There are many ways of detecting hearing loss. These include

• You need to raise your voice when you're having a discussion.
• Turn up the TV volume for your favorite programs.
• You have difficulty following a conversation in a noisy environment.
• You often make the person speaking to you repeat themselves.
• You have difficulty understanding telephone conversations.
• Ringing or whistling in the ears.

Consult one of our audioprosthetists if you recognize yourself in these signs.

A hearing screening test is an examination carried out by an audioprosthesist to assess a person's ability to hear different frequencies and intensities of sound. On the first visit, the hearing aid acoustician examines the ear and performs the screening test in a soundproof booth. The patient is asked to report every sound he or she hears, no matter how faint. At the end, the audioprosthetist tells you whether you have passed or failed the screening test. If you fail, we can refer you to other healthcare professionals if necessary.

Frequency depends above all on age, risk factors and general hearing health. For adults with no known hearing problems, screening every 5 to 10 years could be considered. 

If you notice changes in your hearing (tinnitus, difficulty following conversations in noise, frequent repetition, etc.), or if you are exposed to noise at work, it's best to consult us at the first sign, regardless of age.

For people under the age of 18, we recommend a test with an audiologist to obtain a complete, age-appropriate evaluation.

To keep your hearing aids in good condition, we recommend daily cleaning with a dry cloth or a suitable disinfectant. The filter should be replaced periodically, using the supplied filter stick. To protect your hearing aids from humidity, you can use a special case with a desiccant capsule. Finally, at night, we recommend that you place your dentures in their case and open the battery door. For more details, see our blog article on this subject.

If you meet the eligibility requirements of government programs (RAMQ, CNESST, Veterans Affairs or private insurance), many hearing aids are covered by these programs as well as by private insurance. Your audioprosthetist will be able to guide you in this regard when you receive your hearing aid recommendation.

The best way to protect your hearing at work is to use appropriate protection, such as foam earplugs, custom-made earplugs or earmuffs, sometimes in combination. It is also advisable to adapt the environment with the employer (quieter equipment, better insulation), take regular breaks and get away from the noise whenever possible. For more details, see our blog article on this subject.

Tinnitus is an abnormal auditory sensation (whistling, buzzing, ringing) that does not originate from an external sound. It can be linked to hearing loss, stress, exposure to loud noises or certain medical conditions. Although there is no definitive cure, it can be masked with white noise generators or hearing aids. Finally, it's important to discuss it with your hearing healthcare professional to identify the cause and find appropriate strategies. For more details, see our blog article on this subject.

This service is not available in our clinics. For ear cleaning, it is recommended to consult a doctor, ENT specialist or nurse.