Informations
Questionnaire
Here is a test you can take to determine if you might have a hearing problem. Simply answer the following questions. The more “yes” responses you provide, the more likely you are to have a hearing problem.
- Do you have difficulty having a conversation in a restaurant or in a noisy and crowded social gathering?
- Do you have the same problem in a car?
- Do you frequently have to ask others to repeat or speak up?
- Do you sometimes need to turn toward the person speaking to you to understand what is being said?
- Do family members complain that the television is too loud?
- Do you have difficulty understanding children, hearing birds or the sound of cicadas?
- Does it often seem like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?
- Do you sometimes hear ringing or other noises in your ears?
- Did you work in a noisy environment for at least 3 years?
- Do you have difficulty understanding people at church or the theatre?
What can I do if I think I have a hearing problem?
It is important that you take your concerns seriously. If you ignore the problem, it could get worse and make adapting to hearing aids all the more difficult. Once you develop a hearing problem, your brain quickly adjusts to hearing in a different way. That’s why the longer you wait, the harder it will be to adapt to a hearing aid.
If you think you might have a hearing problem, we strongly recommend that you talk about it with an audioprosthesist, an audiologist or a doctor specialized in hearing problems. These specialists will help you take the next step to test your hearing.
At Laniel & Associés, we will provide you with a FREE no-obligation hearing test. Although it is not a comprehensive examination, this test will nonetheless give you a basic idea of how good your hearing is. With the results, we can confirm whether or not you have a problem with your hearing and guide you in the process of obtaining hearing aids and, as such, a better quality of life.
Types of clientele
Contrary to popular belief, people of all ages wear hearing aids—children, teenagers, adults or elderly persons. Just like with glasses, it is possible for people to need a hearing aid at any time in their lives. For children, being fitted for a hearing aid is extremely important. If one waits too long, the child’s hearing loss may cause speech problems. Because they have difficulty capturing what is being said, children with hearing problems who do not wear hearing aids will likely have more difficulty learning and lag behind their peers on an educational level.
People who wait to address their hearing problems will always have a harder time adapting to a hearing aid. Several other factors may also play a role in one’s difficulty to adapt: the patient’s age, degree of hearing loss, reduced adaptability, etc.
Some numbers
- Currently, our youngest client is 3 months old and our oldest is 105.
- One person out of three, 65 years of age or older, has hearing problems.
- One person out of two, 75 years of age or older, has hearing problems.
- In Québec alone, over 700,000 people are hard of hearing. This represents one person out of 10. Several million people in America are hard of hearing.
Raising awareness of this problem is more important than ever in a society where noise has become omnipresent.
Frequently asked questions
For specific questions, please contact us by e-mail and include basic information on your situation (e.g.: your age, health problems, if you work in a noisy environment, etc.). We will respond to your query by e-mail or phone.
Question
I have had 2 behind-the-ear hearing aids since the age of 7. I am now 39 and have always done well with the devices I have had. I would, however, like to know if there are other types of hearing aids that could work for me?
Answer
First, there are several factors that need to be considered. For example, your degree of hearing loss, the anatomy of your ears, your dexterity, battery life, etc. I would recommend that you see your audioprosthesist for a complete assessment and his opinion.
Question
My father complains that we do not speak clearly when, in fact, everyone else seems to understand us perfectly. What can we do to help him?
Answer
Don’t ignore these signs. Your father is not necessarily hard of hearing, but what you describe is an obvious warning sign. You and your sisters should talk to him about getting his hearing checked and let him know that he should do it sooner rather than later as the situation could potentially get worse. Consult an audioprosthesist, audiologist or doctor. Most audioprosthesists will provide a hearing test free of charge.
Government programs
There are a variety of programs offered by different government organizations that can help you cover the cost of hearing aids. Here is a brief overview of the different programs available:
RAMQ
As of July 29, 1993, the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec has covered the cost of hearing aids for persons OF ALL AGES (with some criterias) suffering from hearing loss. In June 2006, the RAMQ also began providing financial assistance for those wishing to obtain digital hearing aids. Beneficiaries (workers, for example) who meet certain criteria may be eligible for 2 hearing aids. We will take the time to explain all of these criteria and the steps you need to take when you meet with us at our offices.
CSST
This provincial program is for workers who have suffered hearing loss caused by work-related noise or accidents. Beneficiaries are entitled to 2 hearing aids if needed, hearing aid repairs, maintenance and batteries as well as any required consultation with a hearing-aid specialist. Some assisted technology devices—including FM television systems, adapted telephones and alarm clocks—may also be covered.
Croix-Bleue
This federal program is for veterans authorized to receive hearing aids. Costs covered by the Blue Cross may include hearing aids, maintenance, repairs, professional consultation and batteries. Some assisted technology devices, including FM television systems, adapted telephones and alarm clocks, may also be covered.
Private insurance
Some insurance programs may cover part of the cost (either a fixed amount or a percentage) of fitting you with a hearing aid. Contact your insurance company for more information.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Some aboriginal people may qualify for this program, depending on their situation.
Other
Some organizations may cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids: charitable organizations, non-profit organizations, IVAC, SAAQ, MAS, etc.
Private
You may choose to cover the cost of your hearing aid yourself. The actual cost for a single hearing aid ranges anywhere between $800.00 and $3,000.00 based on several factors including model, amplifier and warranty coverage. The cost includes professional fees, is non-taxable (medical services) and is 100% income-tax deductible.