How to choose the right hearing aids is one of the questions we hear most at Newmarket Hearing Clinic, and the honest answer is that the best device is not the one with the longest feature list. It is the one that fits your hearing test, your daily life, and your budget.
Below are the seven steps we walk patients through, in the order that actually matters. New to hearing aids? Start with our guide on what a hearing aid is and how it works. If you would like help with any of them, our team offers hearing aid fitting in Newmarket, led by Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology.
Clinically reviewed by Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology (CASLPO-regulated) · Newmarket Hearing ClinicStart with a hearing test, understand your type of hearing loss, choose a style you can comfortably handle, match the features to your day, compare brands with an open mind, set a realistic budget, and insist on a trial. A Doctor of Audiology can guide every step.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aids: The 7 Steps
Get a proper hearing test
Know your type of hearing loss
Pick a style you can handle
Match features to your life
Compare brands with an open mind
Set a realistic budget
Try before you decide
Step 1: Get a Proper Hearing Test
No brochure can tell you what you need. A diagnostic hearing test shows which pitches you miss, how well you understand speech, and whether the problem sits in the ear canal, the middle ear, or the inner ear. Everything else in this guide depends on those results.
A comprehensive hearing assessment at our clinic starts at $90, and that fee is applied toward a hearing aid purchase within 60 days. Hearing screenings and consultations are free, with no obligation. See our full pricing.
Step 2: Know Your Type of Hearing Loss
Your results will point to one of three patterns, and each leads to a different plan:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear or nerve) is usually permanent and is the type hearing aids help most.
- Conductive hearing loss (outer or middle ear) is sometimes temporary or medically treatable. Earwax is a common and easily fixed cause, which is why we may recommend ear wax removal before anything else.
- Mixed hearing loss combines both and needs a more tailored approach.
If you notice a sudden drop in hearing in one ear, do not wait: see a doctor promptly. For the clinical detail, read our guide on who is a candidate for hearing aids.
Step 3: Pick a Style You Can Actually Handle
Smaller is not always better. Tiny devices are discreet but harder to insert, clean, and adjust, and they have shorter battery life and fewer features. Larger devices are easier to handle and can support more severe hearing loss.
| Style | Why people choose it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Sturdy, powerful, easiest to handle | Most visible |
| Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Discreet with natural sound | Small parts |
| In-the-ear (ITE) | Custom-made, simple controls | More visible than canal styles |
| In-the-canal / invisible (ITC, CIC, IIC) | Very discreet | Fewer features, short battery life |
Our full guide to the types of hearing aids compares every style in detail.
Step 4: Match Features to Your Life
Do not pay for features you will never use, and do not skip the ones you will use every day. Ask yourself where you spend your time:
Calls, TV, and music
Bluetooth streaming sends audio straight to your hearing aids. A TV connector or remote microphone, available with select devices, helps with distance and noise.
Restaurants and groups
Directional microphones and noise reduction help speech stand out from background noise.
Charging versus batteries
Rechargeable options remove tiny batteries, while battery-powered models suit people who travel without a charger.
Ringing in the ears
Some devices include sound therapy. If tinnitus is part of your story, ask about tinnitus treatment in Newmarket.
Step 5: Compare Brands With an Open Mind
There is no single best hearing aid brand. Oticon, Signia, Phonak, Widex, Unitron, and Bernafon all make excellent devices, and each has its own strengths. A clinic that works with all major manufacturers can recommend based on your audiogram rather than a sales target. Our guide to hearing aid brands explains how we compare them.
Step 6: Set a Realistic Budget
Hearing aids at Newmarket Hearing Clinic start at $500 per device, depending on technology level, features, style, and your individual hearing needs. Ask what is included: fitting, programming, adjustments, and follow-up care matter as much as the device itself, and we also include a 4-year warranty with 2 years of loss and damage protection.
OHIP does not cover most private audiology services. You may have coverage through private insurance or funding programs, and Ontario’s hearing devices information explains what the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) may offer if you are eligible. Our team can help you understand your options during your visit.
Step 7: Try Before You Decide
A showroom cannot tell you how a hearing aid works at your kitchen table, in your car, or at your family dinner. We offer a complimentary one-week hearing aid trial, so you can judge real-life performance before you commit. A good fitting also includes real ear measurements to verify the device is set correctly for your ears, plus follow-up visits as your brain adapts to new sounds.
Once you have your devices, keep them working well with our guide to hearing aid maintenance and repair.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Hearing Aids
- Buying on price or looks alone, without a hearing test.
- Choosing the smallest device without considering dexterity and vision.
- Expecting perfect hearing on day one. Adjustment takes time.
- Skipping follow-up appointments, where much of the fine-tuning happens.
- Not asking about warranty, trial period, and service before you buy.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aids: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which hearing aid is right for me?
Start with a diagnostic hearing test. Your type and degree of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your budget together point to the right style, features, and technology level.
How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?
Most people need several weeks. Sounds may feel unfamiliar at first, and follow-up adjustments make the process smoother.
Do I need two hearing aids?
Many people with hearing loss in both ears benefit from two hearing aids, but the right answer depends on your test results. Your audiologist will advise you.
How much do hearing aids cost in Newmarket?
Hearing aids start at $500 per device, depending on technology level, features, and style. See our full pricing page.
Can I try hearing aids before I buy them?
Yes. We offer a complimentary one-week hearing aid trial so you can experience real-life performance before deciding.
Ready to find the right hearing aids?
Book a free consultation with Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology, and let’s find out together. No pressure, no obligations.
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