Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Audiologist? Will insurance or The Assistive Devices Program cover my hearing aids? What about hearing aid warranty and trials? Get the answers to a few questions that might be juggling through your mind.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DURING COVID-19

Please note that it is still mandatory to wear a mask at our clinic (Ontario’s lifting of mandatory mask wearing does not apply to healthcare workers). We appreciate your cooperation.

A “no walk-in” policy is still being maintained. By appointment only.

Proper health and safety measures are being maintained, based on both national and provincial government regulations/guidelines, to ensure your safety of our clients as well as the team’s.

These include:

  • Continue to follow all infection prevention and control protocols
  • Continue to wash hands between clients and throughout the appointments
  • Pre-Screening of Clients and Staff prior to entering the clinic
  • Installation of plexi-glass at the front desk reception area
  • Use of PPE including gloves and masks (face shields if required)
  • Disinfect high traffic areas between patients
  • Staggered appointment times
  • Drop-off protocol for hearing aid repairs
  • Pick-up protocol for supplies and hearing aid repairs
  • Virtual care for fine tuning of hearing aids

All clients entering the clinic are asked to do the following:

  • Wash/sanitize their hands upon arrival
  • Wear a 3-ply mask
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Arrive for your appointment at the scheduled time (no more than 10 minutes prior to)
  • Use of credit and debit cards for payments (minimize cash and cheque transactions)

For more information, please call 705-360-6680.
Looking forward to seeing you and supporting you with your hearing healthcare needs.

When can I expect to be seen?

The Ethier Hearing Clinic has resumed its normal scheduling timeline.

What do I do if my hearing aid isn’t working properly?

It is always recommended to change the wax filter and dome or to clean the earmold, depending on the style. Also change the battery (unless it’s rechargeable). If your hearing aid is still not working properly despite doing these things, it is recommended that it be sent to us. This can be done by two ways:

Option 1:

Call us at 705-360-6680 to schedule a drop-off time for your hearing aid so that an Audiologist can examine it. It is typically recommended to schedule this the next day following your call, in order to give us time to alert the Hospital’s Screeners. After your screening upon arrival at the Hospital, you will be able to come in directly to the Clinic for drop-off.

Option 2:

Mail in your hearing aid by using Purolator or Canada Post courier:

  • Step 1

    Pack your hearing aid in bubble wrap (or similar material) and then insert in a little box to make sure it is well protected.

  • Step 2

    Go to your local Post office or any business that offers Purolator services. Mail it out to us (our address is Ethier Hearing Clinic, c/o Timmins and District Hospital, 1559-700 Ross Ave East, Timmins, ON, P4N 8P2).

Please note that there might be a time delay in receiving your hearing aid following repair compared to usual business practice, due to effects of COVID-19.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE IN QUARANTINE OR ARE EXPERIENCING ANY SYMPTOMS, YOUR HEARING AIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR 2 WEEKS, UNTIL YOUR QUARANTINE PERIOD IS OVER.

What do I do if I need any supplies (wax filters, domes, batteries)?

Please call the clinic at 705-360-6680 to put in your request (leave a message if needed), or email an Administrative Assistant or Audiologist (check the CONTACT section for access to all emails). They will be mailed out to you.

How do I pay for supplies?

You can pay by credit card over the phone or by cheque (which can be mailed to the clinic at Ethier Hearing Clinic, c/o Timmins and District Hospital, 1559-700 Ross Ave East, Timmins, ON, P4N 8P2).

What do I do if I need any hearing aid adjustments?

Most hearing aids can now be adjusted remotely if you have a Smartphone (iPhone, Android). Your Audiologist will be able to set this up for you and will be able to connect to your hearing aids through your Smartphone. Please contact your Audiologist at (705) 360-6680 or by email (Mark Gulliver: [email protected], Manon Ethier: [email protected]) or Tracey Kyei: [email protected] to see if you are eligible for this option.

How will I be able to pick up my hearing aid following repair?

We will be calling you to schedule a pick-up time. You will be able to come directly to the Clinic to pick up your hearing aid(s), following screening at the one of the Hospital’s entrances.

What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are hearing health professionals who identify, evaluate, counsel and diagnose individuals with hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders. They provide management of such disorders, such as prescribing and fitting hearing devices. Training requires a minimum of a Master's Degree in Audiology.

What to expect during a Hearing Evaluation?

A hearing evaluation (hearing test) is an in-depth assessment of your hearing and auditory system. The purpose is to determine your hearing health. If a hearing loss is detected, the Audiologist will determine its nature and degree. The evaluation starts with a detailed in-take questionnaire about your health and hearing history. Your hearing difficulties are also identified. Then you will be brought into a sound-proof booth for testing. The Audiologist will administer several tests to determine if there is any wax build-up or blockage in your ears, and then will typically check your hearing with earphones (or headphones); speakers can be used for some cases (for example younger children). Two aspects are assessed during this evaluation: volume (softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies/pitches) as well as speech clarity (is your brain able to make out what your ear is hearing?). After the evaluation, the Audiologist will discuss the results in detail with you. If a hearing loss is identified, management is usually recommended by the means of a hearing aid or other assistive listening devices. The Audiologist will then proceed with a Hearing Aid Selection appointment. The Audiologist may also provide intervention for hearing related disorders, such as tinnitus or sound sensitivity and will also discuss preventative measures for hearing loss.

For a possible medical issue, you will be referred to an Ears-Nose&Throat Specialist (ENT) before possibly proceeding with amplification.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see an Audiologist?

No, Audiologists are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) which was designed to give patients/clients access to health care professions of their choice. Audiologists practice independently within their scope of practice.

Is there any funding towards the cost of hearing aids and FM/ROGER systems?

  • The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
    (contact your Audiologist to inquire about eligibility)
  • Private insurance company
  • Third-party agencies
  • Local charitable organizations

Is there a trial period with hearing aids?

Yes: 60 days.

Are hearing aids covered under warranty?

Yes; the client is responsible for the cost of repairs once this warranty period expires, unless covered by a third-party agency. Every hearing aid is covered by manufacturer warranty for a minimum of a two-year period.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

  • Battery life is affected by several factors such as size of batteries, hearing aid style and daily usage of hearing aid. They usually last anywhere from 5-14 days for disposable ones.
  • Some batteries are rechargeable and need to be replaced either once a year (Z-Power) or once every three to five years (Lithium-Ion).

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