Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about visiting Ear & Hearing Clinic — from your first appointment to hearing aids and beyond.
Your Hearing Care Questions Answered
Find answers about appointments, clinic visits, hearing tests, hearing aids, tinnitus, and balance care.
Appointments, Locations & Clinic Visits
Do I need a referral to book a hearing test?
No, a doctor's referral is not required. You can schedule an appointment directly with us.
Note: Some private insurance plans or third-party coverage providers may require a referral for claim reimbursement.
How much does a hearing test cost in Ontario?
Adult assessments range from $0 to $110 out-of-pocket, depending on your coverage. Pediatric fees vary by age and test complexity.
Third-Party Coverage: WSIB, ODSP, and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) may cover full testing costs. Pre-approval is required.
OHIP & Private Insurance: We can help identify if your assessment qualifies for full or partial coverage.
How long does a hearing appointment take?
Appointment length varies by test type and age group:
- Adult Assessments: Typically 90 minutes, including diagnostic testing and results review. Work-in or employment screenings are shorter.
- Pediatric Assessments: 45 minutes for children under 4; 30 minutes for children over 4.
- Infant Assessments (IHP): Up to 2 hours for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations under 6 months.
Where are your clinic locations?
We operate three full-service, fully accessible clinics in Waterloo Region and Wellington County:
- Kitchener: Fischer-Hallman Rd — ground floor, sound booth, and patient parking.
- Elmira: Arthur St S — ground floor, sound booth, and patient parking.
- Palmerston: William St — ground floor, sound booth, and patient parking; suitable for standard wheelchairs.
We also provide mobile hearing care to retirement residences and home visits across Southern Ontario.
Who are your clinicians, and what qualifications do they hold?
Our interprofessional team includes specialized professionals across three distinct roles:
- Audiologists (M.Cl.Sc., Au.D., Ph.D.): University-trained hearing healthcare specialists regulated by CASLPO, with expertise in diagnostics, pediatrics, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
- Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS): College-diploma graduates regulated by AHIP, specializing in hearing aid selection and fitting.
- Communication Disorders Assistants (CDA): Certified support personnel who provide clinical services under Audiologist supervision.
Do you offer mobile hearing services at retirement homes?
Yes. We deliver on-site hearing care to retirement communities and provide private home visits throughout Southern Ontario.
Is there parking and wheelchair access at your clinics?
Yes, all three locations feature dedicated patient parking and ground-floor wheelchair accessibility.
Note: The hallway at our Palmerston clinic accommodates standard wheelchairs. For larger motorized chairs, our Kitchener or Elmira locations are recommended.
Hearing Tests, Hearing Aids & Treatment
Are hearing aids covered by insurance or government programs?
Yes. Most Ontarians qualify for Assistive Devices Program (ADP) funding of $500 per ear every 5 years.
Additional full or partial coverage options include:
- Government & Third-Party Programs: WSIB, ODSP, and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
- Private Insurance: Coverage depends on your specific extended health plan. We assist with claim navigation.
What hearing aid brands do you carry?
As an independent clinic, we prescribe devices from all eight major manufacturers: Oticon, Phonak, Signia, Widex, Unitron, Bernafon, Starkey, and ReSound.
We fit all styles, from custom Completely-in-Canal (CIC) to Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models, featuring Bluetooth LE Audio, telecoil, and rechargeable options.
Do you complete real-ear measures on all hearing aids?
Yes. We perform probe-microphone Real-Ear Measurements (REM) and Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference (RECD) target verifications on every fitting.
Objective verification ensures your devices match prescriptive targets for your specific ear anatomy. We apply these ANSI verification standards to all initial fittings, annual evaluations, and major reprogramming visits.
Do you provide hearing tests for infants and children?
Yes. We provide diagnostic pediatric testing for all age groups.
Infant Hearing Program (IHP): We serve as the regional diagnostic site for Waterloo Region. Babies who refer on their community newborn screening, coordinated via ErinoakKids, are seen at our Kitchener or Elmira clinics.
Private Infant Assessments: Available for infants over 8 weeks who missed initial community screening.
Can you help with tinnitus?
Yes. We provide comprehensive tinnitus evaluations and individualized management plans.
Management strategies may include sound therapy, directional hearing technologies, educational counseling, and evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Tinnitus Retraining principles.
Do you assess and treat dizziness and balance problems?
Yes. We perform vestibular evaluations to determine if dizziness originates from the inner ear.
Inner Ear Origin: We provide direct treatment, such as repositioning maneuvers, and rehabilitation protocols.
Non-Vestibular Origin: We provide detailed diagnostic reports to assist your physician with targeted medical referrals.
Note: Patients attending a dizziness or balance evaluation must bring a driver.
Do you offer central auditory processing (CAPD) assessments?
Yes. We offer specialized Auditory Processing Evaluations for individuals with normal peripheral hearing who struggle to interpret auditory information.
- Children (Ages 7+): Full assessment completed across two separate appointments to maintain focus.
- Children (Ages 5–6): CAPD screening available.
- Adults: Single 3-hour testing block or split appointments available.
Did You Know?
Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among adults. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, and many cases go undiagnosed for years.
Book Your Hearing Health Check Appointment
Book your appointment by calling or texting 1-833-669-4425.
