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The Benefits of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

  In recent years, Bluetooth hearing aids have become more popular since this type of technology can perform a variety of functions. Read on to learn more about what Bluetooth hearing aids could do for you: Streaming: Your hearing aids can now be connected to your cell phone thanks to Bluetooth technology. This means that you can take phone calls using your hearing aids which act as earpieces, so you will be able to hear the person on the other end through the device. This is a perfect solution for those who have hearing loss in both ears as hearing is maximized in two ears rather than one. You can also stream other sound sources such as sound from your TV, music from your phone, tablet or computer, as well as audio from various communication platforms such as Skype or FaceTime. Applications: Hearing aids feature an application that you can use to manage the device. Apps are a useful tool that allow you to perform important tasks such as controlling volume, changing pre-set program...

Why you should protect your hearing?

  Here are some reasons to protect your hearing: Hearing is Fragile: Our inner ear is a highly complex system that allows us to experience sound and comprehend speech. However, it is also an extremely delicate and fragile system, prone to damage unless you take the necessary care. A decline in hearing quality will not only add to stress and listening fatigue, but also impact the overall quality of your life. Tinnitus (ringing in your ears): A constant buzz or ringing in the ears,  tinnitus  can impact one or both ears. This perception of sound is often a symptom of hearing damage and can be temporary or permanent. Tinnitus after constant exposure to loud noises can become permanent and have an impact on your stress levels, your sleep quality, and make simple day-to-day tasks more difficult to accomplish. Reversing Hearing Impairment is Almost Impossible: There are parts of the ear that when damaged, can be repaired either with time, or through surgery. When hearing loss i...

The Connection between Stress, Listening Fatigue and Hearing Loss

  Insights from the Audiologists at your Trusted Audiology Clinic in Ottawa Have you been feeling extremely exhausted after listening to people speak for a long time? This could be happening because: You may be experiencing hearing loss, which is making your brain work really hard to process sounds, and tiring you out faster, OR You are stressed, anxious or depressed about aspects related to work, household chores, parenting, or other issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and these in turn are triggering overall fatigue that impacts your hearing. It is a well-understood fact that constant stress can impact physical and mental health. The experienced Audiologists at Echo Audiology discuss the connection between stress, listening fatigue, and hearing loss. Is the Hearing Loss Real? There are three areas of our brain that connect with the auditory system to interpret sound and speech. While Broca’s Area is responsible for speech production, Wernicke’s Area addresses speech compr...

Hidden Hearing Loss: What is it and how do I treat it?

  Hearing loss is often associated with damage to hair cells in the inner ear which are responsible for detecting vibrations in the environment and turning them into signals that engage the auditory nerves. Sometimes, there is a miscommunication between those hair cells and the hearing nerve, which is referred as “cochlear synaptopathy” or more commonly known as Hidden Hearing Loss. Hearing Loss presents itself as being able to hear just fine in quiet settings but can experience challenges when there is competing background noise and is not always detected on a standard Audiogram.   Learn more about what is Hidden Hearing Loss   and how to manage it by speaking with an Audiologist today. How to Manage Your Hidden Hearing Loss The protocols for assessing Hidden Hearing Loss are still be researched, but more advanced Audiology testing may sometimes help identify some problems that can’t be seen on a standard testing, such as Otoacoustic Emissions Testing, High-Frequency Tes...

Rechargeable vs. Battery-Powered Hearing Aids

  Hearing aid technology has evolved significantly over the years since it was first invented. Today, these little, yet powerful devices help restore hearing, as well as independence and improve the overall quality of life of those who need them. However,  hearing aids  can be a costly investment, so it’s important to understand each type of hearing aid will offer certain benefits and drawbacks. With a variety of options to choose from, it can certainly become challenging to find the right one that fits your needs. To help you make your decision a little easier, read on to explore the pros and cons of rechargeable vs. battery powered hearing aids. The Pros and Cons of Rechargeable vs. Battery-Powered Hearing Aids No matter what type of hearing aid you choose, they are a significant investment and proper maintenance is essential. For this reason, it is especially important to consider the powering options that are available to you. Here is a closer look at the pros and...

Things to Know about ITE Hearing Aids

  Whether you have mild, moderate or severe hearing loss, finding a suitable type of hearing aid can hugely improve your quality of life. Thanks to breakthrough technology, today’s hearing aid models are all designed to be as discreet as possible in order to provide the most comfortable fit for the wearer without sacrificing sound quality, in addition to featuring easy-to-operate controls. Are In-the-Ear (ITE) Custom Hearing Aids Right for You? When it comes to hearing aids, there are several features and styles that are available to suit different types of hearing losses and needs. No matter which style you choose, all hearing aids depend on similar basic components to help you hear better in your daily environments. Read on to learn more about one of the most common hearing aid styles: ·          In-the-Ear (ITE) or Half-Shell (HS) or In-the-Canal (ITC):  These styles of hearing aids are custom made to your ear and sit comfortabl...

What Are the 4 Main Price Bands for Hearing Aids in Ottawa?

  While the average cost of a hearing aid can range from about $1000 – $4000, it can last several years and be paid for in monthly installments. What’s more, the purchase of your hearing aid typically includes the clinical services that are required to increase your chances at success with your acoustic rehabilitation. These services typically include ongoing hearing assessments, fitting and programming of the hearing aids, as well as verification, adjustments, cleaning, repairs and follow up appointments.  Bundling these services is common practice in Audiology, and is specifically designed to ensure your hearing aids are working at their full potential, and customized to fit your hearing needs and preferences. A Hearing Aid Price Comparison In Canada, hearing aids are priced according to the level of the technology, in addition to the cost of your clinical services. Good news? Features like rechargeability, Bluetooth connection or Phone streaming do not increase your cost. T...