Frequently asked questions about hearing aids

May 6, 2022

These frequently asked questions about hearing aids are useful for two reasons:


1.     They answer the questions that we hear the most at Red Door Hearing when people are considering new hearing aids.

2.     They are great questions to ask when you meet with a hearing care professional.


If you have an upcoming hearing test, we recommend you bring these questions and ask them during the consultation. and We hope the answers are useful as you prepare for the next steps in your hearing journey.


We are dedicated to explaining hearing technology and the steps to better hearing. If you have any questions about hearing aids (or are not sure what to ask your hearing care professional), send us a message.


Will I need hearing aids?

If you suspect you might have hearing loss or other hearing challenges, then it has probably crossed your mind that you might need hearing aids.


The answer to the question is not a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, it depends on many factors, including the type of hearing loss, degree of loss, impacts of the hearing loss and your daily routines and habits. Hearing aids are a common recommendation for people with hearing challenges, but they are not a universal solution.


A hearing test is the best way to know if you would benefit from hearing aids. By reviewing how well you can hear and comprehend speech, we can determine how much you would benefit from wearing hearing aids. Since hearing aids are more suited to some types or degrees of hearing loss, we need to complete a hearing test before providing a recommendation.


At Red Door Hearing, we only recommend hearing aids when the information from a hearing test indicates you will greatly benefit from wearing the devices.


How well do hearing aids work?

For many people, their first memory of hearing aids is their grandparent or parent complaining about squealing or clunky devices. The older technology was prone to feedback and did not deliver natural sounds that modern hearing aids do, so the devices received more complaints than compliments.


Thankfully, technology has advanced since then. The latest innovations have focused on natural sounds and seamless experiences so wearers can get more benefits with fewer annoyances.


One of the best parts of our job is watching hearing aid technology evolve at an incredible pace. Every year, new features and technologies are released that improve the experience. Hearing aids now provide a more natural sound that matches the environment you are in.


Today’s hearing aids are nothing like the ones your grandparents wore. And we expect the next generation of devices to be nothing short of incredible.


What are the benefits of using hearing aids?

It is understandable to be hesitant about getting new hearing aids. Many people question if hearing aids are worth it for them, and they ask us about the benefits of using hearing aids.


We answer this question by describing what to expect at every stage of using hearing aids. Some aspects may take time to get used to:

  • Starting the new habit of wearing the hearing aids
  • Getting used to wearing hearing aids
  • Getting used to hearing a broader range of sounds
  • Learning how to clean and maintain the devices


We also describe the benefits of wearing hearing aids (besides the ability to hear better):


  • Modern hearing aids sound natural and can seamlessly adjust to different situations or environments
  • They are easier than ever to operate, and many hearing aids can wirelessly connect to your smartphone for a better experience on phone calls
  • Not only is better hearing is integral to your quality of life, but it helps to prevent dementia and improve your relationships


How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?

When you start wearing hearing aids, your brain requires some time to adjust to the new sounds. This adjustment period varies for everyone, so we always schedule follow-up appointments after fitting new devices to check in and see how you are doing.

Sometimes, this adjustment period may be less comfortable than expected. During your first fitting, we will provide tips and suggestions to ease this process and start getting the most benefits out of your hearing aids as soon as possible. And If your discomfort persists or if you experience any roadblocks to success, you can always give us a call.


What is the difference between hearing aids?

Hearing aids come in various colours, styles and technology levels. Your choice of style and fit mostly depends on your preferences for fit and comfort, although some styles are more suited to some types of hearing loss. To select the optimal technology level, we will review the results from your hearing test to see what features would make the biggest difference in your life.


Modern hearing aids can come with many features like tinnitus support, wireless connectivity, remote controls or compatibility with cell phones to improve call quality– just to name a few. Our recommendations for the features will be based on your lifestyle, work, hobbies, listening environments, habits and expectations.


How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aid prices vary depending on the technology levels. Devices designed to assist with profound hearing losses tend to use higher-end technology, so those hearing aids may cost more.


We carry hearing aids for every budget, and we will assist in navigating any options for hearing aid funding to offset the costs of new devices.


No matter the devices you select, they will work the best when they are fitted by a hearing care professional. A properly fitted and programmed hearing aid optimizes the performance and output of any device, ensuring you are getting the full value from your hearing aids.


Are hearing aids worth it for me?

Even though this question is not often asked aloud, we understand that it is the core question that many people ask themselves when considering hearing aids.


The best way to answer this question is to book a hearing test and consultation at Red Door Hearing. We strive to provide as much information as possible so you can evaluate your options and make a confident decision. We’ve seen how truly valuable hearing aids can be when they are properly selected and fit. The first step is explaining what to expect and answering ALL your questions.

Book a hearing test and consultation today.

Why Hearing Care Is Never One-Size-Fits-All

June 17, 2025
There’s no single solution to hearing challenges — and that’s a good thing. Every person’s hearing loss is unique, shaped by their specific hearing profile, lifestyle, and overall health. That’s why at Red Door Hearing, we take a personalized approach to care. Even for something as common as hearing aids, the path to success varies from person to person. But while individual experiences differ, there are shared milestones and proven factors that contribute to long-term success in hearing health. What Does Success in Hearing Care Look Like? The definition of success in hearing care is different for everyone. For some, it means hearing conversations more clearly in noisy environments. For others, it means reducing the impact of tinnitus or improving their sense of well-being. Still, most journeys follow a similar path, built on three essential milestones: - Booking a hearing test - Committing to a treatment plan - Consistently using hearing aids in daily life The First Step: Booking a Hearing Test Getting your hearing tested is a major success in itself. Many people delay hearing exams — often because of uncertainty, stigma, or simply not realizing how much their hearing has changed. But early action makes a real difference. Key motivators that often lead to scheduling a hearing test include: - Support from family and loved ones - Missing out on favorite activities - Frustration with ongoing hearing issues Short-Term Success: Wearing Your Hearing Aids Short-term success means taking action — and actually wearing your hearing aids regularly. It’s more common than you’d think for people to invest in hearing aids, only to leave them unused. Maybe they’re uncomfortable. Maybe they don’t seem to help. Or maybe the style just doesn’t feel right. That’s why Red Door Hearing takes the time to find the right hearing aid for your needs and preferences. From fit to function to features, our audiologists help you choose devices that work for your life. Long-Term Success: Making Hearing Aids Part of Daily Life Long-term success happens when hearing aids become second nature. You put them in first thing in the morning without hesitation. You don’t feel the need to remove them throughout the day. And you notice the difference — from catching soft sounds to feeling more relaxed in social settings. That’s when you know your hearing care plan is truly working. What Factors Lead to Hearing Success? While the journey is personal, the following factors play a big role in achieving better hearing outcomes — and they don’t require any extra cost, just commitment. Involvement of Family Family support can be a game changer. For adults, bringing a loved one to your appointment can offer emotional support and help reinforce communication goals. For children, family involvement is even more critical in teaching advocacy skills and building confidence. Letting Data Guide Decisions A hearing test isn’t just a pass/fail check — it gives us valuable information about your hearing thresholds, potential causes of hearing loss, and treatment options. Our audiologists use this data to tailor your care, ensuring you get the right device and support. Choosing Technology Based on Your Needs It's easy to get caught up in features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries — and while they’re helpful, the most important thing is matching technology to your hearing profile. We focus on what will actually benefit you, not just what’s new. Professional Hearing Aid Fitting Even the best hearing aids need to be programmed correctly. Using real ear measurements, we fine-tune your devices to ensure they’re delivering the right amplification — exactly where you need it — while they’re in your ears.\ Staying Positive Adjusting to hearing aids takes time. Practice, patience, and a positive mindset can make all the difference. Celebrate your wins, stay committed to the process, and remember that better hearing is within reach. Ready to start your hearing journey? Book a hearing test with Red Door Hearing and let us help you take the first step.

What is Hearing Aid Fitting (and Why is it So Important)?

June 10, 2025
A hearing aid fitting is a crucial part of your journey toward better hearing. After your hearing test and hearing aid selection, your audiologist will schedule a fitting — not just to ensure your devices are comfortable, but to fine-tune them so they work perfectly for your unique hearing needs. At Red Door Hearing, we believe professional hearing aid fitting is essential to long-term success with hearing aids. Why Hearing Aid Fitting Matters Many people think a fitting is just about comfort — but it’s so much more. A hearing aid fitting is a diagnostic and adjustment process that ensures your hearing aids match your hearing prescription. With expert fitting, you’ll get the most out of your technology and experience significantly improved results. Steps to Getting Hearing Aids Your journey to better hearing starts with a comprehensive hearing test and consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your lifestyle and listening needs so we can recommend hearing aids that fit both your hearing profile and your daily routine. Once you’ve selected your devices, we’ll book a hearing aid fitting. This isn’t the end of your care — we follow up within the first month to ensure your hearing aids are comfortable and effective, and we continue to offer support and adjustments as needed. What Happens During a Hearing Aid Fitting? The fitting process ensures your devices are properly programmed. Hearing aids arrive with default factory settings, but our audiologists use the results of your hearing test to adjust the volume, output, and features of each device specifically to your hearing needs. We also perform **real-ear measurements**, where a small microphone is placed in your ear canal to measure the actual sound delivered by the hearing aid. This confirms that the devices are meeting your prescription in real-world conditions. Why Real-Ear Measurements Matter Real-ear measurements are one of the most effective ways to ensure hearing aids perform accurately and comfortably. Since every ear is different, testing how sound behaves in your ear canal while the device is in use gives us the clearest picture of how well it’s working. This step isn’t offered at every clinic — but at Red Door Hearing, it’s a standard part of our fitting process because it leads to better outcomes and a more personalized experience. Your Role in a Successful Fit A hearing aid fitting is also a hands-on appointment for you. We’ll show you how to use, clean, and maintain your hearing aids. You’ll leave with confidence in your devices — and support just a call away. Have Your Hearing Aids Been Properly Fitted? Not every hearing clinic provides full professional fittings with real-ear measurements. If your current devices haven’t been properly fitted, we can help. Our team is happy to test and reprogram your existing hearing aids to make sure they’re working for you — not against you. Your hearing aids should feel comfortable, deliver clear sound, and help you stay connected. Book an appointment at Red Door Hearing and let’s make sure they do just that.