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health insurance in canada

Hearing Aid Coverage

Hearing aids are an investment. Like many things in life, with advancements, inflation, and the general cost of living, items are getting more expensive. But, there are funding programs available to Ontarians to help with the cost of hearing aids. These are what we would call 3rd parties and some 3rd parties offer hearing aid coverage... do you qualify? Private Insurance Coverage If you have private health benefits, outside of OHIP, a certain amount of coverage is allocated for hearing devices. This can range from coverage every 3-5 years, a percentage of the total, or a lump sum towards the cost. Regardless, any help financially can be a great benefit. For information on your benefit's coverage, call your insurance provider directly and ask them about hearing aid benefits. Government Hearing Aid Funding Under Ontario health, every Ontario citizen in need of hearing aids is eligible for funding under the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). ADP provides $500 per hearing aid every 5 years for Ontario residents with a valid OHIP card. At The Ear Depot, we consider this funding from the beginning so you get the automatic savings and we handle all of the paperwork. WSIB If you work or have worked in noise, you may be entitled to benefits from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Or as some people call it Workers Comp. WSIB will cover the expenses of hearing aids to a certain extent if it is a noise-induced hearing loss. Thus, workplace noise occurs in very loud...

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Cognition

Hearing and Cognition: Are hearing and Dementia connected?

Introduction Hearing loss is a condition that affects 1.5 million people in 2021 according to the World Health Organization(1). People with age-related hearing loss have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairments like Dementia and Alzheimer's. But why? In this blog, we'll look at the connection between hearing and cognition through research that has been done to explore the link. Cognitive Decline and Dementia Firstly, what is cognitive decline? Cognitive decline, like Dementia and Alzheimer's, are debilitating impairments of the brain. These diseases affect over 50 million people worldwide (2). Dementia is an umbrella term for various cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer's. All are a reduction in cognitive functions like memory, attention, processing, etc. in varying parts of the brain. Now, it's relation to hearing... Hearing loss affects more than your ability to hear. On the surface, hearing loss may seem like a relatively minor nuisance. You might have trouble hearing your spouse or kids. Additionally, you might have to ask people to repeat themselves when they talk to you. These difficulties can actually have a significant impact on your health and quality of life, especially for adults over 65 years of age. Negative impacts on physical and mental health coincide with symptoms of hearing loss. Including difficulty communicating, social isolation, higher risk of falls, depression, heart problems, diabetes, and cognitive decline. For unknown reasons, hearing loss overlaps with a variety of other health-related issues. With Dementia and Alzheimer's, hearing loss is the highest independent risk factor (1, 2, 4) followed by...

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Bluetooth logo

Bluetooth for Hearing Aids

Hearing aids in 2022 are, basically, tiny supercomputers for your ears. They've come a long way from their big, clunky analog predecessors. With all that new technology wrapped up in a tiny hearing aid what additional features can you look forward to? One of the big ones is Bluetooth for hearing aids! What is Bluetooth? Bluetooth uses high-frequency radio signals to transfer data from one device to another; most commonly used for wirelessly transferring visual and audio information (1). Cell phones, wireless headphones, keyboards, speakers, televisions, cars, and hearing aids, are capable of using these features. Putting it simply, Bluetooth allows different devices to connect with each other, share information, and broadcast that information through their respective features. Bluetooth Features in Hearing Devices In 2005, Starkey Labs launched the first hearing aids with Bluetooth (2). While basic in its function, it was the first time you could stream from another device to the hearing aids. Since then, its capabilities within hearing aids have improved. The Bluetooth chip itself is smaller, allowing the aids to remain discreet. Additionally, direct streaming without the use of an intermediary device is now possible. Previously, you could only use direct Bluetooth streaming with Apple devices. Now, in 2022, you can stream directly through Bluetooth with both Apple and Android phones, as well as other devices like a TV streamer or remote microphone. For this reason, most hearing aids now contain Bluetooth as a standard component. Signia hearing aids, microphone, and TV streamer How to Use It With...

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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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Phonak waterproof hearing aids

Waterproof Hearing Aids?

Around water this summer? Typically, water and moisture are not a friend to hearing aids. So when summer heat and activities come around again you might think you only have two options: not wear your hearing aids or risk damaging them. But... what about waterproof hearing aids? Water and Sweat Now there’s a new solution! Don’t stress about your hearing aids being damaged by moisture. With the new Phonak Audeo Life - the world’s first waterproof hearing aid! Providing water and sweat protection, the Audeo Life hearing aids are waterproof up to 1.64 feet of water. Now when you’re poolside, out on the boat, or just outside you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality over protecting your investments.  Additionally, if you are prone to excessive sweat, these might be a great option for you. You won’t have to worry about the extra hots days with the advanced moisture protection. You can focus on work or your recreational activities instead. Hearing Aids for Your Lifestyle Hearing aids don’t have to hold you back from where life takes you. There are solutions so you can still enjoy the activities you love and hear clearly too. If you’re interested in these or another device to help you engage in all your activities call and book your free consultation. 

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3 Home Wax Removal Solutions

There is something about the summer heat that causes people to produce more ear wax. If you struggle with excessive wax build-up, here are 3 at home wax removal solutions to try.  1. Oil or Wax Drops Oil is great in a pinch. Any natural oil that soaks into the skin (olive, coconut, mineral, etc.) can help soften stubborn wax and make it easier to come out. Additionally, specific wax drops you get at the pharmacy will have oil and other ingredients to soften and eat away at the wax. A few brands are Audiologists Choice and Murine Ear. Drops are a great low-cost option for regular maintenance of wax.  2. Wax Removal Tools I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen advertisements for new-fangled wax removal tools pop up everywhere. The closest tool found used by hearing aid professionals is the EarWay Pro. This specific tool has been tested and found to be safe for use in the ear; can’t say the same about the ones on Amazon. Note, that while these might work for certain types of wax, it won’t work for everyone. Ultimately, use extreme caution when trying something like this in your ears.  3. Water Yes, water. The main method of wax removal in a professional setting is water irrigation. But at home, a bulb syringe with warm water can be a gentle way to remove loose wax from the ear.  Whatever you do, avoid Q-tips. They were not designed to go in your ears, no matter...

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Tinnitus sounds

Tinnitus and Its Causes

Tinnitus and Its Causes Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is an extra-sensory perception of sound. Meaning it's not caused by something in the environment that other people can hear; only you can hear it.  According to statistics 1/6 people in North America experience Tinnitus, but what causes it? The ringing, whistling, buzzing, etc. is typically caused by another underlying condition, which we'll discuss shortly. Treatment is then related to the underlying causes as well or the symptoms of the tinnitus. Causes and Risk Factors Causes* *and/or aggravators (some of these can make existing tinnitus worse) Hearing Loss - with damage to the ear from age or noise, we lose the ability to hear certain sounds. Since the brain can no longer receive or interpret those sounds, in some cases it will create its own sound (aka tinnitus) to fill the quiet. This doesn't happen in every case of hearing loss, but they are most common together. Ear infection or wax blockage of the canal - fortunately, this tends to cause temporary tinnitus. As with hearing loss, when the ear is not receiving sound, the brain likes to make it's own. Significant wax or fluid in your ear from an infection can cause this to happen. Head or neck injury - as hearing is partially occurring in our brains, any injury to the head or neck can disrupt the flow of nerve signals in the hearing process. Medications - certain medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning one of the side...

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10 Media Representations of Hearing Loss

  10 Media Representations of Hearing Loss Finding media representation in TV and movies for characters with hearing loss can be difficult unless the film is centred around life and struggle as a hard of hearing individual. However, in recent years, several films and TV shows have been released that incorporate deaf characters and storylines to create a more dynamic watching experience. Although not all new, most of these movies and TV shows are from the last decade. They feature characters with tinnitus, various levels of hearing loss, and in some cases the use of American Sign Language (ASL). Here are 10 media representations of hearing loss we thought were worth a watch. Movies: Drama and Comedy 1. A Star is Born (2018) character Jack Maine Jack is a musician with substance abuse and worsening Tinnitus. Through his struggle, he helps a young singer find fame as his career is coming to a close. Starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.   2. The Old Man and the Gun (2018) character Forrest Tucker Based on the, mostly, true story of Forrest Tucker, a career criminal after he breaks out of prison... again. Forrest is shown to wear hearing aids for his hearing loss. He continues his hijinks with a colourful cast of characters, a funny script, and beautiful cinematography. Starring Robert Redford. 3.  Wonderstruck (2017) characters Rose and Ben The movie interlaces two stories set 50 years apart: Rose, a deaf girl, leaves her home in hopes of finding her mother. In...

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types of earmolds

Types of Earmolds

Types of Custom Earmolds Did you know, most hearing clinics do more than just hearing aids! There are several types of earmolds with uses outside of hearing aid care. Custom earmolds are all made with the same technique, but the specifications of the final product allow for various purposes. Let's check it out! Earmolds Hearing aid molds The obvious one is for hearing aids. Based on a person's hearing loss, custom earmolds can provide a better fit and sound quality. They can limit feedback (that annoying squealing sound) and for some people just make them more comfortable. Like anything custom, these can be made in a variety of styles based on client needs. Noise protection The orange foam earplugs from the hardware store do an okay job protecting your hearing. These are recommended for basic yard work and small amounts of noise exposure. Yet, customs can do so much more. In environments with extremely loud noise or long periods of loud noise, protecting your hearing is crucial as noise exposure (CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS) is the second leading cause of hearing loss. Custom protection molds have a better fit and we can also account for a larger reduction in attenuation (noise dampening). Meaning you can have molds that cut almost all the sound or others that cut a lot of it, but the filter allows you to hear people talk. For anyone working in a factory, around big machinery, or in other noisy environments, these are the way to go. Sleep plugs/Swim...

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