Hearing professionals
A team dedicated to your hearing health
Who is the Audioprosthetist and how do they work with other health professionals to personalize your comfort?
What is a Audioprosthetist?
The Audioprosthetist is the affiliated healthcare professional responsible for recommending, selling, fitting, adjusting, and replacing hearing aids. They work on the recommendation of an ENT doctor, an audiologist, or a speech therapist.
Their role goes far beyond technology: they guide you step by step in your readjustment to the world of sound and communication, offering a fully personalized adaptation. Our services are available to people of all ages (children, teenagers, and adults).
Training and regulations in Quebec
To practice in Quebec, an Audioprosthetist must:
-
Hold a 3-year college diploma (DEC) in audiology.
-
Having completed a 600-hour practical internship.
-
Be a member in good standing of the Quebec Order of Audioprosthetists.
A collaborative approach to your hearing health
To offer you the best results, our Audioprosthetist work closely with your loved ones and other trusted healthcare professionals:
-
The audiologist: This professional assesses hearing and treats disorders such as hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, or auditory processing disorders. They recommend communication strategies and determine the need for hearing aids or assistive listening devices.
Questions about the different hearing professionals?
It's perfectly natural to want to understand everyone's role. At the Vincent Chaussé-Simard Hearing Clinic, our hearing professionals work closely together for your well-being. We've compiled answers to frequently asked questions here to help you find your way.
-
The ENT (Doctor): Makes medical diagnoses and treats diseases or abnormalities of the ear, nose and throat (medications, surgeries).
-
The audiologist: Evaluates hearing, determines the degree of hearing loss and treats disorders of the auditory system (tinnitus, balance).
-
The hearing aid technician: Recommends, adjusts, sells and provides follow-up for hearing aids and custom-made protectors according to your needs.
-
In audiology: No. You can consult an audiologist directly to have your hearing assessed, without a medical prescription.
For hearing aids: A referral from an audiologist or ENT specialist is required to obtain hearing aids. However, you can make an appointment without a referral for a screening or to obtain information.
RAMQ covers certain audiology services and the purchase of hearing aids according to specific eligibility criteria (age, studies, employment or degree of hearing loss).
Since each situation is unique, our team will validate your eligibility for government programs with you.
Most insurance plans cover audiology services, either partially or entirely. Since the criteria vary from one insurer to another, we encourage you to verify the details of your coverage directly with your insurance company.
When should you consult one of our hearing professionals?
Because your hearing is the direct link to those you love, it's important to listen to what your ears are trying to tell you. Here are some signs that deserve special attention.
Noisy work environments
Prolonged exposure to noise can cause permanent damage. If your ears are ringing or sounds seem muffled after work, don't wait
Trouble communicating
You often feel that people aren't enunciating, or you frequently have to ask them to repeat themselves.
High volume
People around you notice that the volume of the television or radio is getting louder and louder.
Telephone Challenges
You have difficulty understanding telephone conversations, at home or in noisy places.
Hearing fatigue
You feel a certain fatigue after a day spent trying to follow discussions.