What is Audiology?
Audiology is the branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. In Canada, Audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners are the specialists in hearing health. Both audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners conduct hearing tests for the purposes of dispensing hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
What is the difference between an Audiologist and Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)
Hearing instrument practitioners test peripheral hearing for the purpose of selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Hearing instrument practitioners scope of practice is generally limited to adults.
Audiologists are qualified to assess, identify, diagnose (restricted in some provinces) and manage individuals with peripheral or central hearing loss, hyperacusis, tinnitus and balance disorders; and to select, prescribe, fit and dispense hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Audiologists are trained to perform these services for all ages – from newborns to adults.
Are hearing devices covered by OHIP?
If you qualify under ADP, and application is approved, OHIP covers 75% of the cost of:
- hearing aids up to a maximum amount of $500 for each type of aid
- FM systems up to a maximum of $1,350
If you qualify under the following, OHIP covers upto 100% of the cost for:
- Children with Severe Disabilities
- Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program
Hearing Devices offered at Wilson Health and Wellness
Hearing Aids – a small electronic device that you wear in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations. However, only about one out of five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one. A hearing aid has three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
Custom Ear Plugs – laboratory-made earplug that are custom made to each patient from molds that are taken by an audiologists or hearing instrument practitioner. Typically made of acrylic or silicone and only fits to the patient which the mold was taken from.
Common uses for custom made ear plugs include:
- music industry – whether you are a DJ, musician, or a music event attendee – they provide optimal protection of your hearing but still being able to hear the music clearly.
- sleeping – a comfortable and soft ear plug which allows for peaceful sleep in any situation by blocking out all noises.
- swimming / aquatic sports – the best form of protection for your ears from water, germs, and debris which could lead to infection, damage and the dreaded clogged ears.
- workplace – if you work around heavy machinery, automobiles, firearms, or any loud environment over short or long durations, you are risk of losing and damaging your hearing.
All of our custom ear plugs are not only custom made fitted to your ear, they are also custom made to filter out only the harmful noises, all to your specifications.
Please contact us to schedule an exam with our hearing instrument specialist today!
External Links and Audiology References
Canadian Hearing Society
OHIP coverage under ADP program – Ontario.ca
National Institute of Deafness and other communication disorders (NIDCD)
Oticon – hearing aids