Question 1

What is the different between audiologists, hearing instrument practitioners, and ear nose & throat doctors?

Accepted Answer

Audiologists, hearing instrument practitioners, and ear nose & throat (ENT) doctors may all be involved in hearing health care, however each profession has their own education requirements and scope of practice.

What is a registered audiologist (RAUD)?
Registered Audiologists (RAUDs) are experts in the prevention, identification, assessment, treatment, and (re)habilitation of auditory and vestibular difficulties. Audiologists preserve and (re)habilitate auditory and vestibular functioning in individuals across the lifespan to improve their quality of life and maximize their participation in society.
After completion of a master’s degree in audiology, audiologists entering practice in Canada have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide services related, but not limited, to:
Auditory function
Vestibular function
Hearing conservation
Tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia
Auditory processing disorders
Cerumen management
Prescribing and dispensing hearing instruments to all ages
Assistive listening and alerting devices
Implantable hearing devices

In BC, audiologists who dispense hearing aids must be dually registered as both an audiologist and as a hearing instrument practitioner.

What is a registered hearing instrument practitioner (RHIP)?
Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioners (RHIPs) are experts in the identification, assessment, treatment, and (re)habilitation of hearing disorders especially as they pertain to hearing instruments. RHIPs help preserve and (re)habilitate auditory function in adult individuals by recommending, selecting, preparing, altering, adapting, verifying, selling, and offering to sell hearing instruments.
After the minimum completion of a diploma program in Hearing Instrument Dispensing, HIPs entering practice in British Columbia, have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide services related, but not limited, to:
Auditory function
Cerumen management 
Prescribing and dispensing of hearing Instruments to adults
Assistive listening and alerting devices
Hearing loss prevention and conservation

What is an ear nose & throat (ENT) doctor?
An otolaryngologist, or ENT, is a physician registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgeons manage the medical and surgical aspects of a variety of patient presentations, including but not limited to: airway conditions; benign and malignant neoplasms of the head and neck; sinonasal and anterior skull base disorders; hearing, balance, and other conditions related to the external, middle and inner ear, and lateral skull base; laryngeal, voice and swallowing disorders; and conditions requiring facial plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Oto – HNS surgeons provide initial assessment, operative and follow up care, as well as chronic and longitudinal care, as applicable to their patients’ unique needs.

Question 2

How do I know if I need a hearing test?

Accepted Answer

You might benefit from a hearing test if you notice any of the following:

Conversations sound muffled or unclear.
You often ask people to repeat themselves.
You need to turn up the TV, radio, or phone volume higher than before.
You find it hard to follow conversations in noisy places or groups.
You feel tired or stressed after social situations because listening takes extra effort.
Family or friends have mentioned that you might not be hearing as well.
You’re simply curious about your hearing health and want a baseline check.
You are 50 years old or older and have never had a hearing test before.

A quick hearing test can give you peace of mind and help you understand your hearing clearly.

Question 3

My hearing seems fine, should I have a hearing test?

Accepted Answer

Even if you haven’t noticed any problems, it’s a good idea to have your hearing checked as part of your regular health care. Hearing changes often happen gradually, so you may not realize your hearing is changing. A baseline hearing test helps track your hearing over time and makes it easier to spot any changes early.

You should consider a hearing test if:
You’re over 50 (routine checks are recommended every couple years).
You’re frequently exposed to loud noise at work or during hobbies.
You have a family history of hearing loss or ear problems.
You have tinnitus.
You simply want peace of mind about your hearing health.

Regular hearing tests are quick, painless, and can make a big difference in protecting your long-term hearing.

Question 4

My hearing loss doesn't bother me, why should I do anything about it?

Accepted Answer

Even if your hearing loss doesn’t seem to affect you right now, addressing it early can make a real difference to your long-term health and quality of life. Hearing changes often happen gradually, and many people adapt without realizing how much they’ve been missing.

Untreated hearing loss can affect more than just communication — it can impact your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Research shows that hearing difficulties are linked to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. They can also reduce awareness of your surroundings, increasing the risk of falls and safety issues.

Importantly, early treatment helps keep your brain engaged in processing sound. When hearing loss goes unaddressed, the brain can receive fewer auditory signals, leading to auditory deprivation — a reduction in the brain’s ability to interpret and understand sounds over time. Taking action early helps maintain auditory processing abilities and makes future hearing support more effective.

By looking after your hearing early, you can:
Stay connected and confident in conversations.
Support better brain and mental health.
Reduce stress, fatigue, and frustration.
Maintain strong auditory processing and reduce the risk of auditory deprivation.
Enhance safety and environmental awareness.
Prevent further hearing decline by addressing changes promptly.

A quick, painless hearing test can help protect not only your hearing, but also your overall well-being and independence.

Question 5

How much do hearing aids cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a pair of hearing aids varies depending on the service model you select (bundled future services vs. unbundled pay-as-you-go plan), as well as the hearing aid technology you choose. Your audiologist will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate option based on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget.Hearing aids are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia. However, many extended health insurance plans may provide some coverage for hearing aids and/or audiologist services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific details.A pair of prescription hearing aids typically costs $4,000-$6,300.

Question 6

Do hearing aids go on sale? Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Some hearing clinics offer sales or discounts to create a sense of urgency and encourage patients to make quick decisions about hearing aids. At our clinic, we believe in pricing our services and hearing aids as transparently as possible. We do not artificially inflate prices only to offer discounts, as we believe this can mislead patients into thinking they've received a good deal. Our commitment is to always be honest and fair.

Question 7

How do I talk to my friend or family about my concerns with their hearing?

Accepted Answer

Starting a conversation about hearing loss can be sensitive, but approaching it with care and understanding can make all the difference. Many people don’t realize how much their hearing has changed, or they may feel hesitant to acknowledge it.

Here are some helpful ways to talk about it:
Choose the right moment. Find a calm, private setting where you can talk without distractions or background noise.
Show empathy, not frustration. Use gentle language — for example, “I’ve noticed you seem to miss parts of conversations sometimes,” instead of “You never listen.”
Focus on benefits. Emphasize how better hearing can improve connection, confidence, and independence — not just for them, but for everyone around them.
Share your support. Offer to go with them to their hearing test or appointment. Knowing they’re not alone can make the process feel easier.
Be patient. It may take time for them to accept they need help, and that’s okay. Keep the conversation open and positive.

Remind your loved one that addressing hearing loss early can protect their brain health, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve safety and quality of life. A simple hearing test is a great first step toward feeling more connected and confident again.

Question 8

Do you bill insurance providers or third parties?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not have the capability to directly bill most extended health providers. If you have coverage for Audiologist fees and/or hearing aids, you can submit your invoice directly to your extended health provider for reimbursement.We are able to directly bill to the following programs:Veterans Affairs CanadaFirst Nations Health Authority (FNHA)Person With Disability (PWD)  (Only for those with PWD designation, with coverage through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.)Work BC
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the different between audiologists, hearing instrument practitioners, and ear nose & throat doctors?

How do I know if I need a hearing test?

My hearing seems fine, should I have a hearing test?

My hearing loss doesn't bother me, why should I do anything about it?

How much do hearing aids cost?

Do hearing aids go on sale? Do you offer discounts?

How do I talk to my friend or family about my concerns with their hearing?

Do you bill insurance providers or third parties?

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