Frequently Asked Questions
The Munk Difference
1) Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
For most of our services, we do not require a referral from your doctor although it is recommended. You will need a referral from a physician if the service you are requesting is a hearing test ONLY. Please Click Here for a copy of our referral.
2) Will I have to pay for my hearing test?
No, hearing tests are covered under OHIP.
3) Where is the Munk Hearing Centre located?
The clinic is on the 7th floor – take any elevator within the hospital to the 7th floor, Norman Urquart Wing. We are located in room 820. Follow the signs to the Munk Hearing Centre.
4) Do you prescribe every style of hearing aid?
Yes, we prescribe all styles of hearing aids and work with a vast array of hearing aid manufacturers.
5) What brands of hearing aids do you carry?
We carry a wide selection of hearing aids from the top manufacturers in the industry, including Phonak, ReSound, Oticon, Starkey, Widex, Signia, and Unitron. Our experienced team of professionals can help you find the perfect hearing aid to suit your individual needs and budget.
6) Is there a hearing aid trial period?
Yes. We offer our patients a 90 day trial period. During the trial period patients come into the clinic for approximately 2 adjustments. If the patient wants to try another style of hearing aid they can do so within the trial period. If the patient wishes to return the hearing aids and not purchase new ones, they can do so within the trial period, however there is a onetime restocking fee of $150.
7) I have tinnitus. Can you help?
Yes, we offer a program called Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM). Contact us to learn more.
8) What if I do not like my hearing aid?
If you do not like your hearing aid you have two options: you can replace the hearing aid with a new one or return it. There is no additional cost to replacing the hearing aids with a new style, unless the price of the new hearing aid is different. However, if you choose to return the hearing aids and not purchase new ones you will be fully reimbursed less a $150 restocking fee.
9) How long is your hearing aid warranty period?
Each hearing aid comes with a 3 year warranty period. During the warranty period, the hearing aids can be sent to the manufacturer to be repaired as many times as needed at no additional cost.
10) What happens if I lose my hearing aid?
Each hearing aid comes with a 1 time loss/damage warranty that is valid within a certain time period. Please call us for more details if you think you've lost your hearing aid(s).
11) What age range does the Munk Hearing Centre see?
We service adults ages 18 years and over.
12) What is HearSoundly?
HearSoundly is a program that offers continuing care for hearing aid users. With HearSoundly, a one-time fee covers:
- Multi-step fitting process utilizing real-ear measurement and following best-practices
- Semi-annual refitting and preventative maintenance
- Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity with pairing to chosen technology
- Unlimited cleaning supplies
- Hearing aid programming and adjustments as needed
- Annual diagnostic hearing assessment
- 3 year all-inclusive manufacturer repair warranty
- 2 year replacement warranty for lost or damaged devices ($250 deductible)
- Complimentary loaners if repair is required
- 90 day adjustment/trial period
13) What happens if my hearing changes?
Most of the time, we can reprogram the hearing aids to fit a new hearing loss. However, if your hearing changes drastically, new hearing aids may need to be purchased.
14) How long are the appointments?
In general, the hearing aid evaluation, fitting and first follow-up appointments are 1 hour and each additional follow-up appointment is 30 minutes.
15) Do you price match?
Unfortunately, we are not able to price match. Our prices have been set to reflect our level of service and expertise. We will always try our best to work within your budget.
16) I am an existing patient. Do I have to make an appointment?
It depends. We always do our best to accommodate drop-ins but we can't guarantee that there will be space in the schedule to resolve your issue. Please call us before making a special trip so that we can collect some details about the problem and advise you of the best time/date to come to avoid an extended wait.
17) Why should I obtain my hearing aid prescription from an audiologist?
From the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA):
Prescribing hearing aids is a complex, detailed, and patient‐specific process that requires in‐ depth knowledge about human hearing and communication as well as expert clinical judgment. With Master's or Doctorate degrees in audiology, audiologists are uniquely qualified to perform comprehensive evaluations of hearing to determine whether hearing aids are part of appropriate treatment. Moreover, audiologists are the only regulated healthcare held to stringent profession‐specific practice guidelines when prescribing hearing aids.
Some hearing aid dealers and/or hearing aid dispensers/practitioners/"specialists" offer consumers hearing tests and will "select" hearing aids. These unregulated providers do not have degrees in audiology and are not entitled to prescribe hearing aids. Instead, they require a signature from a physician who can legally prescribe hearing aids. This practice, which is already disallowed for the prescription of medicine and eyeglasses, falls far short of professional audiology standards. You have the right to be informed about the credentials and qualifications of health care professionals in whom you place your trust.
Interested in learning more?
For more information about products and pricing, please call Munk Hearing Centre at 416-340-5530.