At Nanaimo Hearing Clinic we carry a variety of hearing aid brands including Oticon, Phonak, and Widex. Not only do we carry these models -we actually allow you to try different brands and models if necessary. Ultimately, the best hearing aid is the one that fits your ears, your lifestyle, and your budget. Check out the latest hearing aid models below or learn about wearing styles here.
Modern hearing aid companies are consistently innovating, producing advanced hearing technology that help people to seamlessly hear better. Below you'll find the leading hearing aid brands, all available from Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Like all of our senses, hearing is a relationship between the ear and the brain. Oticon products are developed with the understanding that people with hearing loss need more than just louder sounds. Listening fatigue increases when the brain is not able to recognize the sounds or speech patterns that it’s used to hearing. Oticon hearing aids deliver clear sounds to the brain, reducing the amount of mental effort it takes to decipher the information.
For those experiencing hearing loss, having better hearing is directly connected to a more fulfilled life. Phonak hearing aid products are focused on speech understanding technology, and ease of use. Their goal is to deliver better hearing with as little disruption to your normal active life as possible. That includes providing innovative options in terms of automation, power options, and styles.
Widex is a family owned company founded in Denmark in 1956. Today, it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hearing aids. In 2020 Widex introduced the smallest (RIC) rechargeable lithium-ion hearing aid on the market: the Widex Moment.
ReSound hearing aids are small and powerful devices that deliver clear sounds in comfort. ReSound also offers a full line of device accessories and wireless options to make your hearing experience as natural and convenient as possible. We choose them for their ability to connect wirelessly to Apple products.
Unitron is a leading brand of the Sonova Group, one of the world's largest manufacturer of hearing aids. Unitron makes premium hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss with high-demand features such as universal wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Unitron offers a "try-before-you-buy" FLEX experience that allows people to try hearing aids before purchasing.
Signia hearing aids are manufactured by WS Audiology, the same parent company that manufactures Widex hearing aids. Prior to the 2019 merger between Signia & Widex, Signia devices were manufactured under the Siemens brand.
Starkey is a U.S. based hearing aid manufacturer, founded in 1967. It was among the first to advance miniaturization technology to deliver "invisible hearing aids" that sit deep within the ear canal. Starkey was also an early entrant in the Made-for-iPhone hearing aid market with its Halo and Livio hearing aids.
Bernafon is a Swiss based hearing aid manufacturer founded in 1946. Bernafon devices are produced by the same manufacturer that produces Oticon hearing aids. Bernafon hearing aids are ergonomic and discreet, they are comfortable, easy to use and made to last.
Most hearing aid brands have a wide range of styles, features, and price levels. In today’s competitive environment, hearing aid models often have some unique features. As your local clinician, we can help you select the hearing aid brand & model that will fit your needs the best.
Commonly asked questions about hearing aids. Please call us if your question is not addressed below.
The one that fits your ears, hearing profile, budget, and preferences. We carry 8 brands that are each good in different ways.
We always encourage people to explore their options using our unique Hearing Aid Test Drive.
Work with a hearing care provider that you trust and try more than one hearing aid brand.
The hearing aids themselves are fine. The business and service model doesn’t suit everyone’s needs. Because hearing better with hearing aids is a process somewhat like rehabilitation, many people need a hearing care provider that can take the time necessary to help you become successful. We’ve found that many of our clients need more patience and attention to detail than a warehouse style clinic can offer.
The first thing is a hearing test. If your hearing test reveals medical concerns we will refer you to your physician before considering a hearing aid trial.
If there are no medical concerns but there is hearing loss, our hearing aid test drive helps you evaluate your own readiness and figure out the best product for your ears and budget...all before you spend a cent.
Our hearing aids range from $2800 - $7200 depending on the performance level and sound quality. Many people are quite successful somewhere in the middle.
- Full hearing evaluation
- Careful hearing aid selection using our Test Drive Process
- Custom fitting and rehabilitation to hearing more sound. This includes several technical procedures and visits.
- Lifetime (of the devices) maintenance and tuneups
- 3-4 year repair warranty
- 2-3 loss and damage warranty
- Processing warranty repairs if needed
- Loaner devices if your devices are out for warranty service
- Batteries (if not rechargeable) during the warranty period
- Wax filters during warranty period
- Wireless bluetooth accessories (depending on the performance level chosen)
- Easy access to our professional advice whenever you need it
Sometimes.
Workman’s Compensation, Veteran’s Affairs, NIHB, Ministry of Social Assistance, and some extended benefits.
We always help people explore any possible funding.
Generally about 5-6 years. Some people wear them out sooner and others make them last much longer. We work hard to help you get all the life possible out of them.
Most hearing aids come with a 2-3 year loss warranty which will replace them one time with a deductible. We always recommend that you check with your home insurance for coverage as well.
Most hearing aids have at least a 3 year warranty and longer is available. This is quite remarkable considering most electronics are only one year. Hearing aid manufacturers are very easy to work with if warranty work is needed.
No problem. We are a full service clinic for most hearing aid brands. Simply drop in during business hours and we will tell you what’s needed to get you up and running. Many times it’s a quick fix. Sometimes we need to book an office appointment to diagnose what the problem is. We will also work to help you learn how to troubleshoot the devices yourself as much as possible.
This depends on the hearing loss. We usually say the only time to get one hearing aid is if only one ear needs help or only one ear can be helped. Otherwise, the brain is designed to get stereo hearing so that we can tell where sounds are coming from and choose what we want to listen to when there are multiple sounds and noises around.
In short, hearing aids are like a fancy public address system. They have a microphone to capture the sound, an amplifier and computer to make only the sounds that you need louder audible, and a speaker to let you hear your custom tuned sound. Of course, there is a lot of sophistication that happens in this process to make the sound as helpful and natural as possible for your individual ears.
Yes, sometimes. Depending on the style and if it meets your needs we can refit them. We have a process for evaluating how appropriate they are for you.
We do usually have some used hearing aids on hand. While this might be a way to save some money, keep in mind that service fees still apply. The overall cost may not end up being as cheap an option as you might expect. Furthermore you still end up with a device with no warranty. We can help you evaluate the pros and cons of this option if necessary.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately you will not get nearly as much as you paid for them as a large portion of your initial cost went towards service fees. You might get as much as 20% of what you originally paid towards a new purchase.
Absolutely. We are fully equipped to do hearing testing, fitting, and follow up care in your home if mobility is difficult for you.
Our hearing aids always come with a 90 day return policy. However, most of our clients never need to use this as our unique Test Drive Process makes sure that you are ready to purchase and helps you choose the right ones...all before you spend a cent.
You may have noticed that there are lots of clinics that offer trials and return periods to protect you from buyers remorse.
Our Test Drive is different in two big ways.
1) We help you determine if now is the right time to get hearing aids.
2) Then we help you explore the best option for you by trying at least two different models/brands.
This process gives you peace of mind about moving forward with hearing aids all before you commit to spending a cent.
Here’s how it works:
1. Make an appointment for an initial hearing evaluation.
2. Take home a state-of-the-art hearing aid the same day.We allow you to try different types and price levels with no commitment or deposit required.
3. Take your time evaluating which hearing aid suits you best.
This can be very frustrating for some people. The reason that this can happen is possibly due to:Poor fitThe wrong hearing aids for your lifestyleAn incomplete understanding of the abilities/limitations for your unique hearing profile.
We love doing a hearing aid fit assessment to help you understand what is wrong and how it can be fixed.
While hearing aids are a necessary part of treating hearing loss, they are not the only thing.
3 key parts to success are essential.
You.
You need to understand what hearing aids can and can’t do for your your specific needs.You need to put in the effort to using, maintaining, and adapting to your hearing aids.You need to realize that good communication practices are still very important. Hearing aids don’t fix bad communication.You need to advocate for your hearing needs. Most people aren’t very considerate of people that struggle with hearing loss.
The hearing care professional.
You need someone that you trust. The professional is responsible for a good fit, helping you adapt to hearing better, and keeping the devices working their best for several years.
The hearing aids themselves.
Having the wrong hearing aids can be a recipe for a waste of money.
Yes. We have:
- Custom ear plugs
- Custom headphones
- Wireless headphones
- Hearing aid accessories (filters, tubes, driers, batteries, etc)
Yes we do. They are both very convenient and good for the environment. Like many electronics nowadays, they simply go on the charger every night.
We do carry these amazing little devices and more like them. However, they do have limitations for who they fit. They are not as strong as bigger hearing aids, and oddly enough, need a minimum size ear canal. We can help you understand if these are right for you.
2 reasons:
1) It’s not just the hearing aids. Somewhat like a prosthetic device, the work of a professional is needed to fit them properly, rehabilitate you to better hearing over time, and maintain the devices working in the warm moist environment of your ears. This usually accounts for about half of the cost.
2) The research and development to create and support them is born by a small percentage of the population. This is in contrast to something like smartphones and computers that nearly everyone purchases.
Absolutely. The provider that we work with specializes in medical device financing. They have very flexible terms.
Our hearing aids range from $2800 - $7200 depending on the performance level and sound quality. Many people are quite successful somewhere in the middle.
- Full hearing evaluation
- Careful hearing aid selection using our Test Drive Process
- Custom fitting and rehabilitation to hearing more sound. This includes several technical procedures and visits.
- Lifetime (of the devices) maintenance and tuneups
- 3-4 year repair warranty
- 2-3 loss and damage warranty
- Processing warranty repairs if needed
- Loaner devices if your devices are out for warranty service
- Batteries (if not rechargeable) during the warranty period
- Wax filters during warranty period
- Wireless bluetooth accessories (depending on the performance level chosen)
- Easy access to our professional advice whenever you need it
We do usually have some used hearing aids on hand. While this might be a way to save some money, keep in mind that service fees still apply. The overall cost may not end up being as cheap an option as you might expect. Furthermore you still end up with a device with no warranty. We can help you evaluate the pros and cons of this option if necessary.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately you will not get nearly as much as you paid for them as a large portion of your initial cost went towards service fees. You might get as much as 20% of what you originally paid towards a new purchase.
You’ve had your hearing test and evaluation, tested some hearing aid models and features, and you’ve had your hearing device fitted for your unique hearing needs. Don’t let affordability prevent you from experiencing better hearing! Make things easier with a monthly payment plan.
Financing hearing aids has never been easier! Hearing aid payment options make it easy on you and your pocket book. Apply today for our hearing aid Financing Program through Health Smart Financial Services. Your Instant Approval awaits following filling out a simple online application that takes minutes.
If you are like most people, you may feel unsure which brand or model is best for you. This leaves many folks nervous to choose a pair, only to find out later a different model may have better served their needs. Our FREE Hearing Aid Tailored Test Drive is designed to allow for you to take home and try out our hearing aids with no money down and no obligations.
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