August 2022

World Health Report on Hearing

World Health Organization (2021) In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a comprehensive 250-page document on the world's hearing. Almost any statistic or information you want to know about hearing on a global scale is in this report. But what does it all mean? What can it tell us about our hearing trends in Canada? Well, let's break down the World Health report on hearing! Introduction World Health Organization (2021) This document (1) came out of a previous WHO report in 2017. In the original 2017 (2) report, they found that hearing loss was a top unaddressed public health issue all over the world. According to WHO as of 2021 (1), over 1.5 billion people have hearing loss and it's on the rise. "Hearing care for all." That is what the WHO is calling for... "The world report on hearing envisions a world in which no individual experiences hearing loss due to preventable causes and those with hearing loss can achieve their full potential through rehabilitation, education and empowerment." World Health Organization (2021, pg 1) To accomplish this, the report broke down into 4 sections… Section 1: The Importance of hearing across the lifespan Hearing loss can occur at any age; even though many people perceive it as an 'old person issue.' While age is one of the highest causal factors related to hearing loss (WHO, 2021, pg 28-29), it's not the only one. Both causal and preventative factors play a role in the probability of acquiring hearing loss. A...

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noisy environment

5 Tips for Hearing in Noisy Environments

5 Tips for Hearing in Noisy Environments Cool-weather is upon us. Meaning school, work, and indoor dining will soon be back... and these environments are noisy! Excessive noise can make hearing difficult, especially with hearing aids. Here are 5 tips for hearing in noisy environments for you to try. 1. Choose an 'out-of-the-way' spot Whether in a restaurant, meeting in person, or meeting via Zoom finding a quieter environment will help you remain focused and hear clearer. A booth in the corner, an empty office, sitting further away from foot traffic, etc. By controlling small parts of the environment you are giving yourself the best possible chance of accurately hearing the conversation. 2. Go early or in "off peaks" As silly as it sounds, going out for dinner early (or late) or scheduling a meeting for a slower time in the office could make a big difference. With fewer people, you encounter less noise. Plus, it just makes for a more pleasant experience. 3. Use assistive devices Many manufacturers have created remote microphones that can be used in tandem with your hearing aids. These mics can be sat on a table or clipped to the speaker's lapel to stream their voice directly to your hearing aids! Starkey's Surflink Remote Microphone Big venues like churches, theaters, and arenas might have Induction loops or FM systems that can connect your hearing aids to the building's audio system. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association has some great information on these systems. *Not all venues...

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