Hearing Loss Services
“Hearing loss is one of the disabilities that can be treated most inexpensively and with the greatest benefit, for the individual as well as for society as a whole.”
Hearing loss is most often defined as a degree of impairment in one’s ability to understand or comprehend sound. Levels of impairment can range from partial hearing loss (including mild, moderate, or severe) to profound hearing loss and total deafness.
Hearing loss can adversely affect the individuals with such impairment as well as others with whom they interact on a daily basis at home, in social settings and/or at work. The onset of hearing loss may be gradual, almost unnoticeable at first, but can lead to situations that are quite uncomfortable and perhaps even embarrassing as the hearing loss worsens over time.
When any degree of hearing loss is suspected or has been confirmed, those individuals and their family members are advised to visit a hearing clinic such as Bravo Hearing Centre in Toronto. The hearing loss specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre offer a comprehensive range of services and support programs to assist their clients with hearing-related complications and challenges.
Facts About Hearing Loss
There is a lot of misinformation about hearing loss. Here are the facts that you need to know.
- Hearing loss is the 3rd most prevalent health problem among adults
- About 1 in 5 adults experience hearing loss
- Generally, people with hearing loss wait for 7-10 years before seeking treatment
- 80% of people aged 55-74 years who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them
- Noise is often the cause
Audiometric or Hearing-Related Services
- Hearing tests – to determine hearing levels, ability to differentiate sounds
- Hearing aid sales – all makes and models from all the leading manufacturers
- Dispensing and follow-up – initial hearing aid fittings; post-fitting adjustments
- Patient and family counseling – to help in dealing with/adjusting to hearing loss
- Hearing aid evaluations – to measure the effectiveness of existing hearing aids
- In-home or in-hospital visits – for patients unable to attend the Etobicoke clinic
- Aural rehabilitation – support programs such as listening strategies, lip-reading
- On-site minor repairs – local service to avoid any downtime without hearing aids
In addition to these hearing-related services, the hearing loss specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre can provide/dispense a number of accessories for hearing aid wearers or those who require custom devices for work or leisure activities; these products consist of the following:
Dispensing – Hearing Devices and Accessories
- Hearing aid batteries – different sizes to fit various hearing aids
- Hearing aid accessories – cleaning kits; wax and moisture guards
- Amplified telephones – to assist in hearing speech and sounds more clearly
- Assistive listening devices – for distinguishing speech within noisy environments
- Custom plugs – for sleeping, swimming, noise protection (construction, concerts)
- Custom earmolds – for best performance, comfort with behind-the-ear hearing aids
How to Identify Your Hearing Loss
- Step 1 – Research some of the signs of hearing loss and determine if any of them are applicable to you. You could also take an online hearing test to help get a basic understanding of your hearing ability.
- Step 2 – If you feel any hearing loss symptoms match your experience, contact a specialist to book a hearing test.
- Step 3 – A hearing specialist will discuss your general health and hearing loss symptoms. Following this, they will perform a hearing test.
- Step 4 – If it is found that you do experience hearing loss, you will be presented with various treatment options. The best solution is often a hearing aid.
Questions to Ask Our Hearing Specialists
When visiting an expert that deals with hearing loss in Toronto, you should ask these fundamental questions.
What type of hearing loss do I have?
A hearing test is crucial to help you discover the type of hearing loss you are experiencing and the services you require.
The three types of hearing loss are:
- Sensorineural hearing loss – This happens when the inner ear becomes damaged, and the nerves cannot transmit sound to the brain.
- Conductive hearing loss – It occurs in either the middle or outer ear when sound waves are not transmitted to the inner ear. This is often due to physical reasons such as blockages or damage.
- Mixed hearing loss – This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Is my hearing loss the same in both ears?
You can have unilateral (single-sided) or bilateral (double-sided) hearing loss. Just like some people can be near-sighted or long-sighted in one eye, hearing loss may vary from one ear to another.
Do I need a hearing aid for both ears?
Not necessarily. If you have hearing loss in only one ear, you may not need to wear an aid in both. However, it enhances the quality of sound and interpretation of sound direction if you do.
Which hearing aid is best for me and my lifestyle?
Your hearing specialist will help determine the best hearing aid for your lifestyle. Share with them all the information about your working environment, hobbies, routines, and social activities to help determine hearing aids that suit your lifestyle.
Address Your Hearing Loss Today with Our Specialists
Do not let hearing loss affect your lifestyle, quality of life, or interactions, and do not be embarrassed to ask for help. Our team will test your hearing, help you find suitable hearing devices, offer counselling if needed, and follow up on your treatment.
If you suspect that you or a family member are experiencing some degree of hearing loss, consult with a hearing loss specialist at Bravo Hearing Centre in Etobicoke to determine the best course of action or treatment. Call Bravo Hearing Centre today at 416-207-9711 to request your complimentary hearing test and follow-up consultation with a licensed hearing professional.
