Lobe Magazine - volume 16, number 1, 2023 (EN)

Another Step in the Right Direction!

Beginning a new year is like starting the next chapter of a book or a new season of a TV series. It’s not so much a new beginning, but rather the continuation of a story: your story. You’ve already made a lot of progress along this path, and now you’re forging ahead. And although you may already have a lot of baggage, it’s important to leave room for new experiences and keep an open mind so you can pick up new tools to help you make good decisions.

The people around you, the messages you receive, and the information that’s shared with you all create awareness and action in many different ways. It’s important to recognize reliable sources and stay in tune with your needs, especially when it comes to taking care of your health.

In this latest issue of Lobe Magazine, hearing health professionals cover a range of topics to inform and guide you in all things hearing.

Through a series of articles, they highlight ways to fully experience the joys of hearing and understanding by covering topics like ear care, treatments for certain hearing disorders, communication strategies, and the latest technological advances.

As the talented and inspiring Mr. Gregory Charles mentions in his interview: a thirst for learning opens the door to a multitude of opportunities.

Happy New Year! May your 2023 be filled with joy.

Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe Clinics and Hearing Health

Table of Contents

Volume 16, number 1, 2023

Editor

Anne Dauphinais

Graphic designer

Andrée-Anne Michel

Printing house

TC Imprimeries Transcontinental

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Did You Know?

In 1958, American inventor John Koss revolutionized personal music listening by introducing the very first high-fidelity stereo headphones. Originally designed to demonstrate the sound quality of the company’s phonograph, the headphones sold faster than the record player itself! They had padded leather straps for comfort and large cups to block out surrounding noise. In 1966, Koss launched the Beatlephones, in collaboration with the Beatles. These blue headphones had stickers of the band members on each cup. To this day, Koss is still a major name in the field of electronics.

LAROSE, K. (n.d.). A History of Headphone Design: Looking at the Past, Present, and Future of the Loudest Accessory. https://www.ssense.com/. https://www.ssense.com/en-fr/editorial/culture/a-history-of-headphone-design

Gregory Charles Living a Harmonious Life

The name “Gregory Charles” definitely conjures up melodies and good times. Of the entire Quebec art scene, few can claim to be as versatile as he is, nor show as much energy and passion as he does.

We sat down with this music lover who lives life to the fullest!

Learning to Listen

Looking back on our own history means taking note of all that we’ve accomplished. For me, the most important part of my life—what has truly helped me grow—hasn’t so much been my adult life, but my childhood, during which I received my musical training. Everything I’ve done, my entire career in the artistic field, directly results from that time of my life.

I’m very fortunate to have been able to take part in so many projects and I’m blessed to be able to keep going strong after so many years. All these past events, and even other experiences to come, are larger than life and allow me to dream big. But the most important part remains the foundation of it all.

I come from a very musical family. My mother was my teacher, and she didn’t teach me music in a conventional or standard way. She made me play by ear and by instinct. Her motto was “Listen, and then learn, learn, learn!” This philosophy served me well for all the other subjects I studied, such as law, history, Latin, and so on. I listened carefully and, because of that, have gained so much knowledge.

All Roads Lead to Knowledge

The paths I have taken have allowed me to immerse myself in a number of different environments and explore a range of fields. But two themes run through all my experiences: entertainment and education. My mother used to say, “There’s a very clear relationship between knowledge and power.” It’s imperative to make the connection between these two notions, as they are intimately linked and grow together. Our skills are limited by the extent of our knowledge.

I try to apply this mindset to everything I do. On the radio or TV programs I’ve participated in, I’ve always tried to promote knowledge, to teach things. Even in my live performances, I interact directly with the audience by involving them in the creative process. The audience actually chooses the songs I perform throughout the evening. By listening to them, I keep them interested in hearing the rest of the show.

Living in the Moment

At home, we always dove headfirst into everything. I’ve learned to live each day to the fullest, take advantage of every opportunity, and face any challenges that arise head-on. Failures are part of our success; they are the milestones, the steps that lead us to succeed. And we need all those steps to get to the top!

I created Gregory’s Academy, my online piano school, to encourage people who want to learn the piano to go ahead and try. With a little perseverance and regular practice, everyone can succeed. But you can’t just play every so often—it should be every day, for at least 10 minutes. As with any discipline, you need to build your momentum and maintain a certain pace to achieve your goals.

I’m often asked if some people are better at learning music than others, if some have a more musical ear. The answer is yes! For some people, understanding and mastering things like chord progressions and melodies comes easily. It’s a bit like with temperature: some people are very sensitive to temperature changes and can tell the difference between a few degrees, while others will only notice the difference if someone points it out.

Regardless of age, personality type, areas of interest, or personal experiences, my advice to those who want to learn a musical instrument is simple: play! Choose an instrument you like and go ahead. Don’t hesitate, just play! You might see results much sooner than you think!

— Gregory Charles

A big thank you to Gregory Charles for this inspiring interview that encourages us to live in the moment and welcome everything life has to offer, with all our senses.

Anne Dauphinais Editor and Communications Advisor

COLUMN

Making 2023 the Best Year Ever

by Marie-Josée Taillefer

The holidays have passed once again— what a great time it was to rejoice, relax, and reconnect with our nearest and dearest. 2022 is over, leaving us with plenty of new memories.

And now we’re entering a new year.

How do you see it?

What are your plans?

Take the time to remember the important events that punctuated your year: the people who crossed your path, the activities that inspired and motivated you, the little discoveries you made.

It’s equally important to reflect on the tougher parts of the year: the challenges you faced, the things you found less easy, the things you’d rather not repeat. So look back on 2022, with all its highs and lows. Be kind and especially forgiving to yourself. Avoid being judgmental and try to be observant instead. By realizing everything you’ve accomplished, you can identify what you’d like to keep doing and what you’d like to start.

A Blank Slate!

This self-assessment makes it easier to set goals for the coming year. It helps you keep a light heart and an open mind to see what makes you happy. It shows you the exciting projects that give life meaning. Keep in mind that your goals don’t have to be large, either. They can be very simple: listening to new music, writing a page a day, taking a different route for your evening stroll, tasting a new flavour of tea, or offering a few hours of your time for a good cause.

Sometimes, trying something different is enough to pique our curiosity and encourage us to keep exploring. There’s no need to become a whole new person; it’s enough to find small ways to add joy to your everyday life. The important thing is to stay physically, mentally, and socially active.

Health First

To fully enjoy everything life has to offer, it’s crucial to make your health a priority.

Are you doing everything you can to make sure you’re living life to the fullest? Eating well will give you the energy you need for that cross-country skiing trip. Getting enough sleep will help you pay attention when you go out for coffee with friends. Good eyesight will make a museum visit so much more enjoyable. And what about your hearing? Is it letting you enjoy the concerts you go to or understand the joke your granddaughter is telling you so proudly?

Healthy hearing is so much more than just hearing well. It’s the immense joy of understanding well. Of staying in touch with our surroundings: the sounds of nature, the beauty of music, and the confidences of a loved one, yes, but also the warnings or sound signals that let you avoid unpleasant situations or even danger.

Preserving healthy hearing is like adding colour to your day. It’s the secret ingredient that’s key to a healthy, fulfilling life.

If you have any concerns about the quality of your hearing, don’t wait to seek help. Stay on top of your hearing health. Go out and gather the information that could make such a difference in every moment of your day. Contact the Lobe clinic nearest you and get an appointment for a free* hearing consultation, which includes an evaluation of your hearing. Thinking about what could be beneficial for you is an important step, but acting on it is the only way to become your best self!

I hope you have a wonderful, fulfilling 2023. And above all, I wish you good health, since that is what lets you live your dreams!

Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of

Health

Lobe Clinics and Hearing

Preserving healthy hearing is like adding colour to your day. It’s the secret ingredient that’s key to a healthy, fulfilling life.

What Does Lobe’s 20th Anniversary Mean?

Writing our History

Since 2006, Lobe Magazine has been showcasing the knowledge of its partners and the hearing health professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics network. Through hundreds of articles and columns, the authors discuss the importance of taking care of your hearing and present the latest technological advances in hearing aids and assistive listening devices. It’s a fascinating source of knowledge!

The Pleasure of Celebration

Lobe’s large network of clinics is made up of nearly 400 people who, every day, contribute to its purpose: changing lives by breaking the isolation that hearing loss causes. It is an honour and a privilege to make time to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

The Gala Célébration Lobe 20 ans was held at the Château Frontenac, Quebec.

Looking Forward to Meeting you

The professionals practicing in Lobe clinics educate Quebecers about hearing health through a multitude of activities. Since 2018, Marie-Josée Taillefer, ambassador of Lobe clinics and hearing health, has been holding conferences across Quebec to share her experiences and communicate her passion for the field of hearing health.

Creating Change Through Involvement

The Lobe network supports a number of non-profit organizations and institutions in the hearing health field. Among its notable supports, the network has allowed the implementation of a master’s program in audiology at Laval University. The audioprosthetists practicing in the Lobe clinics have created the Relève program for students in audioprosthetic. For more than 10 years now, the network has also contributed to several projects of the Fondation Sourdine. One of these important projects was the acquisition of a building for the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds in Quebec City. It is with great pride that we continue our mission and with great ambition that we envision the next 20 years.

Listening to You Everywhere in the Province

In 2002, the first Lobe clinics opened in the Beauce region, in Sainte-Marie and SaintGeorges. Since then, the network has grown every year in pursuit of its mission: to make hearing health and communication services accessible throughout Quebec. Today, Lobe has nearly 60 clinics throughout the province.

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Hearing Consultations: A First Step in the Right Direction!

People often decide to see a hearing health professional only after having doubts about their hearing for some time. Those little uncertainties lead them to want to know more, to understand better.

After blaming fatigue or lack of attention, a time comes when people must face the fact: their hearing isn’t what it used to be. This realization can come with several apprehensions about the next steps. And while some are eager to proceed, others are more reluctant to begin the consultation process. When it comes to their health, many people tend to look too far ahead and skip steps or fear potential diagnoses.

This is where office agents come into play. Their primary role is to reassure you and answer your questions. Sometimes a few words are enough: “We’re here for you.”

The office agent will talk to you over the phone to learn and understand your needs related to your hearing problems. Afterwards, they can schedule a free* hearing consultation with a hearing health professional (which includes an evaluation of your hearing).

Regardless of the type of call, you’ll be offered a solution. At each step, you’ll receive guidance, advice, and answers to all your questions.

Go Ahead… We’re All Ears!

Hearing consultations are an important step in taking care of your hearing. Our hearing health professionals establish the state of your hearing and learn about your daily listening and communication challenges. They also share accurate information about the importance of healthy hearing and the impacts that hearing loss can have. This can be an opportunity to dispel some misconceptions and talk about possible avenues for dealing with hearing loss, such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and communication strategies.

After that, the appointment will move on to the complete evaluation of your hearing. Depending on the results, you’ll be referred to other hearing health professionals to continue the process if necessary. It's never too early to have your hearing checked. Actually, the sooner the better! So why wait?

If you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing, schedule a free* hearing consultation, which includes an evaluation of your hearing.

Christine Fortin Clinical Training Agent and Call Centre Manager - Quebec

It's never too early to have your hearing checked. Actually, the sooner the better! So why wait?

Estelle Lamonde

Audioprosthetist practicing in Lévis and Lévis-Lauzon

Bring on the Music... But Not Too Loud!

We’re introduced to music as children, and it often becomes an integral part of our lives. We associate it with memories, significant moments, and people who crossed our path. It’s sad to think that listening to these tunes that mean so much to us could cause major—and possibly even permanent—damage to our hearing if their volume is too loud. Any sound, whether it’s a jackhammer or your favourite song, can cause irreversible damage to your ears (like tinnitus or hearing loss) if it’s too loud for too long.

According to a recent study, one billion young people around the world may suffer from hearing loss caused by listening to music too loudly.1 The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new standards for various entertainment venues to address this increased risk.2 However, we can’t overlook the importance of our own role in protecting our hearing.

What Exactly is “Too Loud”?

First of all, let’s clarify what we mean by “loud sounds” and “noisy environments.” For example, if you have to raise your voice or have trouble understanding someone talking to you from a few feet away, you’re probably in a place that could be affecting your hearing. The same is true if you experience discomfort in your ears after playing music around the house.

Listening repeatedly to music at loud volumes, either with headphones, in your car, or at a concert, can damage or even destroy your hair cells (the sensory cells that pick up sound vibrations) and cause hearing loss.

References :

1. ROUX, C. (November 20, 2022). Santé auditive : plus d’un milliard de jeunes menacés de surdité à travers le monde. https://www.ouest-france.fr/. https://www. ouest-france.fr/sante/sante-auditive-plus-d-un-milliard-de-jeunes-menaces-desurdite-a-travers-le-monde-98d23ae6-67fe-11ed-8d42-b9ab4d04aa80

2. WHO releases new standard to tackle rising threat of hearing loss. (n.d.). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-whoreleases-new-standard-to-tackle-rising-threat-of-hearing-loss

3. Échelle des niveaux sonores et réactions humaines. (n.d.). Home – OOAQ. https:// www.ooaq.qc.ca/media/2qolioh1/signet-echelle-sonore_vw.pdf

Here are some tips for listening to your music safely:

When Wearing Headphones

{ Get headphones that fit your ears properly. That way, you can hear the music clearly without having to turn up the volume.

{ Choose headphones with built-in noise reduction so that even if the volume of your music is turned down low, surrounding sounds won’t be noticeable.

{ Follow the 60/60 rule3 : 60 minutes of listening at 60% of your device’s maximum volume. If you plan on listening for more than an hour, turn down the volume.

At a Concert

{ Move as far away as possible from sound sources (speakers).

{ Wear earplugs to muffle the sound of the music. Make sure they’re adjusted properly and wear them the entire time you’re at the concert.

{ Take breaks. Go to a quiet place away from the noise to rest your ears.

While listening to music at a lower volume may involve changing your habits, remember that doing so will let you keep listening to your favourite song for years to come. Every note deserves to be heard.

Anabel Paquette Audiologist practicing in Saint-Jérôme, Mascouche, and Notre-Dame-des-Prairies

The Benefits of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids allow the person wearing them to hear and understand better. But what does “understanding better” really mean?

At first glance, you might think it’s about volume or sound clarity. These are certainly two elements that go along with better hearing. But beyond that, what is it like to get hearing aids and how can it change your daily life?

Rediscovering Your Auditory Environment

Being able to capture the sounds around you not only lets you be aware of your surroundings, but also gives you the chance to fully enjoy what your environment has to offer. For example, a walk in the forest is much more pleasant when you can hear birds singing or the trickle of a stream. During a concert, each note deserves to be heard, because it’s only when they all come together that the melodies truly come alive!

Understanding Every Word

Understanding speech is essential to staying connected to the world around you. Hearing aids can be calibrated so that speech stands out and surrounding noises are slightly quieter. That lets you focus more on the message that’s being shared with you. Conversations with our loved ones are meaningful because we get to share ideas, knowledge, and emotions. By understanding what’s being said, you can better participate in the discussion and share your views.

Speech comprehension is equally important when receiving information from other people in your daily life. When you’re talking to a cashier at the supermarket, a co-worker, or a healthcare professional, all of the important information needs to be properly understood so that you can take the appropriate action.

Safety First

Smoke detectors, oven timers, ringtones: the sounds of everyday life play an important role. They keep you connected to what’s going on around you and alert to potential dangers.

Less Fatigue, More Energy!

Asking people to repeat themselves, changing places to understand someone better, or pretending to understand even though you missed parts of the conversation are all coping methods that can become exhausting and cause a certain amount of stress. Hearing aids reduce the effort of listening and allow you to focus on what really counts: living in the moment.

A Stimulated Brain is a Healthy Brain!

The sensory deprivation caused by hearing loss can lead to anxiety and depression. In the long run, it can also become a factor of cognitive decline that impacts memory, judgment, and attention. Wearing hearing aids slows that decline and gives the brain access to the information.

Don’t miss out on rich conversations, easy understanding, and the beauty of the sounds around you. If you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing, schedule a free* hearing consultation, which includes an evaluation of your hearing.

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Mélodie Beaudoin Audioprosthetist practicing in Lac-Mégantic

Tourism and Hearing Loss

When it comes to planning a trip, you probably think about what to pack based on the weather and the activities you have planned. But language, getting around, and safety precautions are also important. Hearing aid wearers will be pleased to know that there are some new features to make their lives easier when going on adventures in foreign lands!

Instant Translation

This feature translates what’s being said into text in the language of your choice on your smartphone—in real time! The translation is sent directly into your hearing aids to help you converse despite the language barrier.

Sound Adjustment

Hearing aids can be adjusted by your audioprosthetist to emphasize people’s speech and slightly lower background noise. This helps you understand better when you’re having a conversation in a noisy place.

In addition to the technological advances designed to give people with hearing loss peace of mind, you can use some of these communication strategies to make sharing and understanding important information easier.

Geolocation

Once installed on your smartphone, the geolocation system can track hearing aids based on their latest connection data. This helps you find them quickly if you misplace them.

¬ Face the speaker to better understand what they are saying and read their lips if necessary.

¬ Ask people to speak slower, no matter if it’s in your native language or a foreign language.

Reminders

Set scheduled alarms on your phone so you don’t forget anything, whether that’s taking medication, leaving for the airport, or doing important tasks. The alarm can go off right in your hearing aids.

Good to Know

¬ Ask questions to clarify the topic or to make sure you correctly understood what was said.

¬ When possible, ask people to speak one at a time.

¬ Do not hesitate to inform people that you have a hearing loss in public places in order to facilitate communication.

¬ Sign up for airport text message alerts to be notified of any flight changes or other important messages on your smartphone.

Safe travels!

Caroll-Ann Marois-Lowe Specialized educator practicing in Pont-Rouge

References :

- Tips and warnings for travelling with hearing aids. (August 8, 2022). Starkey | Find the Best Hearing Aid for You. https://www.starkeycanada.ca/blog/articles/2022/08/tips-and-warnings-for-traveling-with-hearingaids?sc_lang=en-CA

- AI Powered Hearing Aids | Starkey Livio Edge AI. (n.d.). Starkey | Find the Best Hearing Aid for You. https:// www.starkeycanada.ca/hearing-aids/livio-edge-artificial-intelligence-hearing-aids?sc_lang=en-CA

- Thrive Hearing Control App User Guide. (2020). https://home.starkeypro.com/. https://cdn.mediavalet. com/usil/starkeyhearingtech/ObHzu9QgM02pnGeuQJQzlA/ZvNjhQtwJEac0LTvuDcMIA/Original/ Thrive_Hearing_Control_App_User_Guide.pdf

- Travelling with a medical device – Travel.gc.ca. (n.d.). Travel.gc.ca. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/healthsafety/medical-device?_ga=2.92066394.1176616860.1670652980-1670928301.1670652979

- SMS Alerts. (n.d.). https://www.admtl.com/en/flights/sms-service

According to the website of the Government of Canada, hearing aids are authorized medical devices at security checkpoints. That means you don’t need to remove them when going through security.

How Does Sleep Help with Diabetes Management?

According to the Canadian Sleep Society, adults need between 6 and 9 hours of sleep per day.1 But with our hectic lifestyles, getting enough sleep can be a big challenge. In fact, a third of Canadians aged 18 to 64 report sleeping fewer than the minimum 7 hours per night that experts recommend for their age group.2

Sleep and Blood Sugar Management

The quality and length of sleep can change the way your body manages blood sugar. In particular, poor sleep:

² Makes your cells less sensitive to insulin.

² Prevents your insulin-producing cells from working properly.

When your insulin sensitivity is decreased, it means the body needs to produce more insulin to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. However, if you have diabetes, your body has trouble meeting that greater demand, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.

Questions about diabetes?

Diabetes Québec offers the free InfoDiabetes service (available in French and English) to people living with diabetes, loved ones and healthcare professionals.

Our health professionals answer questions by phone, email, or chat.

514 259-3422 or 1 800 361-3504

infodiabete@diabete.qc.ca

diabete.qc.ca

Sleep Influences Your Lifestyle

Chronic sleep deprivation often leads to poorer lifestyle habits. For instance, people who are often sleep-deprived tend to eat more energy-rich foods (i.e., those high in fat and sugar), in the long term leading to weight gain. They’re also tired more often, meaning they have less energy to get moving. And since dietary choices and physical activity both play a big part in blood sugar management, this can make it even harder for people with diabetes to manage their condition.3

Here are some tips for you if you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep:

Turn off your screens an hour before bedtime and choose a quiet activity, like reading.

Exercise during the day to help you sleep deeper at night.

To find the best amount of sleep for you, why not keep a sleep diary to track how much sleep you’ve gotten and how much energy you have during the day? Getting a good night’s sleep is definitely one way to bring you that much closer to a healthy lifestyle— one whose benefits you’ll enjoy every day!4

Julie St-Jean, Dt.P., ÉAD Professional Services Coordinator Diabetes Quebec

References :

1. Health Reports – Duration and quality of sleep among Canadians aged 18 to 79. (2017, September 20). https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/ pub/82-003-x/2017009/article/54857-eng.htm

2. Nedeltcheva, A. V., and Scheer, F. A. (2014). Metabolic effects of sleep disruption, links to obesity and diabetes. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes, 21(4), 293–298. DOI: 10.1097/ MED.0000000000000082.

3. Sleep Duration and Diabetes Risk: Population Trends and Potential Mechanisms –PubMed. (n.d.). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27664039/

4. “How to get a good night’s sleep without medication” brochure. (n.d.). CaDeN. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5836f01fe6f2e1fa62c11f08/t/5c6587cbe79c702fc1385c50/1550157774396/Sleep+brochure_11Feb2019.pdf

Noise

Hypersensitivity: A Real Condition!

Noise hypersensitivity is a physical or physiological reaction to hearing certain sounds or tones. It’s an intolerance to noise that can cause stress, discomfort, and even pain.

Noise hypersensitivity is a broad term that’s subcategorized into several different hearing disorders. Here are the two most common ones.

Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is an auditory system disorder that’s characterized by an abnormal hypersensitivity to mediumand high-volume noises. In other words, the person perceives ambient sounds as being too loud, even though they’re a “normal” volume. This issue can make certain noises absolutely unbearable, turning them into a source of stress and irritability.

In addition to the physiological symptoms, hyperacusis can cause physical reactions like:

{ fatigue

{ headaches

{ feeling of ear fullness

{ ear pain

Hyperacusis doesn’t have a specific cause, but it can be associated to another medical condition like hearing loss, head injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, a chronic pain disorder, or even anxiety or depression.

If the hyperacusis is related to hearing loss, the patient will be referred to an audiologist who may recommend hearing aids to help re-establish the audibility of sounds and the stimulation of the hearing system. If not, there are other solutions available. Sound therapy is one such option: it involves stimulating the auditory system by exposing it to different noises, such as those found in the environment, music and white noises. Instead of hiding or reducing the noise, the therapy helps the person tolerate it. By desensitizing the person to the noise, it can help reduce nervous activity in their auditory system and improve their tolerance to loud sounds. The more comfortable people with hyperacusis are with the sounds in their environment, the less likely they are to isolate themselves to alleviate their discomfort.

Misophonia

Misophonia is also characterized by an intolerance to certain noises. However, the noises that cause the discomfort are often more specific. For example, someone with misophonia might have difficulties tolerating chewing noises. Other sounds in the room might be fine, but that particular sound will cause a strong reaction. Repetitive noises, such as a clock ticking or a foot tapping, are often common triggers for misophonia.

When people with misophonia hear these sounds, it creates an abnormal activation of the emotional system and the system associated with attention. This is why misophonia treatment often involves support from an audiologist and a psychologist. More specifically, the patients are taught to ignore certain sounds to reduce their negative connotations.

If you are experiencing symptoms of noise hypersensitivity, please talk to an audiologist.

Pier-Luc

Trudeau

Audiologist practicing in Boisbriand, Mirabel, Saint-Jérôme, and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

References : - Baguley, D., Ph.D. (2021). 20Q: Current Perspectives on Hyperacusis. Audiology Online.

- Formby, C.; Hawley, M. L.; Sherlock, L.P.; Gold, S.; Payne, J.; Brooks, R.; Parton, J. M.; Juneau, R.; Desporte, E. J.; Siegle, G. R. (2015). A Sound Therapy-Based Intervention to Expand the Auditory Dynamic Range for Loudness among Persons with Sensorineural Hearing Losses: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Seminars in Hearing. Vol. 36 No. 2: 77–110. DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1546958. PMID: 27516711; PMCID: PMC4906300.

- Jastreboff, P. J., Ph.D., Sc.D., MBA (2021). Misophonia: History, Mechanisms, Treatment. Audiology Online.

- Jastreboff, P. & Jastreboff, M. (2014). Treatments for Decreased Sound Tolerance (Hyperacusis and Misophonia). Seminars in Hearing. Vol. 35 No. 2: 105–120. DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1372527.

Hearing Protection for Everyone!

There are many types of hearing protection on the market. But with all the advice, hearsay, advertisements, brands, and materials out there, it’s not always easy to make the right choices.

Thankfully, hearing health professionals are there to help you choose the right hearing protection for your needs.

Here are some solutions to consider to protect your precious ears!

Custom Earmolds

There are two types of custom earmolds: filtered and unfiltered. They’re suitable for different needs. If a worker needs to protect their ears but also must have conversations and stay alert to the noises around (for example, a foreman walking through a site), custom earmolds with filters are the best option. Filters are placed in small holes inserted in the ear canal part of the earmold. They allow you to understand some speech while still reducing the noise around you.

Unfiltered Earmolds

However, for a worker in a noisy environment and who wants to block out as much sound as possible, custom earmolds without filters may be a better choice. They block sounds better since they don’t have openings.

Custom earmolds can be made with a cord to help you remove them safely and keep them around your neck when you’re not using them.

A Good (and Protected) Ear for Music

For musicians, there are different types of filters inserted in the custom earmolds depending on the number of decibels that needs to be blocked (9 dB, 15 dB, or 25 dB). The instrument played is an important factor in the choice; after all, a cello player in a string quartet will usually have very different needs than a drummer in a heavy metal band. Musician’s earmolds allow them to keep playing normally, since the sound is reduced equally on all frequencies.

Custom Swimming Earmolds

There are also custom earmolds designed specifically for swimming. They’re made of a buoyant material, so they don’t get lost in the water (if taken out while listening to instructions). This type of earmold is highly recommended for children who are prone to external otitis (swimmer’s ear) or have benefited from transtympanic tube placement, or for people who have eardrum perforation. The custom mold creates an excellent seal. These earmolds are available in a variety of colours.

These earmolds are made from an impression of the external auditory canal to customize them and make sure they’re as comfortable and effective as possible. When the audioprosthetist or specialized educator hands them over, they’ll explain how to insert them and how to clean them before and after each use.

Can’t I Just Buy Something at the Pharmacy?

Custom earmolds differ in many ways from the foam, wax, or silicone earplugs you see at the pharmacy. As mentioned earlier, custom earmolds provide a much better seal and greater protection, since they block sounds better. Over-the-counter earplugs need to be shaped with the fingers before each use to fit the shape of the ear. This constant handling causes dirt to collect on the plugs, and that dirt then gets pushed into the ear. In addition, pushing the plug into the ear every time it is inserted could, over time, cause wax to be pushed back into the ear canal and create a blockage.

Talk to your audioprosthetist or specialized educator to learn more about your options for protecting your hearing.

Patrick Giroux Specialized educator practicing in Lévis

Earmuffs

Earmuffs are good for short-term use, especially in situations where the noise isn’t consistent (like when you’re starting up a table saw). They allow you to take them off and hang them around your neck as needed.

Earmuffs are usually adjustable and certain models can be used to help protect children’s hearing in loud environments, like at concerts. Many schools also provide them for students who have trouble concentrating during exams. Since they cover the entire ear, they effectively block out surrounding noise.

Earmuffs are available in the online store a boutique.lobe.ca/en

A Solution to Feedback

Feedback (also called the Larsen effect) is a common acoustic issue. In hearing aids, it occurs when the sound made by the receiver is being reabsorbed by the microphone. From there, the sound gets re-amplified, and the retroaction causes the devices to squeal.

Several different situations can cause feedback. For instance, it might happen when you’re inserting your hearing aids or when you bring something close to your ears (like when you’re hugging someone). Conventional hearing aids digital circuits systems are designed to counteract feedback by reducing amplification to eliminate the over-amplified signal. Consequently, the wearer uses hearing aids with reduced gain, thus reducing speech understanding.

One Step Ahead of the Problem

Unlike traditional anti-feedback systems that only react once the feedback is created; the Polaris platform combines two technologies: the MoreSound OptimizerTM (MSO) and the Feedback Shield. These work together to neutralize acoustic feedback before it’s even heard.

The MoreSound OptimizerTM is in the first line of defence. It breaks the feedback loop by introducing a timeand frequency-modulated signal that reduces and then quickly restores the amplification. On average, it takes just 60 milliseconds to detect and manage feedback. This patented technique has little impact on speech understanding. If the risk of feedback is only momentary, the MoreSound OptimizerTM turns off the modulation once the risk has passed. But if the risk persists, the Feedback Shield acts by reversing the phase, shifting the frequency, and, as a last resort, reducing the amplification. These innovative technologies are available in different models of hearing aids.

Other Tips to Reduce Feedback

While feedback in hearing aids isn’t harmful, the squeal can be very annoying.

You can try to solve the problem by first making sure that your hearing aid is correctly placed in your ear.

You can also consult your audioprosthetist to check for earwax buildup in your external auditory canal. Excessive earwax can increase the risk of feedback, as it prevents sound from reaching the eardrum properly.

If you hear continuous whistling, don’t hesitate to talk to your audioprosthetist for a proper adjustment.

Josée Guillemette Bilingual audiology support specialist

Charles-Édouard Basile Director of Business Development and trainer for the adult and pediatric programs

Fugère Audiology support specialist

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Cotton Swabs and Ears

Don’t Go Together!

Cotton swabs were originally designed for infant care, like belly button cleaning. They were later used to apply makeup and for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of the house. People then started using them for a much different purpose: cleaning their ears.

Despite cotton swabs manufacturers putting warnings on their packaging not to insert cotton swabs into the ear canal, people continue to do it.

What’s so bad about it, anyway?

What are the dangers of cleaning your ears with cotton swabs?

Better Safe than Sorry

By far the greatest risk is eardrum perforation. If a cotton swab is accidentally inserted too deeply, it can puncture the eardrum. In addition, rather than cleaning the ears properly, cotton swabs can sometimes create earwax buildup.

Here’s why…

Earwax (also called cerumen) is secreted in the outer third of the ear canal. It acts as a natural barrier, protecting the skin of the ears against bacteria, and fungi.

Because of their shape and narrowness, cotton swabs can push earwax further down the external auditory canal, where it can build up and eventually block the canal. This buildup can cause pain, hearing loss, and even tinnitus. The natural cleaning system of the ears is driven by jaw movements (like chewing), which push the earwax towards the external ear canal. If there is visible excess wax in the external canal, it’s recommended to simply use a cloth, slightly dampened with warm water, to remove it.

The Right Professionals for the Right Care

If your auditory canal is too narrow or you produce a lot of earwax, the wax may not be expelled on its own. In this case, it is important to make an appointment with your family physician, an ENT, or a nurse to have your ears cleaned. They will first perform an otoscopy (ear examination) to determine whether or not there is an excess of cerumen. If so, they will extract it from your ear.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your hearing health professional if you have any questions.

Janie Durette Audioprosthetist practising in Quebec City

References :

- Can Cotton Swabs Damage Hearing? | HearCANADA. (n.d.) Hearing Aids & Hearing Tests in Canada | HearCANADA. https://www.hearcanada.com/en-ca/blog/can-cottonswabs-damage-hearing

- Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students. (n.d.) PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812304/

- ROSLOW SCHWARTZ, S. (March 22, 2022) Ear wax: the good, the bad, and the ugly. ENT & Audiology News. https://www.entandaudiologynews.com/features/audiology-features/post/ear-wax-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

- Ear Wax Blockage - The American Academy of Audiology. (n.d.) The American Academy of Audiology. https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/ear-wax-blockage/

Hearing Aids with Artif icial Intelligence: Smarter Than Ever!

Having a hearing loss can be difficult and trying to explain it to someone who has normal hearing can be a challenge. For example, explaining the difference between “hearing” and “understanding” to someone with normal hearing can be quite difficult.

Everyone’s hearing loss is different, but it’s important to help our friends, families and coworkers better understand what we go through each day with our hearing loss so that we can work together for better communication. Untreated hearing loss has a profound impact on a person’s life and overall wellness. It can result in negative emotions and consequences both at home and at work. More than that, it affects not just the person with hearing loss but everyone in their lives, as well.

Technology to Improve Everyday Life

Back in the ‘70s, when hearing aids offered analog circuit, the features available were quite limited. Today’s hearing aids are much more high-tech and user-friendly for all ages.

Nowadays hearing aids are much easier to use and operate, and convenient to put in and out. Also, they:

ª are rechargeable and water resistant

ª reduce feedback

ª have much better sound quality

ª are hands-free

ª can stream to other Bluetooth® devices

ª provide the option to personally adjust features with your smart phone

An update has recently been made to a line of hearing aids that have Artificial Intelligence and embedded sensors. This new release delivers significant sound enhancements as well as an update to our 2-Way Audio feature that lets wearers take and end calls directly from their hearing aids instead of their Apple device.

And our industry-leading artificial intelligence feature called Edge Mode has also been updated for transportation noise. It’s ideal for people who drive a lot, as road noise can be very disruptive when you’re trying to listen to someone else in the car.

We firmly believe that to hear better is to live better. Hearing loss is linked to numerous quality-of-life issues, and treating it has benefits. If you’re struggling to hear your best, make a 2023 resolution to get your hearing checked.

Rizlane Bellamlih Territory Manager

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Going Totally High-Tech!

Information technology is booming. Having access to a computer and an Internet connection has become an essential part of school life, and the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds is no exception.

Over the past few years, the École oraliste has been fortunate to count on the continued support of the Fondation Sourdine and its partners, such as the Fondation des Sourds, to update its computer equipment. More specifically, we progressively underwent a big “tech shift” to Apple. Teachers were fortunate enough to get MacBooks, and high-quality projectors and speakers are now installed in every classroom. This technology has greatly enhanced teaching.

New Tools for Learning

Each high school students now have their own iPads for the duration of their schooling with us. Our primary school students also have the chance to discover the many apps available on this high-tech tool. Teachers have quickly found that for practicing reading, writing, and math, the iPad is a simple, effective, and intuitive tool that offers many educational opportunities.

In 2019, we were also grateful to receive sound field amplification systems for all of our classrooms. This major improvement allows all of our students to enjoy exceptional sound quality, whether they are deaf or not. While technology is not a guarantee of academic success, it definitely contributes to the students’ motivation and helps them develop their digital skills.

The New Year is Looking Bright!

Hearing aids and cochlear implants have also undergone technological advances, giving our deaf and hard-ofhearing students a real chance at academic and social integration.

All these new technologies improve the way we teach and help all of our students succeed at school. Their success is our priority, and our dearest wish for 2023!

Amélie De L’Étoile Digital Education Specialist École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds

Over the past few years, the École oraliste has been fortunate to count on the continued support of the Fondation Sourdine and its partners, such as the Fondation des Sourds, to update its computer equipment.

Natural Sound for an Optimal Experience

Is a natural hearing experience your greatest wish for 2023? You’re in luck!

The first experience with a hearing aid is crucial. That is why one manufacturer has developed a hearing aid technology that offers people with hearing loss a quality sound that they will appreciate from the first time they listen to it.

This advanced technology, called PureSoundTM, provides sound clarity by reducing the “artificial” sound common in hearing aids. This is made possible by a second sound processing pathway that reduces the distortion caused by standard signal processing delays.

The Proven Advantages of PureSoundTM

Unparalleled Spatial Perception

In a survey1, 95% of wearers said that with PureSoundTM, it felt like spatial sound localisation was more realistic. A scientific study shows that this perception can be attributed to the fact that this technology allows for more precise acoustic reflections enabling listeners to identify listening positions more accurately.

Natural sounds contain cues that inform us about our environment. For example, the sound perceived on a one-on-one conversation in a small restaurant versus in a large hotel lobby will be different due to reflections (the way sound is reflected from surfaces in the room and how fast those reflections return to the listener). The hearing aid's sound processing delay can interfere with the timing of these reflections for the wearer, resulting in a sound that does not correspond to the room. But the ultra-low delay of PureSoundTM means that the timing of the room reflections is preserved for a more natural sound.

Better Speech Understanding

A 2020 study2 showed that the representation of sound signals in the brain is more robust with PureSoundTM than with standard-delay hearing aids. This improves voice identification, as well as speech clarity and comprehension.

Better Sound Quality in Various Environments

According to this study, 85% of participants with hearing loss and 100% of normal-hearing participants indicated an overall preference for PureSoundTM over conventional hearing aids. Twenty different scenarios were proposed, including listening to speech in quiet and noisier environments, the quality of their voice, and hearing ambient noises and specific sounds.

A possible explanation for these advantages is the natural quality of the hearing experience and the sound localization ability with PureSoundTM make the listening experience more enjoyable in any situation.

Talk to your audioprosthetist to learn more about hearing aid technology.

Janic

Lauriault

Audiologist

References :

1. BALLING et al. (2021). Sound Quality for All: The Benefits of Ultra-Fast Signal Processing in Hearing Aids. Hearing Review 28(9): 32–35.

2. SLUGOCKI, Christopher; Francis Kuk; Petri Korhonen; and Neal Ruperto. (2020). Neural Encoding of the Stimulus Envelope Facilitated by Widex ZeroDelay Technology. Hearing Review 27(8): 28–31.

- STIEFENHOFER, G. (May 17, 2002) Hearing aid delay in open-fit devices – coloration-pitch discrimination in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2022.2049380

- KORHONEN et al. (2022). Low Processing Delay Preserves Natural Cues and Improves Spatial Perception in Hearing Aids. Hearing Review 29(6): 20–25.

- BALLING, L. W.; & Helmink, D. (2021). Optimizing Sound in Signal Processing and Hearing Aid Fitting. Audiology Practices, 13(4), 12–17.

- SONG, J. H.; Skoe, E.; Banai, K.; & Kraus, N. (2011). Perception of speech in noise: Neural correlates. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 23(9), 2268–2279.

- BALLING, L. W.; Townend, O.; Stiefenhofer, G.; & Switalski, W. (2020). Reducing hearing aid delay for optimal sound quality: a new paradigm in processing. Hearing Review, 27(4), 20–26.

- KUK, F.; Ruperto, N.; Slugocki, C.; & Korhonen, P. (2020). Efficacy of Directional Microphones in Open Fittings Under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios Using Widex Moment Hearing Aids. Hearing Review 27(6): 20–23.

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Proud

Demystifying Labyrinthitis

People tend to think they have labyrinthitis if they experience occasional bouts of dizziness or vertigo. While they can be associated with this condition, which affects the vestibular system, diagnosing labyrinthitis is much more complex.

When Things Spin Out of Control

Labyrinthitis is the inflammation of the inner ear, or labyrinth. It’s quite rare and mainly affects people between the ages of 30 and 60, both men and women. The main symptom of labyrinthitis is rotary vertigo. It makes you feel like the environment around you is spinning, for a continuous period of two to three weeks. Because labyrinthitis is generally the result of a viral infection, there is no specific treatment for it. However, certain medications can be prescribed to ease symptoms (ex.: antivirals or corticosteroids). Also, the body produces antibodies while healing. This means that if you have labyrinthitis once, you’re unlikely to experience it again.

In addition to dizziness, labyrinthitis causes tinnitus due to the inflammation of the inner ear. People affected by the disease also experience hearing loss.

Regaining Balance

While it isn’t possible to prevent labyrinthitis and no specific cure is currently known, healthcare professionals can provide vestibular rehabilitation therapy to shorten the duration of symptoms and help people get back to their lives quicker. The therapy consists mainly of balance retraining through eye and neck exercises. Small head and body movements can help reduce the feeling of being off-balance.

Meniere’s Disease: What’s the Difference?

Like labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease is mainly characterized by vertigo and dizziness. However, the episodes are more sudden, lasting from a few dozen minutes to several hours. Between episodes, the symptoms can disappear for several months or even years. This chronic disease is not caused by a virus, but rather is the result of an abnormal amount of fluid in the inner ear (endolymph).

Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare professional to learn more about these ear conditions.

Brigitte Sauvageau Audiologist practicing in Montreal

23rd Les Saveurs du Théâtre for the Fondation Sourdine

Ici, maintenant, ensemble! [Here, now, together!]

This is the theme of the Fondation Sourdine’s 23rd Les Saveurs du Théâtre fundraiser, which will take place on May 10th, 2023, at the Théâtre du Capitole.

Presented by Quebecor, in partnership with Lobe and Volvo de Québec, this special evening celebrates children who have significant hearing, speech, and language impairments. The evening will be led by honorary president Nicolas Audet-Renoux, Regional Vice President at RBC Royal Bank.

During this unique opportunity, young people aged 7 to 16 will put on a moving show full of extraordinary determination. Their disabilities may severely limit communication, but they will be putting on a spoken-word play.

Specially written for them by Amélie Plaisance, a dedicated and committed teacher from the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds, this piece sheds light on issues such as cultural diversity, social inclusion, staying motivated in school, and more.

It’s also an opportunity to enjoy a good meal while spending time in great company.

The evening, Ici, maintenant, ensemble! will be an opportunity to rally around a cause that gives every student at the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds a VOICE for their ambitions.

Sandra Ferguson Executive Director of the Fondation Sourdine

Our Partners

What's New

in the Lobe clinics

Four New Audiologists at Your Service!

We’d like to welcome the newest audiologists practicing in the Lobe clinics network!

Élodie Tremblay

Lac-Mégantic, Sherbrooke, Rock Forest and Granby clinics

Émile Couture

Thetford Mines and Quebec clinics

Aura-Johanna Ceron-Ceballos

Lebourgneuf, Sainte-Foy and Saint-Augustin-deDesmaures clinics

Francis-Loïc Dubé Quebec and Beauce clinics

Opening of the Granby Lobe clinic

There’s a new clinic in the Lobe network! The Granby Lobe clinic opened its doors in December 2022.

Address:

215 Montcalm Blvd., suite 130 Granby, QC J2G 5C2

Audioprosthetists: 450 762-2148

Audiologists: 450 762-2149

Several Open Positions

Do you enjoy taking care of others?

Do you like making people happy?

Join the Lobe network, which brings ENT doctors, audiologists, audioprosthetists, and specialized educators together under one roof!

To learn more or apply, visit carrieres.lobe.ca/en. Come make a difference. Listen to your calling!

Addresses of the Lobe clinics

Capitale-Nationale

Donnacona

Complexe Santé Donnacona

499, route 138, suite 200

Donnacona Qc G3M 0A9

Audiologists : 581 821-2435

Audioprosthetists: 581 821-2434

Pont-Rouge

20, route de la Pinière, suite 101

Pont-Rouge Qc G3H 0M6

ENT specialists : 581 318-3505

Audiologists : 581 329-8476

Audioprosthetists: 581 329-8401

Québec • Beauport

Clinique médicale de Giffard

Les Promenades Beauport, door 4

3333, rue du Carrefour, suite A222

Québec Qc G1C 5R9

Audiologists : 418 780-6270

Audioprosthetists: 418 780-3007

Québec • Charlesbourg

La Cité Médicale de Charlesbourg

8500, boul. Henri-Bourassa

Suite 250, Québec Qc G1G 5X1

ENT specialists : 418 780-3015

Audiologists : 418 780-6270

Audioprosthetists: 418 780-3007

Québec • Lebourgneuf

Complexe Vision

725, boul. Lebourgneuf, suite 315

Québec Qc G2J 0C4

ENT specialists : 418 780-3015

Audiologists : 418 780-6270

Audioprosthetists: 418 780-3007

Québec • Limoilou

Complexe Santé Synase

1825, boul. Henri-Bourassa

Suite 302, Québec Qc G1J 0H4

ENT specialists : 581 814-8901

Audiologists : 581 814-8900

Audioprosthetists: 581 814-8899

Speech-language pathologists: 581 814-8902

Free parking, coupon given at the exit

Québec • Neufchâtel

Clinique médicale DuChatel

9465, boul. de l’Ormière, suite 102

Québec Qc G2B 3K7

Audiologists : 418 915-8919

Audioprosthetists: 418 843-5244

Québec • Saint-Sacrement

Complexe La Cité Verte

1200, rue des Sœurs-du-Bon-Pasteur

Suite 310, Québec Qc G1S 0B1

Audiologists : 581 742-3880

Audioprosthetists: 581 742-6050

Québec • Sainte-Foy

Clinique médicale Saint-Louis

3165, chemin Saint-Louis, suite 420

Québec Qc G1W 4R4

ENT specialists : 418 781-1735

Audiologists : 418 781-1734

Audioprosthetists: 418 781-1733

Free parking, coupon given at the exit

Québec • Val-Bélair

Polyclinique médicale Val-Bélair

1147, boul. Pie XI Nord, suite 205

Québec Qc G3K 2P8

Audiologists : 418 915-2117

Audioprosthetists: 418 915-2116

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures

Complexe médical l’Hêtrière

3520, rue de l’Hêtrière, suite 103

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures Qc

G3A 0B4

ENT specialists : 418 614-1665

Audiologists : 418 614-1662

Audioprosthetists: 418 614-1661

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Complexe Santé Côte-de-Beaupré

9745, boul. Sainte-Anne, suite 303

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Qc

G0A 3C0

Audiologists : 581 540-3022

Audioprosthetists: 581 540-3021

Centre-du-Québec

Drummondville

110, rue Saint-Jean, suite 300

Drummondville Qc J2B 7T1

ENT specialists : 819 857-4777

Audiologists : 819 857-4666

Audioprosthetists: 819 472-7676

Chaudière-Appalaches

Beauceville

Coop santé Robert-Cliche

463-B, boul. Renault

Beauceville Qc G5X 1N5

Audiologists : 581 813-3015

Audioprosthetists: 581 813-3013

Disraeli

1244, avenue Champlain

Disraeli Qc G0N 1E0

Audiologists : 581 714-3051

Audioprosthetists: 581 714-3050

Lac-Etchemin

Résidence Belvédère du Lac

301, rue du Sanatorium, suite 121

Lac-Etchemin Qc G0R 1S0

Audiologists : 418 228-7071

Audioprosthetists: 581 820-3220

Lévis

Complexe Lévis 1

1655, boul. Alphonse-Desjardins

Suite 210, Lévis Qc G6V 0B7

ENT specialists : 418 830-5622

Audiologists : 418 830-0987

Audioprosthetists: 418 830-5623

Lévis • Lauzon

Complexe Santé Lévis-Lauzon

6750, boul. Guillaume-Couture

Suite 102, Lévis Qc G6V 9H4

Audiologists : 581 629-0414

Audioprosthetists: 581 629-0413

Free parking, coupon given at the exit

Lévis • Saint-Romuald

Complexe Pôle Sud

1190 A, rue de Courchevel, suite 502

Lévis Qc G6W 0M5

ENT specialists : 418 903-8102

Audiologists : 418 903-8101

Audioprosthetists: 418 903-8100

Lévis • Saint-Jean-Chrysostome

Complexe Santé Taniata

700, avenue Taniata, suite 104

Lévis Qc G6Z 2C2

Audiologists : 581 629-0409

Audioprosthetists: 581 629-0408

Saint-Georges

14640, boul. Lacroix

Saint-Georges Qc G5Y 7G8

ENT specialists : 418 228-7684

Audiologists : 418 228-7071

Audioprosthetists: 418 228-2970

Sainte-Marie

340, boul. Vachon Sud

Sainte-Marie Qc G6E 1X8

ENT specialists : 418 386-3643

Audiologists : 418 386-4426

Audioprosthetists: 418 387-7988

Thetford Mines

Place 611

611, boul. Frontenac Est, suite 201

Thetford Mines Qc G6G 6Y7

ENT specialists : 418 755-0176

Audiologists : 418 755-0138

Audioprosthetists: 418 338-8777

Estrie

Lac-Mégantic 6246, rue Salaberry

Lac-Mégantic Qc G6B 1H8

Audiologists : 819 583-4631

Audioprosthetists: 819 583-6633

Granby

215, boul. Montcalm, suite 130

Granby Qc J2G 5C2

Audiologists : 450 762-2148

Audioprosthetists: 450 762-2149

Sherbrooke Ouest Complexe de la Santé

15, rue J.-A.-Bombardier, suite A200

Sherbrooke Qc J1L 0H8

ENT specialists : 819 780-9747

Audiologists : 819 780-9746

Audioprosthetists: 819 348-4334

Sherbrooke Est

Clinique médicale GMA de la Rivière

360, rue Galt Est, suite 102

Sherbrooke Qc J1G 1X9

Audiologists : 819 416-1503

Audioprosthetists: 819 416-1502

Rock Forest 5035, boul. Bourque, suite 101

Sherbrooke Qc J1N 2K6

Audiologists : 873 639-0022

Audioprosthetists: 873 639-0023

Lanaudière

Notre-Dame-des-Prairies Centre professionnel des Prairies 449, route 131, suite 205

Notre-Dame-des-Prairies Qc J6E 0M1

Audiologists : 579 841-0051

Audioprosthetists: 579 841-0050

Mascouche 2705, chemin Sainte-Marie Suite 102, Mascouche Qc J7K 1M8

Audiologists : 450 769-9221

Audioprosthetists: 450 769-9220

Laurentides

Boisbriand

Polyclinique 640 2000, cours Le Corbusier, suite 105 Boisbriand Qc J7G 3E8

Audiologists : 450 437-2442

Audioprosthetists: 450 437-4343

Mirabel Complexe Médical Cité Mirabel 11800, rue de Chaumont, suite 420 Mirabel Qc J7J 0T8

ENT specialists : 579 226-0216

Audiologists : 579 226-0215

Audioprosthetists: 579 226-0214

Saint-Jérôme

Polyclinique Saint-Jérôme

200, rue Durand, suite 209

Saint-Jérôme Qc J7Z 7E2

ENT specialists : 450 565-9898

Audiologists : 450 592-0804

Audioprosthetists: 450 592-0801

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Résidence des Laurentides 107, rue Principale Est

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts Qc

J8C 1J9

Audiologists : 873 228-0082

Audioprosthetists: 873 228-0081

Laval

Laval • Chomedey

Cité de l’Avenir

1575, boul. de l’Avenir, suite 120

Laval Qc H7S 2N5

Audiologists : 450 934-8362

Audioprosthetists: 450 934-2614

Laval • Chomedey 440

Carrefour Santé 440

4650, Desserte Sud Autoroute 440

Suite 370, Laval Qc H7T 2Z8

ENT specialists : 450 781-4556

Audiologists : 450 687-6897

Audioprosthetists: 450 687-0255

Mauricie

Shawinigan

3222, boul. des Hêtres

Shawinigan Qc G9N 3B6

Audioprosthetists: 819 539-8666

Trois-Rivières

1785, boul. du Carmel, suite 245

Trois-Rivières Qc G8Z 3R8

Audiologists : 819 415-2888

Audioprosthetists: 819 378-7477

Grand Nord Québécois

Tel.: 819 378-7477

Montérégie

Châteauguay

Complexe médical Châteauguay

288, boul. d’Anjou, suite 210

Châteauguay Qc J6K 1C6

ENT specialists : 450 844-6868

Audiologists : 450 844-6858

Audioprosthetists: 450 844-6848

Longueuil

1215, ch. Du Tremblay, door 165

Longueuil Qc J4N 1R4

ENT specialists : 450 448-4244

Audiologists : 450 448-8090

Audioprosthetists: 450 448-4544

Saint-Hubert

4025, boul. Taschereau, suite 1200

Saint-Hubert Qc J4T 2G6

ENT specialists : 450 890-3788

Audiologists : 450 890-3784

Audioprosthetists: 450 890-3781

Saint-Hyacinthe

Complexe médical M

1220, boul. Casavant Est, suite 104

Saint-Hyacinthe Qc J2S 0L6

Audiologists : 579 225-7265

Audioprosthetists: 579 225-7264

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

1055, boul. du Séminaire Nord

Suite 202, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Qc J3A 1R7

ENT specialists : 579 296-0054

Audiologists : 579 296-0053

Audioprosthetists: 579 296-0052

Valleyfield 1020, boul. Monseigneur-Langlois

Suite 200, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield

Qc J6S 0M2

Audiologists : 450 747-8651

Audioprosthetists: 450 747-8652

Vaudreuil-Dorion

Complexe Santé des Trois-Lacs

65, boul. de la Cité-des-Jeunes

Suite 220, Vaudreuil Qc J7V 8C1

Audiologists : 579 217-1236

Audioprosthetists: 579 217-1235

Montréal

Montréal • Angus

Clinique médicale Angus

2815, rue Sherbrooke Est, suite 250

Montréal Qc H2K 1H2

Audiologists :438 844-8134

Audioprosthetists: 438 844-8133

Préfontaine

Montréal • Lachine

2000, rue Notre-Dame, suite 203

Montréal Qc H8S 2G4

ENT specialists : 514 492-1345

Audiologists : 514 492-1344

Audioprosthetists: 514 492-1343

Montréal • Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Centre médical Brunswick Glen

5100, boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest

Suite 603, Montréal Qc H4A 3T2

ENT specialists : 438 844-5542

Audiologists : 438 844-5543

Audioprosthetists: 438 844-5544

Vendôme

Montréal • Rosemont—

La-Petite-Patrie

Polyclinique Maisonneuve-Rosemont

5345, boul. de l’Assomption

Suite RC-20, Montréal Qc H1T 4B3

ENT specialists : 438 384-3014

Audiologists : 438 384-3013

Audioprosthetists: 438 384-3012

L’Assomption

Montréal • Saint-Laurent

Complexe médical Saint-Laurent

1605, boul. Marcel-Laurin, suite 120

Montréal Qc H4R 0B7

ENT specialists : 514 788-7753

Audiologists : 514 788-7752

Audioprosthetists: 514 788-7751 Côte-Vertu

Montréal • Saint-Léonard

Les Terrasses Langelier

6383, rue Jean-Talon Est

Montréal Qc H1S 3E7

Audiologists : 514 788-3738

Audioprosthetists: 514 798-0915

Montréal • Villeray

Carrefour Santé Villeray

8560, rue Saint-Hubert, suite 100

Montréal Qc H2P 1Z7

ENT specialists : 438 943-0022

Audiologists : 438 943-0023

Audioprosthetists: 438 943-0024

Crémazie

Pointe-Claire

Centre médical Brunswick

955, boul. Saint-Jean, suite 102

Pointe-Claire Qc H9R 5K3

ENT specialists : 514 782-0481

Audiologists : 514 782-0489

Audioprosthetists: 514 782-0482

Outaouais

Gatineau

Clinique Delta Santé

444, boul. de l’Hôpital, suite 110

Gatineau Qc J8T 7X6

ENT specialists : 819 243-5259

Audiologists : 819 205-7987

Audioprosthetists: 819 243-5258

Gatineau • Aylmer

Carrefour Santé Aylmer

362, chemin d’Aylmer, suite 107

Gatineau Qc J9H 1A6

Audiologists : 819 557-3154

Audioprosthetists: 819 557-3153

Gatineau • Buckingham

Coop Santé de la Basse-Lièvre

620, avenue de Buckingham

Gatineau Qc J8L 2H5

Audioprosthetists: 819 243-5258

Gatineau • Hull

Clinique Medigo

165, boul. Saint-Raymond, suite 213

Gatineau Qc J8Y 0A7

ENT specialists : 819 966-3280

Audiologists : 819 966-3281

Audioprosthetists: 819 966-3282

Saint-André-Avellin

CLSC Petite-Nation

14, rue Saint-André

Saint-André-Avellin Qc J0V 1W0

Audioprosthetists: 819 243-5258

Head Office

Complexe Vision

725, boul. Lebourgneuf, suite 303

Québec Qc G2J 0C4

Tel.: 418 877-7222

Fax: 581 814-6260

Email: info@lobe.ca

Audiology services offered in the clinics:

0-6 months, 0-99 years

3-99 years, 5-99 years

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

Vertigo Vestibular screening Metro station Service covered by the RAMQ

Lobe

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