deep within the ear canal and is virtually invisible when worn. Some models, including the Lyric, are extended-wear devices that remain in the ear for weeks at a time and are placed and removed by a clinician.

Best For: Anyone who prioritizes maximum discretion. Appropriate in most cases for mild to moderate hearing loss and for those comfortable handling a very small device.

Considerations: The small size limits battery life and processing power. Bluetooth connectivity is generally not available. May not be suitable for those with narrow or irregular ear canals.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

Suitable For: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Nearly invisible; inserted and removed daily. Some require small disposable batteries lasting 3–5 days. Newer devices offer rechargeability. Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Best For: Those who want a discreet option that is still easy to manage day-to-day.

Considerations: Their small size limits battery life, wireless connectivity and other technology features. They can be harder to insert, remove, and maintain, and are more prone to earwax and moisture issues.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

Suitable For: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss

Slightly larger, sitting partially in the ear canal. Allows for Bluetooth connectivity, multiple microphones, a push button, and a larger battery. Easier to handle than smaller styles.

Best For: Those who want a reasonably discreet option with more features and easier handling than the smaller custom styles.

Considerations: Because of their slightly larger size, they can be more visible than the smaller completely-in-the-canal (CIC) styles. They can also be more affected by earwax and may not fit all degrees of hearing loss, depending on the size of the individual’s ear.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

Suitable For:Mild to severe hearing loss

The largest of the custom in-the-ear styles, covering most of the outer portion of the concha and ear canal. Allows for Bluetooth connectivity, multiple microphones, a push button, and a larger battery. Easier to handle than smaller styles.

Best For: Those who prioritize ease of use, want manual controls directly on the device, or find smaller devices difficult to handle. Their larger size gives them the widest fitting range of all custom in-the-ear styles.

Considerations: They are more visible than smaller custom styles and may be more prone to earwax buildup. They may also feel more blocked or full in the ear compared to other styles.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Options

These styles rest discreetly behind the ear and connect to the ear canal via a small wire or tube. They offer the broadest fitting range and some of the most powerful amplification options available.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Suitable For: Mild to profound hearing loss

Slightly larger, sitting partially in the ear canal. Allows for Bluetooth connectivity, a push button, and a larger battery. Easier to handle than smaller styles.

Best For: Those with significant hearing loss who need more power, those with dexterity limitations, and children whose ears are still growing and benefit from an adjustable fit.

Considerations: Behind-the-Ear (BTE) devices can feel bulky for some users, especially at first. They may also be more noticeable cosmetically compared to smaller styles, and wind noise can sometimes be more noticeable outdoors.

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

Suitable For: Mild to severe loss

RIC devices sit partially in the ear canal. Allows for Bluetooth connectivity, a push button, and a larger battery. Easier to handle than smaller styles.

Best For:First-time wearers and anyone who wants a discreet behind-the-ear option that feels open and natural, with strong performance and Bluetooth connectivity.

Considerations: Retention may be an issue for those who have smaller outer ears, longer hair or particularly bulky glasses.

Which hearing aids style is right for you?

The right hearing technology for you depends on the degree and type of hearing loss you have, your lifestyle and daily listening environments, your dexterity and vision, and your personal preferences. Your Hearing Solutions clinician will recommend the styles that best meet your individual needs after your comprehensive hearing assessment.

Hearing Aid Brands Overview

Hearing Solutions carries hearing aids from eight leading manufacturers. While all of them produce high-quality, clinically proven devices, each brand has its own philosophy, strengths, and technology approach. Below is a high-level overview to help you understand the landscape. Your clinician will recommend the brand and model that best matches your hearing profile, lifestyle, and preferences.

Phonak

Swiss | Sonova Group

Phonak focuses on leveraging advanced processing technologies in the situations where it clarity and comfort matter most, like in noisy environments, phone calls, and staying connected across devices. They are known for broad compatibility, with hearing aids that work with virtually any phone or device, and for automatically adapting to different listening environments throughout the day.

Widex

Danish | WS Audiology

Widex is focused on natural sound quality above all else. Their goal is to make hearing aids that sound as detailed as possible, with minimal processing between what enters the microphone and what reaches the ear. Their products are ideal for those who prioritize clarity and audibility.

Signia

German | WS Audiology

Signia is focused on making the experience of wearing hearing aids feel as seamless and comfortable as possible from the start. Their devices are designed to process the wearer’s own voice separately from surrounding sound, and they perform well in busy, noisy environments where comfort and the ability to separate speech from background matters most.

Unitron

Canadian | Sonova Group

Unitron is a Canadian brand with a patient-centred approach to hearing care. Their focus is on making hearing aids accessible and approachable, particularly for people who are newer to hearing treatment and want a comfortable first-fit experience. Their data-logging technologies allow for detailed analysis of how the instruments are being worn and what fine-tuning adjustments are needed.

Oticon

Danish | Demant Group

Oticon products are built around the concept that hearing happens in the brain, not just the ear. Their devices are designed to support how the brain naturally processes sound rather than overriding it, providing a full-sound listening environment and allowing the user’s brain choose what it wants to focus on. Many wearers find this reduces the listening effort and mental fatigue that so often comes with hearing loss.

Starkey

American | Private

Starkey sees hearing aids as health devices, not just amplification tools. Their focus extends beyond hearing, and their devices include wellness features like activity tracking and fall detection, and the company has a strong charitable mission, having provided hearing care to people in need around the world. Starkey has a long history of building sophisticated custom products.

Bernafon

Swiss | Demant Group

Bernafon’s focus is on reliability and simplicity. Their hearing instruments are built to perform consistently across everyday situations without requiring apps, frequent adjustments, or ongoing management.

ReSound

Danish | GN Audio Group

ReSound has always focused on connectivity and natural sound. They were early leaders in developing direct smartphone streaming to hearing instruments and have continued to innovate in how hearing aids capture and localize sound, using the natural geometry of the ear to improve the listening experience.

Not sure which brand is right for you? That’s exactly what we’re here for

Your clinician will match you to the brand and model that suits your hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences.

Introduction to Hearing Aid Technology Levels

Not all hearing aids perform the same, even when they look similar on the outside. At Hearing Solutions, our hearing treatment plans incorporate different technology is levels, typically categorized as Standard, Advanced, and Premium. While all levels are designed to improve hearing, the difference lies in how effectively they handle challenging listening environments like distant voices, restaurants, group conversations, and background noise.

Higher technology levels are designed to provide better speech clarity, reduce listening effort, and adapt more accurately to changing sound environments throughout the day.

Regardless of technology level, our hearing instruments are available in a variety of styles and commonly include features like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone compatibility, and tinnitus support. The biggest differences between technology levels are found in sound processing strength, speech understanding in noise, and how automatically the hearing aids adjust in more complex listening environments.

Standard Technology

Standard technology hearing aids are designed for individuals who spend most of their time in quieter or moderately noisy environments. They provide reliable everyday hearing support for conversations at home, small gatherings, watching television, phone calls, and occasional outings.

These devices typically include basic noise reduction and speech enhancement features, helping users hear more comfortably in simple listening situations. However, background noise may still feel noticeable in busier environments, and users may need to manually adjust settings more often.

Best Suited For:

Primarily quiet lifestyles
One-on-one conversations
Small family gatherings
Occasional restaurant or café visits
Individuals looking for a practical everyday solution

Advanced Technology

Advanced technology hearing aids offer stronger speech processing and more sophisticated noise reduction for people who regularly encounter challenging listening environments. They are better equipped to separate speech from background noise and adapt more smoothly as environments change.

This level is often beneficial for individuals who are socially active, attend meetings, dine in restaurants, participate in group conversations, or spend time in environments with competing sounds. Advanced hearing aids also tend to provide a more natural listening experience with improved sound quality for music and streaming.

Best Suited For:

Active social lifestyles
Frequent group conversations
Restaurants and cafés
Workplace meetings
Community events, classes, or places of worship
Individuals who notice difficulty hearing in noise

Premium Technology

Premium technology hearing aids provide the highest level of sound processing and automatic environmental adaptation. These devices are designed to perform in the most difficult listening situations, including large gatherings, noisy restaurants, networking events, and conversations where speech is coming from multiple directions.

Premium hearing aids use the most advanced speech enhancement and noise reduction systems available, helping users follow conversations more naturally with less listening fatigue. Many premium devices can continuously analyze the listening environment in real time and automatically adjust settings without requiring manual changes.

This level is often recommended for individuals with demanding listening needs, active lifestyles, or significant difficulty understanding speech in noise.

Best Suited For:

Busy and highly social lifestyles
Frequent exposure to noisy environments
Large group conversations
360-degree listening situations
Individuals who prioritize maximum speech clarity and listening comfort
People with greater difficulty understanding speech, especially in noise

The right technology depends on your lifestyle – not just your hearing loss

Your daily listening environments, how socially active you are, and where you spend your time all factor into the recommendation. Your Hearing Solutions clinician will guide you to the right fit.

Hearing Solutions Treatment Plans

We believe treatment pricing should be straightforward. Every Hearing Solutions treatment plan includes the same comprehensive HearForever care package. The difference between treatment tiers is the technology level of the hearing instruments themselves – and how that technology allows us to fine-tune and program them for your specific needs Prices below are per pair after ADP funding for eligible patients.

Standard Technology

★ ★

$4000

per pair after ADP funding

Reliable, everyday performance for quieter, one-on-one listening situations.

Best For:

Quieter lifestyles, home settings, one-on-one conversations.

Advanced Technology

★ ★ ★

$5000

per pair after ADP funding

Enhanced speech clarity and noise reduction for restaurants, meetings, and group settings.

Best For:

Socially active individuals, workplaces, restaurants, group settings.

Premium Technology

★ ★ ★ ★

$6000

per pair after ADP funding

Maximum performance in any environment. The most adaptive, hands-off experience available.

Best For:

Active lifestyles, complex environments, large gatherings.

HearForever Package - Included With Every Treatment Plan

Hearing Aid Prescription

Following your hearing test, our team will determine and recommend the ideal hearing technology based on your unique hearing requirements

Hearing Aid Programming

Professional fine-tuning of your hearing technology to match your hearing needs.

Electroacoustic Analysis

Expert refinement of your hearing technology, guaranteeing peak performance and an ideal listening experience

Hearing Aid Adjustments and Reprogramming

As your hearing needs and lifestyle change, we will ensure your hearing aid settings are updated to match your current hearing levels

Hearing Aid Maintenance and In-Clinic Servicing

Regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure the longevity and peak performance of your hearing technology

Ongoing Professional Counselling

We are committed to offering consistent guidance and support, ensuring that you adapt to using your hearing technology effectively with expert support

Complimentary Annual Hearing Tests

We monitor your hearing health with annual hearing tests to ensure your hearing instruments continue to work their best and provide the best results

Shipping and Handling

Complimentary shipping of your hearing aids to and from the manufacturer as required

Earwax Removal

Complimentary earwax removal as a part of your ongoing care

Bonus Accessory Kit

Cleaning tools for your hearing technology

How to Choose the Right Hearing Technology

The best hearing aid for you depends on several factors working together.

Your degree and type of hearing loss: Your audiogram results are the starting point. Some hearing losses respond better to certain technology levels, and some styles fit certain hearing loss patterns better than others.

Your listening environments: Where you spend most of your time matters. Someone who is primarily at home in quiet settings has different needs than someone who is in meetings, restaurants, and social events regularly. Being as descriptive as possible about your daily activities helps your clinician match the technology to your listening needs.

Your lifestyle and priorities: Whether you want Bluetooth connectivity, a rechargeable device, a discreet style, or the simplest possible experience are all valid factors. Your clinician will ask about these to help narrow the options.

Your clinician’s recommendation: After a comprehensive hearing assessment, your Hearing Solutions clinician will recommend the technology level, style, and brand that best fits your hearing profile. You are not making this decision alone and the recommendation is personalized to you.

Try Before You Buy

We offer a 10-day risk-free trial for certain technologies, so you can experience better hearing in your own life before making a commitment.

Take your recommended hearing instruments home and test them in the situations that matter most to you – a restaurant, a family gathering, a phone call, a meeting at work. No deposit, no down payment, and no obligation to purchase.

At the end of the trial, we’ll review your experience together, make any adjustments, and help you decide next-steps with confidence.

90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Every treatment plan at Hearing Solutions comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your hearing aids within 90 days of your fitting, we will work with you to find a solution – whether that means adjustments, a different style or brand, or a return.

We want you to feel confident in your decision, not committed to one you are not happy with.

Take the first step toward better hearing today

Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the HearForever package included at every level. Book yours and we’ll recommend the right fit for your hearing and your lifestyle.

Hearing Aid Financing Options

Hearing aids are an important investment in your quality of life. We understand that cost can be a barrier, which is why we offer flexible financing options through our partner Flexiti, alongside a range of government and insurance programs that can reduce what you pay out of pocket.

Available Payment Plans

We offer three types of financing plans so that you can choose an option that works for your budget. All plans are arranged in clinic, and most patients are approved within minutes.

Plan	How it Works	Best For
0% Interest – Short Term	Divide your payments over 3, 6, or 12 months with no added interest. Pay the same total cost, just spread out over time	Those who want to pay off quickly without any additional cost.
Extended Payment Plan	Spread payments over 12 to 36 months to lower your monthly amount and make the investment more manageable.	Those who prefer smaller monthly payments over a longer period.
Low-Interest Financing	Access the latest hearing technology now and pay gradually over time at a pace that works for your budget.	Those who need maximum flexibility and a longer repayment window.

Partial or full reimbursement toward hearing aids. Can be combined with government funding programs.

How We Support You Through the Process

Navigating funding applications can feel complicated, but you do not have to do it alone. At Hearing Solutions, our team helps with every step.

Understanding what you qualify for

During your appointment, we review your situation and identify the programs most relevant to you. Many patients are unaware of the funding available to them.

Completing the paperwork

We help with the paperwork and applications for all funding programs. Our team will make sure you have everything you need and walk you through the process, so nothing gets missed.

Combining funding sources

Government funding can often be combined with private insurance coverage and a financing plan. Our team will help you structure this, so you maximize your support and minimize your upfront cost.

Let us find the funding you qualify for

Most patients are eligible for more support than they realize. Our team reviews your situation at your appointment, handles the paperwork, and makes sure nothing gets missed.

Essential Hearing Made Affordable

Not every patient requires the most advanced technology available. For patients with an appropriate level of hearing loss who are looking for a more price-accessible option, we offer an Entry Level treatment plan. This provides a straightforward solution using essential hearing aid technology that delivers reliable performance at a more affordable price point.

Our Entry Level plan includes the same professional fitting process, the same Hear Forever package, and the same ongoing support as our typical treatment plan tiers. The difference is the technology, not the quality of care.

Entry Level Technology - Everyday Low Price

★

$2900

per pair after ADP funding

Essential, reliable hearing technology for everyday listening environments.

Suited to patients with mild to moderate hearing loss who want quality hearing care at an accessible price point.

The same professional fitting process and the same ongoing support at a lower starting cost.

HearForever Package - Included With Every Treatment Plan

Hearing Aid Prescription

Following your hearing test, our team will determine and recommend the ideal hearing technology based on your unique hearing requirements

Hearing Aid Programming

Professional fine-tuning of your hearing technology to match your hearing needs.

Electroacoustic Analysis

Expert refinement of your hearing technology, guaranteeing peak performance and an ideal listening experience

Hearing Aid Adjustments and Reprogramming

As your hearing needs and lifestyle change, we will ensure your hearing aid settings are updated to match your current hearing levels

Hearing Aid Maintenance and In-Clinic Servicing

Regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure the longevity and peak performance of your hearing technology

Ongoing Professional Counselling

We are committed to offering consistent guidance and support, ensuring that you adapt to using your hearing technology effectively with expert support

Complimentary Annual Hearing Tests

We monitor your hearing health with annual hearing tests to ensure your hearing instruments continue to work their best and provide the best results

Shipping and Handling

Complimentary shipping of your hearing aids to and from the manufacturer as required

Earwax Removal

Complimentary earwax removal as a part of your ongoing care

Bonus Accessory Kit

Cleaning tools for your hearing technology

Your clinician will let you know whether an Entry Level device is clinically appropriate for your hearing prescription. If it is, it can be an excellent way to get into quality hearing treatment at a price that makes sense.

Quality care doesn’t have to come at a premium price

The same professional fitting process, the same HearForever package, and the same ongoing support at a price point that works for you. Book an assessment and we’ll let you know if Entry Level is the right fit.

Your First 30 Days with Hearing Aids: What to Expect

Getting hearing aids is a big step, and the first month can feel like a lot. Sounds you haven’t heard in a while suddenly come back all at once and your brain needs time to make sense of them again. Knowing what’s normal can make the adjustment much easier.

Week 1 – Getting Used to New Sounds

Everything may sound louder or sharper than expected – your own voice, running water, rustling paper. This is normal. Start with a few hours a day in quieter settings and build up gradually.

Week 2 – Building Confidence

One-on-one conversations start to feel easier. Noisy environments may still be challenging, but you’ll notice real improvement in quieter settings. Consistent daily use is the biggest factor in how quickly your brain adapts.

Week 3 – Fine-Tuning

Your follow-up appointment typically happens around this time. Your clinician will adjust your programming based on real-life feedback. Bring notes on any situations that felt difficult. The more specific, the better

Week 4 – Settling In

By the end of the month, wearing your hearing aids should feel natural. Conversations are clearer and you’re more comfortable in social settings. Your brain is still adapting, which should continue for months, but the hardest part is behind you.

Consistent wear in the first 30 days makes all the difference

Every Hearing Solutions patient has a dedicated clinician guiding their adjustment period. You’re never left to figure it out on your own.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s)

Hearing aids aren’t the only tool available for people with hearing loss. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are products designed to make specific everyday situations easier – from watching TV to waking up in the morning to staying aware of sounds around the home.

Some patients use ALDs alongside their hearing aids. Others use them as a standalone solution for particular challenges. Either way, they can make a meaningful difference in day-to-day life.

Hearing Friendly Alarm Clocks

Combines loud alerts, vibration, and visual cues to make sure you wake up reliably without depending on sound alone.

Alerting Devices

Visual and vibrating alerts connected wirelessly to your doorbell, phone, smoke alarm, and more. Stay aware of what’s happening around your home.

Amplifiers

Personal sound amplifiers that boost the volume and clarity of nearby sounds. These are useful in conversations or any situation where you need a little more.

Amplified Phones

Corded and cordless phones with enhanced volume and clarity, designed to make everyday phone conversations easier.

TV Listening Devices

These devices let you listen to the TV at your own volume without affecting anyone else in the room. Particularly helpful when partners have different hearing needs.

Tinnitus Maskers

Produce soothing background sounds to reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus, making it easier to concentrate, relax, or fall asleep.

Ask your clinician about ALD’s at your next appointment

Many are available to try in clinic, and our team can recommend options based on your specific listening challenges.

Why Choose Hearing Solutions

There are many hearing clinics in Ontario. What sets Hearing Solutions apart comes down to three things: independence, clinical standards, and long-term care.

We’re Independent and Focused on Your Needs

Hearing Solutions is Ontario’s largest independent hearing aid provider. Unlike many clinics that are owned by or aligned with a single manufacturer, we are not owned by a hearing aid brand. That means we carry all major brands and recommend what genuinely fits your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget – not a limited, in‑house lineup. Independence lets us match you to the right style, technology level, and brand based on evidence and your real‑world priorities.

Clinical Standards You Can Rely On

We follow established clinical best practices to support accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment recommendations, and effective hearing aid fitting and care.

Standard care includes:

Comprehensive hearing tests to assess your level and type of hearing loss and guide treatment recommendations
Real ear measurement to verify that hearing aids are providing the correct amplification for your unique ear shape and hearing profile
Video otoscopy to allow a detailed view of the ear canal and eardrum, supporting safe and informed clinical decisions
Speech-in-noise testing to evaluate how you hear in real-world environments such as restaurants, group conversations, and other background noise situations
Hearing technology demonstration to determine how your hearing system responds to treatment and to better understand what treatment options are most appropriate for you.

Together, these tools provide a complete picture of your hearing health. This allows us to ensure your care plan is accurate, your hearing technology is properly fitted, and your settings are fine-tuned for the environments you experience every day.

nce lets us match you to the right style, technology level, and brand based on evidence and your real‑world priorities.

Long-Term Care, Not Just a One-Time Appointment

Hearing care doesn’t end once your hearing aids are fitted. It continues over time as your hearing needs, lifestyle, and listening environments change. Included in most of our treatment plans is our HearForever package, which ensures that our patients have access to continuous care that includes follow-up adjustments, annual hearing tests, routine cleanings, and ongoing clinical guidance as needed.

The HearForever package is designed to ensure your hearing care remains consistent and supported for the long term – not just at the point of purchase. Whether your hearing changes gradually or your devices need fine-tuning, our clinical team is here to help you stay on track.

This long-term approach reflects how we believe hearing care should work: steady, supportive, and focused on real-world outcomes, not one-time transactions.

Find a clinic near you to get started today

Visit one of our 20 Ontario locations and experience the Hearing Solutions difference.

Services We Offer

At Hearing Solutions, we provide complete hearing healthcare, not just hearing aids. Our services are designed to support every stage of your hearing journey, from prevention and diagnosis through to long-term care and ongoing support.

Main Services:

Hearing Test

A hearing test is the first step in identifying hearing loss early. Our experienced hearing professionals offer no‑obligation assessments with expert guidance every step of the way. Free for 55+.

Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance

Comprehensive cleaning and maintenance to remove earwax, debris, and moisture. Regular care keeps performance consistent and extends device life.

Hearing Aid Fittings and Programming

Professional fittings and personalized programming aligned to your unique hearing profile and listening goals. We fine‑tune for natural sound, comfort, and clarity, with ongoing support as your needs evolve.

Hearing Aid Repairs

In‑clinic troubleshooting and manufacturer‑supported repairs for a wide range of models. We work quickly to return your devices to reliable performance with minimal downtime.

Additional Services:

Earwax Removal $95 (or complimentary as part of your ongoing care when you purchase hearing aids)
Tinnitus-related support
Pediatric Hearing Tests $145 (ages 5+)
Workplace Hearing Tests $145
Guidance for government funding third party coverage through:
- ADP
- ODSP
- WSIB
- VAC
- NIHB
- OW
- Private insurance plans
Flexible Financing and Payment Options

Your Appointment Journey – What to Expect

Good care is predictable. From your first hearing test to ongoing tune‑ups, each visit has a clear purpose, an expected length, and a defined outcome. The steps below show how we move from understanding your needs, to fitting technology that suits your life, to keeping it working over time.

Appointment

Purpose

What Happens

Hearing Test – Your Starting Point

60-90 minutes

This test builds a complete picture of your hearing health so any next step is informed and relevant to your life.

We begin by getting to know you, including your goals, listening environments, and communication priorities.
A comprehensive hearing assessment is completed, which includes pure‑tone, speech testing, speech‑in‑noise testing, and video otoscopy.
We explain your results in plain language and outline recommended next steps.
When appropriate, we demonstrate suitable hearing aids in the clinic so you can experience the difference before deciding.

New Fitting Appointment – Fitting & Programming

60 minutes

Fit and activate the hearing aids you have purchased so you can start using them right away.

We program your new devices to your audiogram and listening goals.
Performance of the hearing aids is completed in your ear with Real Ear Measurement (REM).
We set up Bluetooth and the app, review care and charging, and ensure you are comfortable using your hearing aids.

Re-Check Appointment – Post-Fitting Check-in

30-45 minutes (14 days after your fitting appointment)

At this appointment we confirm real‑world benefit after two weeks of use and make any needed adjustments.

We review your experience in everyday settings over the past two weeks.
We fine‑tune programs, comfort, and connectivity based on your feedback.
We confirm satisfaction and plan any next steps.

Service Appointments – Routine Care

30 minutes – recommended every 6 months or as needed

Keep devices clean, connected, and reliable.

We perform cleanings and minor repairs.
We replace domes or receivers as needed and update firmware.
Resolve connectivity issues and arrange manufacturer service when required.

Annual Hearing Tests – Long-Term Check-Ins

Once per year, 45-60 minutes

Monitor changes to your hearing and keep your device performance consistent over time.

We complete an updated hearing assessment.
We reprogram your devices to match your current hearing levels.
We check your ears for earwax and remove if needed.
We clean your devices, perform routine maintenance, and replace wear items as required.
Provide counseling and tips to maintain everyday benefit.

Ready to get started?

Book your first appointment at any of our 20 Ontario locations. No referral needed.

How We Ensure Successful Outcomes

Standardized protocols: Every location uses the same testing, fitting procedures, and documentation, so care is consistent and reproducible.
Verification, not guesswork: We verify amplification in your ear with Real Ear Measurement (REM) and confirm device function with Electroacoustic Analysis (EAA).
Outcome monitoring: We check real‑world benefit at the recheck and during annual evaluations using structured questions and, when helpful, validated measures.
Data‑informed fine‑tuning: Your feedback and test results ensure personalized adjustment are made for clarity, comfort, and noise performance.
Long‑term continuity: HearForever package includes all follow‑up care you’ll need, including cleanings, reprogramming, and annual tests keeps performance aligned with any change in your hearing or lifestyle.

Use of Best Practices and Latest Research

Current evidence base: Our testing and fitting protocols are aligned with recognized best practices in audiology, including REM‑verified fittings and speech‑in‑noise assessment.
Clinician training: Our teams regularly refresh skills and stay current with new research to keep care aligned across locations.
Quality checks: Ensuring protocols are followed consistently at every clinic.

Commitment to Consistent Outcomes

Same process, every clinic: A standardized journey from assessment to fitting to recheck means you get reliable care regardless of location.
Transparent expectations: We explain what each step delivers, typical timelines, and how we’ll measure success together.
Continuous improvement: Outcome trends and patient feedback inform updates to protocols and training.

Our Proven Process

This is the roadmap we follow at every clinic. It shows when each visit typically occurs and what each step delivers – from your first hearing test, to fitting after purchase, to the two‑week recheck, and ongoing HearForever care. The goal is predictable, consistent outcomes across all locations.

Ready to hear what matters?

Book a hearing test and consultation with one of our trusted clinicians.

Same-day appointments available at our locations across Ontario.

Hearing Solutions 2026 Hearing Aid Buying Guide

How to Use This Guide

Table of Contents

Candidacy for This Guide

Self-Assessment Checklist

What Does Hearing Loss Feel Like?

Why Does Hearing Loss Go Unnoticed?

Understanding Your Ears and Hearing System

How the Ear Works

The Outer Ear:

The Middle Ear:

The Inner Ear (Cochlea):

How the Brain Processes Sound

How Hearing is Tested

Pure-Tone Audiometry

Speech Recognition in Quiet

Speech-in-Noise Testing

Tympanometry

Video Otoscopy

Real Ear Measurement (REM)

Electroacoustic Analysis (EAA)

Amplified Sound Quality Assessment

Understanding Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

Mixed Hearing Loss

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Normal Hearing

Borderline Normal Hearing Loss

Mild Hearing Loss

Moderate Hearing Loss

Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

Severe Hearing Loss

Profound Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss and Associated Health Risks

Dementia and Cognitive Decline

Falls and Physical Safety

Depression and Social Isolation

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular Health

Thyroid Disorders and Autoimmune Conditions

Early and Advanced Signs of Hearing Loss

Early Signs:

Advanced Signs:

Why Hearing Loss Gets Underdiagnosed

Understanding Causes of Hearing Loss

Noise Exposure

Genetics

Medications

Aging

Physical Trauma

Cardiovascular Conditions

Thyroid Disorders

Diabetes

Kidney Disease

Other Conditions and Diseases

Tinnitus

What is Tinnitus?

Why Does Tinnitus Occur?

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Ear Health Issues

Medications

Other Contributing Factors

How Does Tinnitus Impact Daily Life?

Is Tinnitus Permanent?

Tinnitus Treatment and Management

Hearing Aids

Sound Therapy

Counselling and Relaxation

Hearing Aid Styles

Custom and In-Ear Styles

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Options

Hearing Aid Brands Overview

Swiss | Sonova Group

Danish | WS Audiology

German | WS Audiology

Canadian | Sonova Group

Danish | Demant Group

American | Private