Steps to follow to obtain hearings aids and personal communication devices:

a) Audiological Assessment
b) Hearing Aid Evaluation
c) Prescription Processing
d) Fitting and Training
e) Follow-Up

Audiological Assessment
The first step is to undergo a complete audiological assessment by an audiologist who will interpret the test results and determine your (or your child's) hearing ability. Public and private services are available in most areas. A search under the categories of Audiologists or Hearing Aids in the yellow pages of the telephone directory will list services available or your family doctor can help you find an audiologist in your area.
Audiological assessments include:

• Detailed medical history
• Otoscopic examination of the ear canal and eardrum
• Middle ear analysis to determine if the eardrums and ossicles are capable of moving correctly
• Hearing sensitivity and loudness perception testing using tone and speech stimuli

If a hearing problem is identified, your audiologist will provide you with information about your (or your child’s) hearing loss. Recommendations and options about what can be done about the hearing impairment can usually be provided during the same appointment. The recommendations given will depend on several factors about you (or your child) including degree and configuration of hearing loss, age, and personal lifestyle. If a medical condition is identified during an audiological assessment, a referral will be made to a physician for review and possible treatment.

Hearing Aid Evaluation: top
If a hearing loss is identified and an individual requires hearing aids, additional tests may need to be performed by the audiologist. After all assessment information has been collected, the audiologist will then discuss with you the different types of hearing aid circuits, styles, and features that are available and appropriate for your, or your child’s, specific hearing needs. The audiologist will then provide a hearing aid prescription. Prescribing hearing aids is a Controlled Act in Ontario -- only audiologists and physicians are licensed to prescribe hearing aids. The hearing instrument prescription may be filled by your audiologist’s office if it is a dispensing office, or you may take your hearing aid prescription to any hearing aid dispensary you choose. If you (or your child) is eligible for insured benefits through a third party, there may be additional procedures that must be followed -- ask your audiologist for details and assistance.

Prescription Processing: top
Once you have chosen a hearing aid dispensary, your prescription will be confirmed by your hearing healthcare professional (e.g. color, special options, etc.). You will be provided with a cost estimate for the instruments and be advised of the length of your trial period. If required, the practitioner will take impressions of your ear(s) and complete an order form. Orders are submitted to the appropriate hearing aid manufacturer and usually take approximately 10 - 21 days to be processed and delivered. When the hearing instrument(s) arrive they are checked to ensure the prescription was filled correctly before you are contacted to arrange a fitting appointment.

Fitting and Training: top
During your hearing aid fitting appointment, the practitioner will again ensure that the instrument(s) meet the specifications of your prescription, that the aid(s) fit properly and feel comfortable to wear, provide instruction on how to insert and remove the aid(s), and demonstrate how to operate, clean, and maintain the device(s). No two ears are exactly alike so minor adjustments are commonly done during the fitting appointment. The trial period begins on the day of the hearing aid fitting.

Follow-Up: top
It is extremely important that all hearing aid users return to the prescribing audiologist sometime within the trial period. During this follow-up appointment, verification testing will be performed using probe-microphone real-ear measurement equipment and validation by way of questionnaire or interview. This appointment is also very important in that it is your time to tell your practitioner what your experiences (or child's experiences) have been with the new hearing aids, the improvements you have noticed as well as the problems you may have encountered. Most problems can be corrected within the office or by the manufacturer. Other times a change in your hearing aid prescription may be required.