Peterborough hearing clinic Tag

Hearing Aids for Millennials

Believe it or not, millennials are not kids anymore. The millennials, or generation 'y', were born between 1981 and 1996 (in 2022, the age range is 41 to 26). This generation is established in careers, some own their own homes, have children... they are adults! Although age may not cause hearing loss in this generation yet, several factors have led to the need for hearing aids for millennials. The Millennial Experience Millennials grew up in a time when technology was still new but rapidly changing. Specifically the use of hand-held or personal music players like the Walkman or the iPod. These devices are capable of loud volumes, and the use of earbuds that gets the sound closer to the eardrum has contributed to an increased rate of noise-induced hearing loss. The World Health Organization's report on hearing (2021, pp 25-26) suggests that hearing loss is on the rise, and in the younger generations, the noise from earbud use is a large contributor. Other theories around why we are seeing noise-induced hearing loss in this, and younger generations include: media volumes too highsound pollutionmedia and technology that is always on We live in a loud society! Besides general environmental noise, there is always media present to some extent, and we like our music loud. Does this mean that all millennials will have hearing loss? No. But, it does indicate that we need to prepare for the possibility and promote hearing health hygiene to the next generation better than we have done in...

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young children, holidays

Explaining hearing loss to young children

The holidays are fast approaching, meaning here comes the family get-together and spending time with kids and grandkids (maybe even great-grandkids)! This time of year is so special, especially seeing the wonder and joy on those little faces. But kids' fast-paced, high-pitched voices can be challenging to understand for those with hearing loss. [Even for those without hearing loss, it can be tricky; if anyone can interpret my toddler, that would be helpful!]. Here are five strategies for explaining hearing loss to young children in your life. 1. Tell them you have hearing loss Simple but effective. Using kid-friendly language and explanation, let your littles know you don't hear as well as you once did. This can be as short as "Nana doesn't hear that well, so can you ....." You can get into more detail for older kids if you feel inclined to do so. This may also include showing them your hearing aids and explaining how they can help you hear them better. Others can only help or adjust if they know something needs to change. Kids are no different. 2. Encourage questions Kids love to ask questions, as I'm sure every parent/grandparent has experienced. Encourage questions so you can teach and explain your hearing loss to them. You never know what their little minds might come up with, but allowing open communication lets them explore and answer their burning questions. 3. Get on their level Kids need connection, and the easiest way to do that is to get...

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client-centred

Client-Centred Care in Hearing

In the field of hearing, the idea of client-centred care, in its basic form, is implicit as there is a subjective perspective along with the technical. Yet, many hearing clinics still adhere to a biological or sales model when dispensing hearing aids. In this article, I'll discuss what client-centred care could look like in audiology and how to ensure your needs are met by your chosen hearing health team. Client-Centred Care Defined So, what is client-centred care? This concept includes client-centred care, patient-centred care, or patient activation. They all refer to the same framework of clinical practice. Generally, client-centred care changes the focus from a professional-centred authority to the individual client. Additionally, it considers that "the whole person is understood," acknowledging the "full range" of human experience; biological, emotional, psychological, and social in treating hearing loss. Hearing is more than just how the ears respond to sound, it significantly affects the individual and those around them. Shift to Care Approach Traditionally, medical fields have centred around biomedical or disease-oriented models. Simply, a problem is identified, and only the problem/symptoms are fixed. Also known as "doctor-knows-best." In this, the client is a passive recipient. The client-centred framework is a shift away from this style of care. In contrast, client-centred care is more holistic in nature. The goal is to understand the client's personal experiences and empower them to be active, engaged participants in their health care. This shift is especially evident in treating chronic conditions like hearing loss. Thus individualized treatment is...

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Hearing Health Practitioners

Hearing Health Practitioners: Who they are and what they do Dr. Cliff on HIS vs Aud When people think of a hearing practitioner, most think of an Audiologist. Yet, for many clinics, like The Ear Depot, we have Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS) on staff. So what's the difference between these hearing health practitioners? What can a HIS do? Does it matter which I see to get my hearing tested or get hearing aids? In this blog, we hope to answer those questions.  Hearing Instrument Specialists, Practitioners, or Dispensers Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS), or Practitioners (HIP), are hearing healthcare professionals certified in testing hearing and fitting hearing aids for adults (anyone over the age of 18). Areas in which they work include: To provide consultation on hearing, communication, tinnitus, etc. Performing hearing testsCounsellingProviding a hearing aid selectionTo customize hearing aid fittingsMaking of hearing aid or noise protection ear moldsInstruct in the maintenance and use of hearing aidsAdjust and repair hearing aidsRemove wax from the ear (this is a specialized certificate) In Ontario, the main difference between an Audiologist and a HIS in practice is the ability to see children. All prescriptions (hearing aids and medication) are still done through your family doctor. Hearing Instrument Dispensers (HID) are individuals who have graduated from a hearing instrument specialist program yet are awaiting their licencing exam. HID can still dispense hearing aids under licenced HIS supervision. Education With a growing adult population who will need hearing aids, HIS provides another avenue to receive quality care....

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face to face strategy

Coping Strategies for Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not something we hope for, even in old age, but the reality is that a large portion of those over 65 years of age will experience it. While hearing loss is a big change to how we communicate, there are things that individuals with hearing loss and those around them can do to help. Here are 6 coping strategies for hearing loss to try. 1. Tell people you have hearing loss This can honestly be the hardest part. It's not all the time comfortable to ask for help or tell people what you need, but it's the simplest strategy. This is what we would call disclosure and it has several forms. You can disclose all, part or non-specific information to get your point across. For example, full disclosure would sound like "I have hearing loss and wear hearing aids, I need you to..." Partial disclosure "I have a hard time hearing, could you please..." or non-specific disclosure "I didn't hear you, can you speak up?" The way you disclose information may change based on the relationship between you and the person you are talking to. Your family will likely know you have hearing loss, but the bank teller doesn't know and may not need to know specifics. Including a bit of information as to the why and a productive strategy to help can make a big difference. 2. Speak face to face When possible, speak face-to-face with people. This strategy is called speechreading and helps speech understanding by...

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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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