An audiologist is a University-trained professional with a graduate degree in Audiology, and is a member of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario. Audiologists specialize in the prevention, identification, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of hearing difficulties in both adults and children.

They provide hearing assessments, and hearing aid prescriptions, fittings and adjustments as needed. An Audiologist will also work with assistive listening devices to try and meet those needs, as well as provide counselling to make sure you obtain all the benefits hearing devices can provide.

All hearing aids today are digital. Digital hearing aids provide the most advanced technology, offering more flexibility, more options, and better sound quality as compared with older types of hearing aids.

Most people with a correctable hearing loss will benefit greatly from wearing two hearing aids. Just as with our eyes, our brains are wired to receive sounds from both ears. This allows for balanced hearing and comfortable communication in a variety of everyday situations. For example, you may achieve better hearing in noisy situations, improved localization to determine where a sound is coming from, avoid possible deterioration of the unaided ear, and enjoy a fuller, more comfortable sound.

The total cost will vary based on your level of hearing loss, the brand/model prescribed by your audiologist, your lifestyle, and your eligibility for government funding. Hearing tests are complimentary, so please feel free to book an appointment with one of our audiologists. At this appointment, he will explain to you all your price options.

As an independent, privately owned company, we strive to provide fair pricing and exceptional service at all time. At RSD Hearing Servies, you will discover that our everyday prices are always competitive. When manufacturers offer special pricing or promotions, we pass along these savings to you. Check our website for any current promotions or events happening in-clinic. Furthermore, you will always receive a discount on the second hearing aid when you buy a pair.

There are several programs in Ontario that offer financial assistance toward the purchase of hearing aids, such as the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), Veterans Affairs of Canada (VAC), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW) and Workers Safety Insurance Bureau (WSIB) for eligible recipients.

At RSD Hearing Services, our prices are always competitive, and our service and care are always exceptional.

Commonly described as “ringing in the ears”, tinnitus refers to a constant sensation of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present. Other descriptions of the sensation of tinnitus include roaring, whistling, chirping or hissing. How loud the tinnitus is perceived varies from person to person, ranging from subtle to very intense.

It is estimated that 17% of the population suffers from tinnitus. This equates to 44 million Americans and over 5 million Canadians. In addition, 5% of the general population is severely debilitated by their tinnitus.

Tinnitus can occur in individuals with hearing loss as well as individuals with normal hearing. Tinnitus affects males and females equally.

It is unknown what the exact physiological causes of tinnitus are. However, research has identified a number of sources associated with tinnitus. Exposure to loud noise is the most common contributor to the development of tinnitus. With short term noise exposure the tinnitus may be temporary, but long-term exposure to noise most often leads to the permanent sensation of tinnitus. In fact, over 90% of tinnitus sufferers also have some level of noise-induced hearing loss.

A significant amount of wax build-up in the ear canal can also lead to the sensation of tinnitus or increase the perceived intensity of the tinnitus. There are many other possible causes of tinnitus.

Schedule an appointment at RSD Hearing Services It to have your hearing and balance tested and to evaluate what needs to be done to help manage your tinnitus.

All noises greater than 85 dB can cause either temporary or permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss. The length of exposure to the noise, its intensity, and each person’s predisposition to be affected by noise will determine the hearing loss and tinnitus that might result.

Most people recognize that sudden loud noises, like an explosion or a gun shot can be damaging, however there are many noises that can be damaging to the auditory system. These noises can be both recreational and industrial, including power tools, machines, motorcycles, listening to loud music, rock concerts, iPods, playing in an orchestra or band, and jackhammers.

What can be done about it? Wear ear protection as well as limit the duration of the exposure. There are many types of noise protection available, with various designs for different levels and types of noise exposure.

A hearing test and consultation with a RSD Hearing Services audiologist is the first step towards protecting your hearing and reducing the risk of tinnitus.

Talk while facing the person.

Do not speak too fast.

Do not mumble.

Do not hide your mouth, chew gum, or eat while speaking.

Be expressive–hand gestures and facial expressions can help give clues about what you’re saying.

If asked to repeat yourself, try using different words than the first time.

Reduce or eliminate background noises, like a radio or television.

Do not speak for or answer for a hearing impaired person when talking with others. Give him or her time to respond.

Do not shout – it distorts your words.

Relax, be patient, and have a good sense of humour.

Ask how else you can help.

Do not speak from the next room.

Let the person know what the subject is before engaging in a lengthy dialogue.