Author- Vineeta Ojha, Chief Client Officer, Hearing Excellence
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
At the time of global crisis. Team Hearing Excellence stands true to its commitment. Come and Experience the Difference.
Difference is not only in the amazing service we deliver when we are serving the clients, but difference is also when our community needs us. I am so proud of Team HEI, even before the authorities started to talk about precautions to be taken to stop the Covid-19 spread. All our clinics had stepped up our screening, sanitization and client service protocols.
The team was ahead of the curve. It was important for us to keep our clients and our TEAM safe. I am so proud of Team HEI, that even before the authorities talked about social distancing and lockdowns, our team put our client's and community's safely before our personal priorities and collectively decided to provide emergency services only.
Now that I have lot's of time to retrospect the situation, what is happening is not pretty, but it has taught us so much. We humans are fairly adaptable and tolerant. I am so thankful to our clients who have so well adapted to the circumstances. In the last 3 weeks we have helped over 300 clients and they all have been so thankful, even though the service levels due to restrictions are quite different than normal. I am so thankful to our team members who have come out with innovative ideas to helo our client in need. Through regular conference calls, they have kept our morale's high and made efforts to stay connected with each other.
On this note, I would like show my deepest gratitude to all HEI clients, I must say, WE HAVE THE BEST CLIENTS EVER. Working with you remotely during these tough times, makes me feel that I am blessed to have you all as a part of our HEI family. So THANK you 🙏🏼 for being AMAZING!
In the end, HEI team members stood strong behind the company and for the clients. I get teary just thinking about all the kindness I have seen from all of you. “ Thank you OUR CLIENTS, and thank you Team A” (as we always called ourselves).
Last but not the least, Thank you to my little 7 year old monkey (my son), your adaptability and understanding toward needs of HEI is phenomenal! You are a big part of HEI success ! So Thank you !
Together we all will make IT HAPPEN!
Author- Vineeta Ojha, Chief Client Officer, Hearing Excellence
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
At the time of global crisis. Team Hearing Excellence stands true to its commitment. Come and Experience the Difference.
Difference is not only in the amazing service we deliver when we are serving the clients, but difference is also when our community needs us. I am so proud of Team HEI, even before the authorities started to talk about precautions to be taken to stop the Covid-19 spread. All our clinics had stepped up our screening, sanitization and client service protocols.
The team was ahead of the curve. It was important for us to keep our clients and our TEAM safe. I am so proud of Team HEI, that even before the authorities talked about social distancing and lockdowns, our team put our client's and community's safely before our personal priorities and collectively decided to provide emergency services only.
Now that I have lot's of time to retrospect the situation, what is happening is not pretty, but it has taught us so much. We humans are fairly adaptable and tolerant. I am so thankful to our clients who have so well adapted to the circumstances. In the last 3 weeks we have helped over 300 clients and they all have been so thankful, even though the service levels due to restrictions are quite different than normal. I am so thankful to our team members who have come out with innovative ideas to helo our client in need. Through regular conference calls, they have kept our morale's high and made efforts to stay connected with each other.
On this note, I would like show my deepest gratitude to all HEI clients, I must say, WE HAVE THE BEST CLIENTS EVER. Working with you remotely during these tough times, makes me feel that I am blessed to have you all as a part of our HEI family. So THANK you 🙏🏼 for being AMAZING!
In the end, HEI team members stood strong behind the company and for the clients. I get teary just thinking about all the kindness I have seen from all of you. “ Thank you OUR CLIENTS, and thank you Team A” (as we always called ourselves).
Last but not the least, Thank you to my little 7 year old monkey (my son), your adaptability and understanding toward needs of HEI is phenomenal! You are a big part of HEI success ! So Thank you !
Together we all will make IT HAPPEN!
Dear Client,
As a valued member of the Hearing Excellence family, you trust us to take care of your hearing health. We promise to do so safely, comfortably and responsibly. Today, as we all come to terms with an unprecedented health challenge in COVID-19 (Coronavirus), these values are more important to us than ever. Therefore, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some insight into the different steps that we are taking to meet and exceed the highest standards of safety and hygiene.
The health and safety of our clients and our team is our highest priority. Also, our priority is to be responsible towards our vendors and delivery partners. We are in regular communication with our teams to follow protocols that support everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Some of our protocols are outlined below:
Continue Reading- Reinforcing our already rigorous infection prevention and control standards and the clinic operating procedures and personal hygiene.
- For your comfort, sanitizing stations are set up at the entrance of our clinics.
- Constantly encouraging our team members to ensure frequent hand washing and continual sanitation of all high touch surfaces in our clinics.
- Pre-screening our clients mainly regarding current health conditions and recent travel history at the time of appointment booking/ confirmation to ensure a safe environment at our clinics. If you have a flu-like symptoms or have traveled outside Canada in the last 14 days. Please inform us prior to your appointment.
- We are also monitoring our teams’ health very closely and have put support protocols in place.
QuietOn active noise cancelling earplugs made a splash on the tech scene a few years ago but very few Canadians know about these great earplugs and their versatile uses. Lets start first by explaining what these earplugs are and any they are different!
What Are QuietOn Earplugs?
QuietOn earplugs are electronic earplugs that offer active noise cancelling technology to block out noise. Sounds like magic right? What all that means is that it has a microphone that listens for the noise around you and then cancels out that noise via a speaker in your ear. QuietOn explains it like this:
Active noise cancelling uses a microphone to sample the sound, and a speaker to create a phase-shifted sound that cancels the original sound.
In QuietOn, the microphone that samples the sound is located right inside the ear canal! This means that QuietOn can more accurately produce anti-noise that results in good noise cancellation at the ear drum. By locating the microphone in the air volume of the ear canal, QuietOn is also able to reduce noise that is conducted by the skull into the ear.
How This Can Apply To Your Life in Toronto!
Commuting In Toronto
Whether you take the Go Train, TTC buses or subway or trams these earplugs can provide you peace and quiet to focus on a great book, complete some extra work or just avoid all the noise around you.
Noisy Construction
Whether you live by it or work by it construction season in Toronto can disrupt your ability to focus on work, rest, read a book and more.
You Live or Work by Pearson Airport
If you are one of the fortunate ones to work or live by Pearson these earplugs are perfect for drowning out aircraft noise!
Walking Around Downtown Toronto
Anything downtown can be noisy, enjoy the city in silence by wearing QuietOn earplugs which can block out the noise, traffic, sirens and much more.
Working in the Many Manufacturing Jobs In the GTA
QuietOn's are perfect earplugs for construction, manufacturing and industrial workers. They allow you to protect your hearing more effectively than any foam or silicone earplug can!
Quiet In a Downtown Condo
Condos aren't built like they used to. Sirens and traffic noise, noisy neighbours can disrupt your time to relax in your home. Active noise cancelling earplugs can give you the quiet to relax at home!
Focus in a Noisy Office
It's hard to focus and concentrate with all the noise of the common open office designs in the Toronto area. These earplugs will allow you to concentrate and get your work done!
Take them when you travel
They are also perfect if you travel to block out airplane noise, crying babies, loud talkers, loud eaters and so much more! Traveling will never be the same!
As you can see there are so many uses where these noise canceling earplugs can either protect your hearing or save your sanity in a busy and bustling city. Why not get yourself a pair and see how amazing they are!
QuietOn Active Noise Cancelling Earplugs
PRODUCT FEATURES
- Noise cancelling performance up to 40dB with low frequencies
- Easy to use with no wires to detangle, settings to adjusts, or buttons to press
- With 50 hours of use on a single charge, QuietOn has the longest battery life of any wireless noise cancelling device.
- These innovative ear plugs are ideal for everyone, from frequent travelers who want to drown out the din of the airplane cabin or motorcycle engine
- Comes with a pair of QuietOn, three pairs of eartips – two pairs of silicone eartips and one pair of Comply Foam eartips and a charging case
QUIETON’S PERFORMANCE
QUIETON’S PERFORMANCEQuietOn with Active Noise Cancelling technology makes a big difference at low frequencies, such as the hum of airplane engines, construction sites or normal background noise. Its attenuation ability in this area is up to 40dB. For instance, airplane cabin noise sounds like a faint hum with QuietOn earplugs. The earplugs significantly reduce stress level caused by constantly noisy environments. In mid and high frequencies, QuietOn’s noise cancelling is as good as foam earplugs’.
HOW IT WORKS
HOW IT WORKSActive noise cancelling uses a microphone to sample the sound, and a speaker to create a phase-shifted sound that cancels the original sound.
In QuietOn, the microphone that samples the sound is located right inside the ear canal! This means that QuietOn can more accurately produce anti-noise that results in good noise cancellation at the ear drum. By locating the microphone in the air volume of the ear canal, QuietOn is also able to reduce noise that is conducted by the skull into the ear.
HOW QUIETON ANC EARPLUGS PERFORM ACROSS THE WHOLE AUDIBLE SPECTRUM
QuietOn can provide optimal noise reduction across the whole audible spectrum, especially effective at these low frequencies.
| Weight | .5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 10 cm |
Related products
Amplified phones have been on the market for years but aren't widely known by the public. We have always made it a point to offer our clients a wide selection of amplified phones from corded, cordless, big-buttoned and answering machine models to help those with hearing loss still continue to communicate over the phone. When someone with hearing loss is engaged in a phone conversation they lose visual cues about the conversion like a face to face conversation would allow (such as lip reading and body language) but also they are now forced to listen with only one ear instead of two. Hearing every word clearly can be a challenge.
Amplified phones are perfect for anyone with some level of hearing loss. They have advanced as technology has advanced and can include some great features and call quality improvements making talking on the phone a more pleasurable experience and removes the frustration of not hearing every word and always having to asking the other party to repeat themselves.
Advantages of an Amplified Phone
Amplification, Of Course
Depending on the hearing loss there are different models for specific decibel ranges of hearing loss. Both the sound of the call is amplified but so is the ringer.
Hearing Aid Compatible
Some amplified phones are also hearing aid compatible and can allow the phone to connect to the hearing aid the call is actually transmitted through the hearing aid and not the phone.
Clarity
Some amplified phones improve the call quality while amplifying the sound. Amplifying a staticy or distorted call will only make things worse.
Big Buttons & Displays
Some models offer large displays and large buttons for dialling for easier use and reading for the elderly who have hearing and vision issues.
Battery Backup
Some amplified phone models offer battery back up in the event of a power outage the phone will continue to amplify sound properly.
Outgoing Speech Amplification
Most models will also amplify your outgoing speech. Perfect if you have difficulty speaking or speak softly then your sound will be amplified to the person you are speaking to.
Corded Amplified Phone Advantages
Corded phones can offer a few more advantages over a cordless amplified phone. Because the whole phone doesn't have to fit in the palm of your hand it can offer bigger buttons and a bigger screen that can offer brighter backlighting. They can also offer built-in voicemail and more 1 touch preset memory buttons for regular numbers you call. Depending on the model they are also hearing aid compatible and can transmit the call through your hearing aid so you don't have to try and talk on the phone with a hearing aid in your hear and experience double the amplification.
They also usually have excellent speakerphone functions that will allow you to be mobile while talking on a corded phone. The speakerphone is also amplified and if the phone offers amplified outgoing speech this feature is still typically enabled over a speakerphone. Some models also have voice assist which can read allowed caller identification information so you don't need to run over to the phone to see who is calling before you decide it's worth answering.
Cordless Amplified Phone Advantages
Cordless phones clearly offer the ability to be portable with you around the house so you can continue to work on household chores and tasks while on a call or to be in any room you wish to sit in while taking a call. They also offer the ability to partner more than one phone, like standard cordless phones you can have one in every room and all with the amplification function. A clear advantage over one fixed, corded phone in one room as all your phones can offer amplification.
Like corded phones, depending on the model, they can also offer built-in voicemail at the base unit, and hearing aid compatibility. Where they will fall short is the backlighting, button size and the display size, which is going to be used more on a corded phone to see numbers stored in memory and caller id and more.
If you are interested in an amplified phone for yourself or for a family member or friend (they make a great gift!) we offer different corded and cordless amplified phones which you can buy online or through one of our locations in the Toronto area from Oakville to Pickering.
Clarity Alto Amplified Phone in Pearl for Hearing Impaired
The Alto™ amplified corded telephone is the ideal solution for those with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss. This 53dB phone is the first on the market to receive TIA-4953 certification, passing the new industry standards for amplified telephones.The ergonomic volume and tone control is also perfect for those with arthritis.
Clarity BT914 Amplified Cordless Phone
The BT914HS allows you to enjoy amplified calls without a landline. Pairs up to two (2) Bluetooth phones, headsets or accessories.
Clarity D704 Cordless Amplified Phone for Hearing Impaired
The next generation of the #1 selling line of big button amplified cordless phones. The Clarity® D704™ combines hearing, vision and mobility solutions into one great value.
Clarity P300 Amplified Phone for Hearing Impaired
The P300™ amplified corded phone, by Clarity®, features Clarity Power™ technology to make sounds not only louder, but also clearer and easier to understand. Now with up to 26 decibels of amplification and programmable photo memory buttons, the P300™ is an ideal solution for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss or low vision.
Cordless D714 Amplified Phone for Hearing Impaired
The next generation of the #1 selling line of big button amplified cordless phones. The Clarity® D714™ combines hearing, vision and mobility solutions into one great value.
You might notice the 1 or 2 times you or perhaps a parent or loved one doesn’t hear something, but there is probably much more that you or the loved one is not hearing and don’t really realize it.
Hearing loss is rarely brought on suddenly. It’s typically a gradual process and over time it’s hard to realize the change from one year to the next or several years to the next. You might start having trouble hearing whispers but perhaps you haven’t realized that you don’t hear a lot of birds while you are outside or maybe you don’t hear that hum of the refrigerator anymore or the dishwasher running. Perhaps you also mishear words or miss hearing some words altogether. That may just seem like small details or maybe the hum of the refrigerator annoyed you, but it does have larger implications. Perhaps you are also having trouble hearing traffic, or maybe you can’t hear a call for help from a distance or maybe you won’t hear that important phone call while it’s ringing from the other room. That hearing loss you are brushing off as “not that bad” actually could be enough to cause risks, dangers or larger inconveniences.
So, if you notice you aren’t hearing something, then what other things are you not be hearing? The infographic below can give you some indication of the hearing loss you might have.
Continue ReadingClick to Enlarge
You Know the Potential Hearing Loss Level, Now What?
If you believe you or a loved one falls somewhere in the moderate to severe category we highly recommend a hearing test to confirm the level of hearing loss. Our audiologists and clinicians might find medical reasons for your hearing loss or might recommend a hearing aid to improve your quality of life and minimize potential dangers and risks. If you believe you or a loved one fall in the mild level then we also recommend a hearing test, but only to document a baseline of where your hearing is now to track your hearing and potential hearing loss through the years. As well, there are a number of products that aren’t hearing aids but can amplify sound or have noise cancelling technology to help improve your hearing in certain situations amongst other features such as streaming music, listening to TV or taking phone calls. We may also want to discuss ear protection to minimize hearing loss over time, especially if you or the loved one is exposed to moderate to loud noise for long periods of time.If you want to examine this further we also offer our:
I Might Have Hearing Loss section – Click here https://hearingexcellence.ca/may-hearing-loss/ I Know Someone Who Might Have Hearing Loss – Click Here https://hearingexcellence.ca/know-someone-might-hearing-loss/
There are several in the ear types of hearing aids all with their own names, terms and abbreviations. It’s hard to understand what it means, how much can be seen and what are the pros and cons of In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids. Below we attempt to answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision if these are the best hearing aids for you.
In-the-Canal hearing aids sit in the ear canal but don’t fully sit all the way in the ear canal like Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids would and aren’t as obvious as In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids which sit mostly outside the canal. There are still portions that would show, but are still obscure enough that only someone really looking at your ear would notice. They typically come coloured to match your skin tone to make them even less obvious for those that are conscious about how visible their hearing aid is to the public.
An example from Signia on how to install an In-the-Canal hearing aid.
Advantages of In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
There are a few great advantages to consider with this style of hearing aid:
Custom Tailored
Every ear canal is different so any hearing aid that sits inside your canal must be custom built around a mould made of each of your ear canals.
impeccable Fit
Because it’s tailor-made for you they fit incredibly well which improves sound and increases comfort because there is no wiggling, gaps or scratching from the hearing aid moving around in your ear canal.
Better at High Frequency
They are better at picking up and delivering high frequency sounds so if your particular hearing loss is around high frequency, they will yield better results than other hearing aids like Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) or Behind-the-Ear (BTE) styles.
Small & Discrete
They are small enough that they aren’t obvious and are coloured to match your skin colour as closely as possible to make them even less obvious. But aren’t small enough that they are hard to handle.
Disadvantages of In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
All hearing aids have a downside and here are the few to consider with this style:
They Are Small
This is also a disadvantage because it makes them easier to misplace and lose and also harder to put in place if you have larger hands and fingers or dexterity issues.
Not As Many Features
Although as technology increases they are getting a lot of the same great features as Receiver-in-Canal and Behind-the-Ear models they don’t have as many or as advanced.
Battery Life
Because of their size, the batteries must also be small and therefore don’t last as long. It will mean they will need to be replaced more often or recharged more often if rechargeable is an available feature.
Summary
What also might impact whether this is a good hearing aid for you is your level of hearing loss as they are not typically good for severe or profound hearing loss levels. The rest comes down to your personal preference and if this style is one you feel you can work with and live with. During your appointment, our clinicians will do a full life and hearing assessment and make sure you get the best hearing aid for you and your needs.
Maybe you just aren't ready to commit to a hearing aid just yet. There could be many reasons to feel this way, perhaps you don't feel your hearing loss is severe enough to qualify for a hearing aid, perhaps you can't afford it, perhaps you aren't ready to accept it. But you might still have trouble hearing in loud environments like a restaurant or office workspace, or perhaps you have trouble hearing softer voices or female voices or you realize you aren't fully hearing your music and tv shows the way you used to.
No matter the reason there are 3 products that can help you out and improve your day to day hearing while being incredibly handy!
Audeara Headphones
The bulkiest and not 100% practical for all day wearing they are the best for improved sound quality for music lovers. They offer an app which does a hearing assessment and then adjusts all hearing to specifically your needs. This backed by noise cancelling and a built in mike can make hearing phone conversations and music a fantastic experience.
BeHear Now
Perfect for all day needs Alango's BeHear Now headset also starts with a hearing assessment and adjusts the headset to meet your needs from improved music and phone calls to amplified conversations with noise cancelling technology. It can even blend with outside noises to ensure you don't miss important calls or noises from your surrounding environment. In addition to this, it offers several advanced features like speech latency to slow down speech and can pair with a TV transmitter to give you amazing TV sound as well.
IQBuds Boost
The smallest of the group it too starts with a hearing assessment and then adjusts music, phone calls and sound amplification for conversations. It also offers noise cancellation with the speech amplification to ensure large crowded and noisy spaces don't diminish the quality of the conversation. Like the BeHear Now they are able to blend outside noise and are water / sweatproof which makes them ideal for those who love to exercise but need to hear some level out outside noise for safety.
Pros & Cons
Each of these 3 items have their own pros and cons when it comes to hearing aid like qualities.
No matter which you choose all three will assess your hearing and customize your hearing experience for exactly what you need. They will assist with phone call quality and noise cancelling for music and calls. BeHear Now and IQBuds Boost will also amplify in-person conversations with the same noise cancelling to improve conversations in crowded and noisy environments.
The main con is that no matter which option you chose they are highly visible and depending on that arent' necessarily convenient in addition:
- Audeara is not ideal for all day wearing but offers the most superior music quality and are best for music lovers or musicians.
- BeHear Now has longer battery life and is better for those who will need their headset all day and will even work with your TV with a special transmitter.
- IQBuds Boost is great for those who also exercise or want light-weight earbuds that offer 1 touch control to Siri or Google Assistant and to answering calls.
If you aren't quite ready for hearing aids these are solutions that offer a more affordable solution for improving your hearing, but in the end would never fully replace a real hearing aid.
Sale
Audeara A-01 Customizable Headphones
Audeara headphones measure your hearing to tailor the sound perfectly for you.
BeHear NOW Personalizable Headset
BeHear® is a personalizable Bluetooth stereo headset that provides enhancement for all-around hearing (for phone calls, audio play, and ambient hearing), as well as assistive listening functionality.
IQbuds Boost by Nuhera Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
IQbuds BOOST are built with all the same great features as our award-winning IQbuds, with the addition of Ear ID™. Ear ID is a self-fit system with a clinically validated audiometric hearing assessment that calibrates the IQbuds to give you a better hearing experience.
A very good article was featured on CBC News and the effects that the generation that has grownup with earbuds is facing with hearing loss.
Part of the article states " Unprecedented reports among young adults
Naturally, the percentage is higher in older age groups. However, Mills said hearing loss can no longer be looked at as mainly a seniors' issue, as reports are already showing an unprecedented number of adults in their 20s and early 30s with hearing troubles.
Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ear, is an indicator of ear damage and tends to be diagnosed in patients over 50."
We suspect we will see an increase in younger visitors to our clinics for tinnitus and hearing loss related issues in the near future.
Click here to read their great article
Continue Reading
I encounter many people who walk in the clinic not knowing that they have a hearing loss. Afterwards, when I’ve completed the full assessment and explain the results, that there is, in fact, a hearing loss that may have contributed to their reported symptoms, many are surprised. The responses usually are “I never really noticed any problems with my hearing before!” Or “I thought it was just all that wax that was causing the trouble!” and, of course, the unexpressed question following those statements “So now that I know, what am I supposed to do about it now?”
Common thoughts or feelings that run through one’s mind after finding they have a hearing loss may go something like this… “Unbelievable. One more problem added to the list of things that I need to get fixed! Something that will complicate my life.” Or there may be a faint memory of what hearing devices used to look like. I’ve had clients tell me their parent’s hearing devices were heavy, body worn or “big honkers”. Either way, it’s a lot to take in. You may or may not know a couple of people with hearing devices and the reviews may have been pretty mixed. It’s hard to imagine taking the leap and making a lifestyle change that seems to be more than just a quick fix.
I often counsel my clients that I’m here to give them whatever information will help them in figuring out their next steps: “In discussing the results of your assessment with you, I want to make sure that everything is clear, transparent, and that all the options are laid out on the table for you. Sometimes finding out all the information you need may not happen all in one day. Everyone is different. But the important thing is to remember that a loss of hearing isn’t something that you have to live with, there are many different ways to help you hear better.”
The general purpose behind hearing treatment isn’t always about not having to ask “pardon” all the time. It’s more about keeping or preserving what you have, being able to hear and identify the sounds you haven’t heard in a long time. Or even being able to listen to and enjoy the music in the way that you heard it before the hearing loss became noticeable. It’s pretty amazing how many times I’ve been told “I can finally hear the birds again” or “I never knew that my turn signal in my car sounded like that” The general sentiment behind all of that feedback being I had no idea what I was missing until I decided it was time to do something about my hearing loss.
So when is it a good time to start pursuing hearing treatment? The answer is much clearer when you have a baseline beforehand (recommended after the age of 55 years) to compare results. That way, you can discuss it with your hearing healthcare professional and they can let you know about the red flags beforehand. It’s much easier to pursue hearing treatment at the right time and increasing the success of treatment when you monitor your hearing on a regular (annual or biennial) basis.
If you feel that you aren’t sure whether your hearing is normal, don’t hesitate to contact a certified hearing healthcare professional and book an appointment for a hearing check-up.
Mitra Mehra
Audiologist Reg. CASLPO. M.Cl.Sc. Aud (c)
Continue Reading
Dear Reader, this blog is the conclusion to the first impressions series about what goes on in a hearing clinic. In this second blog, we look at the last two questions I have asked the members of the Hearing Excellence Team. We hope you come away with a more informative sense of what hearing diagnosis and treatment can do for all individuals.
First Impressions of the Hearing Clinic (Part Two)
Throughout my clinical years of experience I have noticed that many clients, and sometimes their loved ones, are surprised at how much one can benefit from hearing treatment. I found that people are not aware of how common hearing issues are until they encounter it either themselves, or through the experience of someone close to them. This idea lead me to asking two more questions regarding hearing loss and treatment towards some of the members of the Hearing Excellence Team:
- Did your encounters or observations with hearing loss change your perspective about how
important hearing treatment can be?
- How aware do you believe the general public actually is about hearing related issues?
In answer to my third question, Cathy, another member of our Hearing Excellence Team, shared with me her first hearing related experience:
“When my niece got hearing aids, my perception changed, she had really cool molds, swirls of pinks and purples with a small back piece. I was surprised how sophisticated devices were, how much technology could fit into such a tiny device. It’s mind boggling! With the proper treatment, you can’t tell how bad the hearing actually is because of how well the devices actually work!”
Another member of our team, Heather, had shared a similar perspective change:
“[I] previously thought hearing loss wasn’t a big deal. Then I completed a placement observing patients being treated within the hearing clinic. I saw those who had hearing loss and were fit with hearing devices. That’s when I also saw that it really changes people’s lives, and, that it is actually more important than you first would believe!”
These statements fall in line with what I have experienced as a clinician when I receive feedback from clients and their loved ones. However, my last question, which was how aware was the general public about hearing related issues, really got me thinking. I mean, was it just me, or was hearing loss not as publicized as other medical maladies? I was not alone in this thinking. Many of my colleagues in the team agreed with me:
[Daniele] “A lot of people don’t have any idea of it (hearing treatment) really. I always find myself taking pictures of aids on instagram to show people how far technology has come, what variety they have and the better quality of life it provide if they had their hearing loss treated!”
[Sharad] “The general public is not very aware. Even medical professionals are under aware of this issue. For example, the family doctor is a hub connecting patients to specialists, if they themselves are not aware of how important hearing treatment is for their patients’ quality of life, patients will be under diagnosed. ”
Before I started interviewing my team members about their first impressions and thoughts about the field, I wasn’t sure what I would find. From their shared experiences I realized that, even though there are many different types of hearing issues and client populations within the field, there were quite a few commonly shared experiences. These shared experiences were truly unique to the field of Audiology as to the lack of awareness of how common hearing loss is and the benefits of hearing treatment to one’s quality of life. What’s more, these interviews reminded me why I entered into this profession as a clinician.
I hope you, the reader, have benefited from the conclusion to our first impressions series as much as our Hearing Excellence team has in sharing our experiences with each other.
Mitra Mehra
Audiologist Reg. CASLPO. M.Cl.Sc. Aud (c)
