Hearing loss can vary significantly from person to person – there's no one-size-fits-all diagnosis. It makes sense, then, that the assessment and treatment process should be just as individualized.
And that's the driving concept behind the Island-grown Ears to You. The unique mobile hearing clinic service brings expert audiological care directly to clients' homes. This innovative approach ensures accessibility, convenience and high-quality care tailored to each client's needs.
What to expect
A hearing test with Ears to You is a thorough process, divided into four key parts. First, a case history is taken to understand the client's lifestyle and hearing goals. This is followed by a hearing assessment, including otoscopy and audiogram.
Test results are then explained and recommendations are provided, which may include hearing aids, communication strategies or referrals to other medical professionals if necessary.
'But I can make do.'
Untreated hearing loss can have significant impact on our lives, bringing fatigue, stress and even cognitive problems. It can affect our ability to communicate, our relationships and can lead to issues like social isolation and depression.
Common signs of hearing loss include difficulty hearing conversations in noisy places, needing to increase the TV volume, and asking people to repeat themselves often. The good news is that hearing loss can be managed effectively to reduce these negative effects, especially with early intervention and proper management.
While it may be tempting to try for an "easy fix" suggested by the rise of over-the-counter hearing aids, professional guidance and diagnosis is key. Without the audiology expertise, it can be extremely challenging to dial in the right hearing aid technology and settings for an individual's unique needs. Patients can also go undiagnosed with serious medical issues.
Currently, Canada has not adopted the U.S. FDA's approach to OTC hearing aids, maintaining the need for professional evaluation and fitting.
How to help a loved one with hearing loss
Effective communication is crucial in supporting friends or family members with hearing loss. Simple strategies like getting their attention before speaking, avoiding conversations in noisy environments, and rephrasing sentences instead of repeating them can make a significant difference. For example, speaking slightly slower might be more helpful than speaking louder.
Tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, is another area of concern. While there is no cure, the Ears to You audiology team can provide strategies to manage symptoms effectively, and recommend seeking medical evaluation if tinnitus is sudden, pulsating, or only in one ear.
Ears to You prides itself on its personalized and comprehensive care, from initial hearing assessments to follow-up appointments. Their mobile service ensures that clients receive the best possible care in the comfort of their homes, making hearing health accessible and convenient for everyone.
To learn more about Ears to You and their services – and to book an appointment to have their audiology team come to you – visit earstoyou.ca.