Lobe Magazine, volume 16, number 3, 2023

A Strong Comeback After a Well-Deserved Break!

September has recently arrived, bringing with it mild temperatures and cool evenings. This time of year is also known to many as “back to school,” which usually involves preparation: purchasing the right school supplies and books, becoming familiar with a new schedule, adapting to a new routine, etc. It’s a time to embark on a new adventure or to continue what we’ve already begun.

But beyond the academic side of this “return to normal,” many see it as a golden opportunity to reevaluate our habits, a bit like we do at the beginning of the year. It’s true, the end of summer vacation can be a good time to make resolutions, or at least to take a step back and reflect on our daily lives. Then we can either return to our good habits or decide to change for the better. Whether we’re striving to improve our physical or mental health, we need to think about what will promote our overall well-being and also, what will bring joy and ease to our hectic day-to-day routine.

This goes for all aspects of our daily lives: at home, in our leisure time, and at work. Among other things, it’s important to take precautions to keep ourselves safe in the workplace. In this latest issue of Lobe Magazine, hearing health professionals present a range of measures that can be used to help preserve workers’ hearing in noisy work environments. What’s more, they offer guidance for those who need to take steps to have their occupational noise-induced hearing loss recognized.

We also had the opportunity to interview renowned journalist Chantal Machabée, who told us about her exciting career in the world of sports, which has recently led her to join the Montreal Canadiens communications team. With her trademark authenticity and confidence, she opened up about her start in the business, her hopes for the future, and where her career might lead her. It is definitely an inspiring read! Enjoy!

Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe clinics and hearing health

Table of Contents

Volume 16, number 3, 2023

Editor

Anne Dauphinais

Graphic designer

Andrée-Anne Michel

Printing house

TC Imprimeries Transcontinental

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Did You Know ASMR?

A new trend has been gaining popularity on video and podcast platforms over the last few years— autonomous sensory meridian response, more commonly known as ASMR. This phenomenon consists of a tingling sensation that spreads from the scalp to the lower back in response to certain visual, but especially auditory, stimuli. The sounds used to induce this sensation are varied, ranging from whispering to brushing someone’s hair, paper rustling, fingernails sliding or tapping on objects, or even chewing. Captured by ultra-sensitive microphones, these auditory stimuli lower the heart rate and help to reduce stress and induce sleep. It should be noted, however, that not everyone is sensitive or receptive to ASMR, and some may even find the practice irritating, especially those who suffer from misophonia (an intense aversion to certain sounds or noises).

References:

- Savez-vous parler ASMR, cette technique de relaxation qui fait fureur chez les Millennials. (2018, 18 septembre). L'ADN Tendances et mutations. https://www.ladn.eu/media-mutants/reseaux-sociaux/savez-vous-parler-asmr-cette-technique-de-relaxation-qui-fait-fureur-chez-les-millennials/ - ASMR, la sensation de plaisir qui fait vibrer. (2016, 1 décembre). Passeport Santé. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/psychologie/Fiche. aspx?doc=asmr#:~:text=Un%20peu%20comme%20si%20le,être%20et%20de%20réconfort%20similaire

Chantal Machabée A Vision for Ambition

A leader in the world of sports journalism, Chantal Machabée has become a key figure on Quebec television. After almost 40 years as a sports journalist, she is now vice-president, Communications for the Montreal Canadiens. It was an honour and a privilege to speak with her. Here’s what she had to say.

Q: Your professional and personal journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Tell us where it all started.

I’ve been a sports fanatic since the age of 10. It all started in the ’70s when I saw Guy Lafleur play on television. At the time, he was the best hockey player of his time. I immediately knew what lay ahead for me— I was going to be a sports journalist. There were no doubts in my mind. Surprisingly, my parents weren’t big sports fans. They were very politically inclined and encouraged me to turn my writing skills to politics and get, as they said, a “real job.” But I knew where I was heading. No matter what I had to do to get there, I would make it in the end. I studied literature, even politics, but my focus remained the same. When you have an ambition, a dream, you have to go straight for it.

Q: Apart from your profession, what role do sports and fitness play in your life?

Sports have always been a major part of my life and education. My parents enrolled my sister and me in both music and sports classes. It was important to them that we try a range of activities. So, on top of playing the piano, the organ, and the accordion, I swam, did downhill skiing, and played soccer, softball, and ball hockey. I was already passionate about sports, but that passion increased exponentially when I discovered the Montreal Canadiens and their star player.

During the hockey season, I work very long hours, seven days a week, which means I eat at odd times and get very little sleep. So, I have to find time to take care of my physical and mental well-being. For me, the best way to stay in shape is running. I love it. It energizes me and keeps me balanced, in a way. I take my running shoes with me everywhere I go.

People often say they’re too tired to play sports or train. If only everyone

Photo credit: Sebastien GervaisGroupe MVP

knew the benefits of working out! You can’t be too hard on yourself, though. You have to know your limits. A 20-minute walk. A short one-kilometre run. Just moving around, getting some fresh air, does so much for the body and mind.

Q: Just over a year ago, you became vice-president, Communications for the Montreal Canadiens. This is an impressive turning point in your career. How did you experience this important transition in your life?

It was a fortunate but unexpected turn of events that held a lot of unknowns. I was familiar with the media, the world of sports, and the National Hockey League, but the inner workings of a hockey team were new to me. What’s more, I arrived at a very hectic time. Over the past year, there have been several changes within the team. We welcomed a new head coach and a new general manager. We also experienced the passing of Guy Lafleur. Everything was moving at breakneck speed. I had no choice but to learn by doing. I’m lucky enough to work with a team of pros. When I arrived, I was immediately welcomed and supported.

My friends and family—and even some people I meet on the street— congratulate me and let me know that they’re happy for me and delighted to see a woman in the position. This warms my heart and gives me the strength to keep going.

Q: Now that you’re “behind the scenes” in communications for the Canadiens, has this changed how you see the media?

For sure! When you’re in the media, you focus a lot on results and statistics, which is a very logical, rather “cold” analysis. I’ve often tried to access the more compassionate, human side of my work as a journalist, but it’s not always easy. There’s not enough time for individual interviews, so we have to stick to

the facts. It’s kind of unfair, because there’s more to the sport and the players than that, and we’re well aware of that as journalists.

Now I’m with the players every day. I get to know them on a more personal level. I interact with their wives, their children, their parents— everyone who’s close to them. There’s a whole other world beyond their performance on the ice. I want the media, the journalists, and the fans to get to see it. I realize how important it is to show our team’s human side.

Q: It’s a well-known fact that the sports industry is predominantly male. Have you encountered any obstacles in your career, and what have you learned along the way?

When I started out in 1983, there were very few women in the business. People doubted my skills and knowledge. However, I had expected it and was ready to face the obstacles. I stood my ground and didn’t let derogatory comments or misconceptions bring me down. Everyone faces hard times. It happens in every sphere, in every industry. You have to keep moving forward with confidence and believe in yourself. That’s why I offer conferences and in-company presentations on my career path in collaboration with MVP Group to show everyone who is facing adversity in their career or even in their personal life that we must let determination guide us and stay the course on our goals.

Q: You are without a doubt a source of inspiration for many. Who are the women who inspire you?

Denise Bombardier was a big source of inspiration for me. She was an exceptional woman. She made her mark in journalism and paved the way for the women who followed. Like Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters, she stood out from the pack with her poise and perseverance.

She would always encourage women to stand up for themselves, to not be afraid of expressing their opinions—even if they may ruffle a few feathers—and to stay true to what they believe in. That philosophy is a precious legacy.

Q: Do you have a wish or a goal for the next few years?

I want to win a Stanley Cup! I’d love to experience that moment. I’ve seen a lot of teams hold the cup high over their heads on the ice. It’s the best feeling in the world, even as a journalist. But it would be simply magical to be there, alongside my players, and to be able to say, “WE won the cup!” A lifelong dream come true!

Thank you, Chantal Machabée, for this heartfelt and inspiring interview!

Anne Dauphinais

Editor and communications advisor

But I knew

— Chantal Machabée

where I was heading. No matter what I had to do to get there, I would make it in the end.

Redef ining the 50+ Customer Base

According to demographic forecasts1, the portion of Quebec’s population aged 50 and over will grow significantly in the coming decades. Estimated at 3.6 million in 2023, it should reach 4 million by 2033 and 4.4 million by 2063. This demographic shift highlights the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of this aging clientele, which represents more than 40% of the general population and is without a doubt redefining the way we age.

At What Age Does One Become a Senior Citizen?

This is an interesting question. It was recently asked in a survey2 conducted by Léger in October 2022 among 600 Quebecers aged 45 and over, on behalf of the Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés (RQRA). The average age respondents considered to be the threshold for becoming a senior citizen was 66.7 years old.

But in reality, just how relevant is it to set a specific age defining seniors? While it can have practical and administrative advantages, particularly for government programs and public policy, we cannot ignore that our chronological age doesn’t always reflect our individual experience or the age we feel. Everyone should be free to define themselves according to their own perception of age, without being limited to pre-established standards. The definition of senior citizen therefore remains subjective and personal.

According to some studies3, as we get older, we can feel up to 15 years younger than our actual age. How old do you feel?

This notion of perceived age is important to consider when targeting customers aged 50 and over, to make sure they are receptive to what we have to offer. Rather than relying solely on preconceived notions and stereotypes related to age, we must understand the individual needs, expectations, and preferences of this clientele. By adopting a personalized approach, we can build more authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers, while offering products and services that truly meet their needs.

Today’s Seniors Are Connected

An interesting trend to highlight is seniors’ growing adoption of technology. According to a NETendances 2022 study4 entitled Les aînés connectés au Québec, 88% of people aged 65 and over in Quebec own at least one electronic device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or fitness tracker. Seniors’ use of electronic devices increased significantly between 2016 and 2022, narrowing the technology gap between generations. What’s more, a recent Léger survey conducted for Lobe revealed that 91% of people aged 50 and over who use hearing aids (11%) own connected devices. These figures show that today’s seniors are increasingly connected and can adapt to new technologies.

The following table illustrates the use of electronic devices by people aged 65 and over in 2022–2023.

“You don’t stop having fun when you get older, you get older when you stop having fun.”

— Anonymous

Source: ©ATN 2022 I NETENDANCES I LES AÎNÉS CONNECTÉS AU QUÉBEC Léger survey for Lobe, Quebec population, n=2007, May 2023

The Importance of Professional Advice

According to a recent study5 conducted by Léger on behalf of Lobe among 2,007 Quebec adults aged 18 and over, 907 of whom were 50 or over, there are three main selection criteria when purchasing hearing aids:

Fun Fact!

Others

Some Statistics

In the 50+ age group:

31% attached more importance to advice from a healthcare professional (vs. 24% for those aged 18-49).

16% attached more importance to price (vs. 26% for those aged 18-49)

18% attached more importance to ease of use (vs. 12% for those aged 18-49)

The Guide pratique pour un commerce ami des aînés6, developed by the Quebec government, provides useful information on how to better meet the needs of this aging clientele. It covers aspects such as the physical layout of stores, communications, the products and services offered, and the approach to customer service.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to recognize that appearances can be deceiving, and that people who appear old may not feel that way. People aged 50 and over are active, well-informed customers with strong purchasing power who value their independence above all else. To serve them better, we must adopt an empathetic approach, understand their perception of age, and adapt to their individual preferences.

Caroline Roy Vice-president and partner of Léger

References:

1. Vieillissement: réalités sociales, économiques et de santé. (2020, 1 janvier). Institut de la statistique du Québec - Gouvernement du Québec. https://statistique.quebec.ca/docs-ken/vitrine/vieillissement/index. html?theme=population&tab=6

2. Léger Survey for the Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés among 600 Quebecers of 45 and over, conducted online from October 17th to 22nd, 2007.

3. Age: its really all in the mind. (2012, 1 mars). The Association for Qualitative Research. https://www.aqr.org.uk/a/20120301-mind

4. Les aînés connectés au Québec (2022). (2022, 30 novembre). Académie de la transformation numérique. https://transformation-numerique.ulaval.ca/ enquetes-et-mesures/netendances/les-aines-connectes-au-quebec-2022/

5. Léger survey for Lobe among 2,007 Quebecers aged 18 and over, conducted online from May 12th to 14th and May 26th to 28th, 2023.

6. Guide pratique pour un commerce ami des aînés. (2023, 24 avril). Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/ document-003569/?&date=DESC&type=guide&critere=type

Noisy Work Environments Keeping

an Eye and an Ear

on Your Hearing

by Marie-Josée Taillefer

On weekday mornings, our alarm rings, marking the beginning of a new day. We enjoy some juice, a cup of coffee, a good breakfast, and then we get dressed and head off to work. For some of us, the day will be spent in a quiet environment, where the only ambient noises are those of colleagues typing away at their keyboards and light conversations around the water cooler. For others, however, the soundscape will be quite different, filled with heavy machinery, tools, engines, loud voices, bells, alarms, and more. Many workers experience this reality every day. From Monday to Friday, for 8 hours or more, thousands of people in the Quebec province work in environments that could potentially damage the quality of their hearing. These include factories, garages, airports, the entertainment industry, and even schools. Workers in noisy environments need to be made aware of the potential impact of excessively high decibels on their hearing health.

Through the awareness efforts of employers and their health and safety representatives, employees exposed to noise on a daily basis can learn how to protect their ears. For example, using custom earmolds or earmuffs has to be mandatory—like wearing hard hats and safety glasses. All too often, noise-induced hearing loss is not taken into account, since it is not considered a workplace accident risk, but rather a slim possibility. However, the chances of noise exposure resulting in hearing loss are actually very high.

Safety for All... No Exceptions!

Under the pressure to perform, it can be easy to let the work hours pile up and put off any good intentions we might have about our hearing health. We come up with excuses and we might think we’ve developed an “immunity” to noise...

One day more, one day less... It won’t change anything!

Training and Awareness

Earmuffs are fine and all, but I have to take them off all the time to talk to my coworkers...

Earmolds? My father worked in a factory for 20 years and never had to wear any!

Unfortunately, no one can claim to be more “resistant” to loud noise than others. What’s more, the damage it causes is irreversible. It is therefore not only necessary, but crucial, to raise awareness among workers in noisy environments and to inform employers about the measures that can be put in place to reduce noise in the workplace. Employers and workers must collaborate to ensure a safe working environment by reducing noise levels at the source and providing hearing protectors.

Ongoing training and awareness programs can go a long way to promote hearing health and safety in the workplace. That’s why hearing health professionals from Lobe clinics travel to companies and trade schools to offer advice and recommendations. They can identify risky practices and suggest preventive solutions. By talking to workers on site, they can bring up interesting points about the importance of protecting their hearing, and invite them to become hearing health ambassadors within their teams.

The consequences of occupational noiseinduced hearing loss are numerous. Affected individuals may struggle to hear alarms or safety warnings, and may even experience social isolation. That’s why it’s important not only to take the necessary precautions to protect your hearing, but also to consult a hearing health professional if you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing. An initial evaluation will serve as a comparative basis for future consultations. That way, you’ll be able to keep track of your hearing capacity over the coming months and years. Be proactive, be on the lookout and, above all, listen to your hearing!

Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe clinics and hearing health

Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that affects workers who are exposed to excessive noise levels over a long period of time. In Quebec, it is the second most common occupational disease in terms of the number of cases compensated by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST).

At-Risk Exposure

In most cases, occupational noise-induced hearing loss occurs when a worker is exposed to excessive and repetitive noise levels in the workplace over a long period of time.

In Quebec, the CNESST has established that over an 8-hour period, noise levels are considered excessive and may be harmful if they exceed 85 dB. As for the World Health Organization (WHO), they recommend that noise levels not exceed 75 dB for the same period of exposure.

Hearing loss can also occur as a result of acoustic trauma, i.e., a single exposure to excessive noise levels that can cause permanent hearing damage (see the article on acoustic trauma on pages 12 to learn more).

Some workers are also exposed to chemicals that can damage the inner ear. Exposure high noise levels or chemicals classified as “ototoxic” increases the risk of developing occupational noise-induced hearing loss. In terms of the auditory system, this exposure can cause irreversible damage to the sensory cells of the inner ear (outer and inner cilia).

Detecting Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Many signs can point to occupational noise-induced hearing loss. For example, workers in noisy environments will often tend to ask the people around them to repeat themselves outside working hours. They might find it hard to follow conversations in group or noisy settings, and turn up the volume of the TV to understand better. Auditory symptoms such as tinnitus are also common among workers exposed to noise. Typically, for workers with occupational hearing loss, pure-tone audiometry results show a more pronounced hearing impairment at high frequencies (from 3,000 Hz to 6,000 Hz). In other words, the ability to detect low intensity high-pitched sounds is diminished. It should be noted that those sounds make all the difference between “hearing” and “understanding” what is being said.

Interestingly, while audiograms may show “normal” results, this doesn’t necessarily mean that there is no noise-induced hearing damage. Several recent studies actually show that exposure to noise can cause hearing damage that cannot be measured by pure-tone audiometry. This type of damage is called “cochlear synaptopathy”. It may appear before the hearing loss can be measured by pure-tone audiometry, and may make it hard for a person to follow conversations when there is background noise.

Preventive Measures

According to the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, employers should, where possible, take the necessary steps to reduce noise at the source, if they cannot comply with noise exposure limits. For example, they must replace or properly maintain equipment to reduce noise levels (caused by squeaking, rubbing, vibrations, etc.).

Employers must also put measures in place to reduce noise propagation, either by enclosing noisy machinery, soundproofing rooms or workstations, or installing noise-absorbing acoustic panels.

Reducing the duration of noise exposure can reduce the risk of hearing damage. The truth is, workers with shifts more than 8 hours long don’t benefit from the 16-hour auditory rest period that would allow them to recover from hearing fatigue, thereby increasing their risk of hearing damage.

If it is still impossible to comply with the standards for preventing excessive noise levels, employers must make hearing protectors available to workers. Bear in mind, however, that hearing protectors are only effective if they are properly fitted and worn for the entire duration of exposure. For people who need to communicate with colleagues despite the surrounding noise, we recommend filtered earmolds that will make understanding one another easier. To enhance comfort and efficiency, earmolds can be custom-made.

If you think you may have work-related hearing loss, don’t hesitate to book a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing.

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

References:

- What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? (s. d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.

html#:~:text=A%20whisper%20is%20about%2030,immediate%20harm%20to%20 your%20ears

- Noise and Occupational Hearing Loss. (s. d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/chemicals.html

- Gazette officielle du Québec. (2021, 16 juin). https://www.publicationsduquebec.gouv. qc.ca/fileadmin/gazette/pdf_encrypte/lois_reglements/2021F/74982.pdf

- Revue de la littérature sur les liens entre la surdité professionnelle et la presbyacousie. (2018, 1 janvier). Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail. https://www.irsst.qc.ca/media/documents/PubIRSST/R-1014.pdf?v=2023-06-26

- L’admissibilité de la lésion professionnelle. (2022, 6 octobre). CNESST. https://www. cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/admissibilite-1-02.pdf

- Règlement sur la santé et la sécurité du travail. (2013, 1 janvier). Légis Québec Source officielle. https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/rc/S-2.1,%20r.%2013

Jonathan Gagnon-Bagheri Audioprosthetist practicing in Saint-Jérôme

Acoustic Trauma

When Noise Hits Hard

When noises reach a certain intensity, they can potentially cause tinnitus or temporary or permanent hearing loss, even if they only last a very short time. This is what we call acoustic trauma.

What Is Acoustic Trauma?

Acoustic trauma is a type of damage to the ear caused by sudden exposure to excessive noise. The ear is a fragile organ, and certain structures can be damaged or even destroyed by an overly powerful sound wave. And unfortunately, once destroyed, those hearing cells cannot regenerate.

Acoustic trauma can be caused by a variety of high-intensity sounds.

Here are some examples:

Impact tools (like jackhammers)

Firearms

High-volume music speakers

Explosions

Airbags deploying in a car accident

The consequences of acoustic trauma can be temporary or permanent.

Examples include:

+ Hearing loss

+ Feeling like the ear is blocked

+ Tinnitus

+ Sound sensitivity

+ Dizziness

+ Distorted sounds and voices

+ Ear pain

Is It Treatable?

In some cases, acoustic trauma can be treated. However, the auditory system may not necessarily recover completely.

While some acoustic traumas are followed by a spontaneous recovery that does not require medical intervention, others create permanent damage and the hearing loss cannot be corrected naturally.

In all cases, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention following acoustic trauma. The sooner the problem is addressed, the better the chances of recovery.

It is also strongly recommended that you take a break from noise after the injury, by avoiding high-intensity noise sources and wearing hearing protectors such as earmuffs or earmolds.

How Can Acoustic Trauma Be Prevented?

Some impact noises occur suddenly, without warning. So, moving away in time to avoid the impact is unlikely. However, when noises can be anticipated, it’s always best to use the necessary means to prevent them from harming our ears.

Once again, we recommend wearing protective earmuffs or earmolds. We also recommend changing or rethinking certain work methods and actions to reduce the chances of acoustic trauma (e.g., using an electric tool instead of a pneumatic one, putting down a part instead of dropping it, avoiding standing near a loudspeaker at a concert). For firearms enthusiasts, choosing a quieter firearm and wearing hearing protectors will obviously make a great difference.

If you have any questions about acoustic trauma, don’t hesitate to talk to a hearing health professional.

Roxanne Richard

Reference: - Two case reports of possible noise trauma after inflation of air bags in low speed car crashes. (1999, 20 février). National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC27745/

Audioprosthetist practicing in Sherbrooke, Lac-Mégantic and Disraeli

Do you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing? Have you ever worked or are you currently working in a noisy environment? Check only one box per question and answer every question.

Questions

1. I have difficulty understanding the conversation when talking to someone in a noisy environment (e.g., at the mall, at a restaurant, in a car).

2. I have to turn up the volume on the television or radio to understand what is being said.

3. I have difficulty understanding conversations when several people are talking at the same time.

4. I have difficulty hearing someone knocking at the door or ringing the doorbell.

5. I have difficulty hearing the phone ring if I’m in another room of the house.

6. I have difficulty understanding what someone is saying to me if I can’t see their face.

7. I have difficulty understanding when people talk too fast.

8. I have difficulty understanding someone over the phone.

9. I have difficulty identifying where sounds are coming from.

10. I have difficulty understanding someone who is talking to me from another room in the house.

02 If hearing loss is detected, you’ll be referred to an

or an ENT specialist.

01 Make an appointment for a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing. Total 01 02 03 To find the nearest Lobe clinic: 1 866 411-5623 lobe.ca

The CNESST Compensation Process

The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail, commonly known as the CNESST, is the organization the Quebec government has mandated to promote rights and obligations in the workplace. It ensures that both workers and employers in Quebec comply with the legislation. The CNESST also helps cover the cost of hearing aids for people whose hearing loss is related to noise exposure in the workplace.

If you believe that your hearing loss was caused by noise exposure in your current or previous job, you can apply to the CNESST to have it recognized as an employment injury.

No matter if you are still employed, planning your retirement, or already retired, you can benefit from the CNESST’s help. However, you must have contributed to the CNESST plan in Quebec.

Here are the steps in the compensation process:

Receiving compensation for occupational noiseinduced hearing loss starts with a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing. This first meeting will be with a hearing health professional, who will take the time to discuss your career with you. They will then be able to determine which aspects of your daily life could be affecting or have affected your hearing. They will also test your listening and communication abilities and briefly assess your hearing.

If they detect hearing loss, you will be referred to an audiologist for a complete hearing assessment. Depending on the results of this assessment, the audiologist may confirm that the hearing loss could be work-related.

You will then meet with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to obtain a medical certificate. The CNESST requires this certificate to analyze your application.

Once you have obtained the medical certificate, you will then be redirected to a specially trained resource person who will help you open a file with the CNESST. Among other things, they will help you fill out the necessary forms for your claim (the “Worker’s Claim” and “Appendix to the Worker’s Claim” forms).

Once your hearing loss has been recognized as an employment injury by the CNESST and that the ENT specialist has recommended hearing aids, you’ll meet with an audioprosthetist who will assess your needs and suggest hearing aids that best suit your lifestyle and type of hearing loss.

Finally, you will have your hearing aids adjusted. At this stage, you’ll have an appointment with the audioprosthetist and a specialized educator. These two hearing health professionals will help you readjust to the world of sound and share communication strategies and tips for using and maintaining your hearing aids. They’ll also help you choose assistive listening devices as needed.

If you would like to start the process to have your occupational noise-induced hearing loss recognized, don’t hesitate to book a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing.

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Marc-André Isabel

Specialized educator practicing in Quebec City

Auditory Rest

What Is It and Why Is It Mandatory?

It’s important to get auditory rest before undergoing a hearing assessment in order to obtain accurate results. But what is auditory rest, exactly? And how can you make sure it’s done properly?

A Well Thought-Out Break

Auditory rest is a prolonged period of time during which a person’s ears should not be exposed to noise over 80 dB.

Typically, the auditory rest period should be twice as long as the period of prolonged exposure to loud noises. For example, if a factory worker is exposed to loud noises in excess of 80 dB for a continuous period of 8 hours without hearing protection, they should take a 16-hour auditory rest.

If the person cannot take the time off from working in a noisy environment for the prescribed period, they must make sure to wear hearing protectors throughout their entire shift. Ideally, they should wear both earplugs and earmuffs, if their protective equipment (e.g., hard hat) allows.

If the worker wears hearing protectors only 50% of the time they are exposed to loud noises, that will only attenuate 3 dB of the total amount of noise to which they are exposed, which is generally insufficient in terms of auditory rest.

It should be noted that some types of noise exposure require more than double the rest time. For example, a music concert can emit sounds of up to 100 dB. Even if the show only lasts a few hours, the auditory rest period will have to be more than double that, given the high decibel level.

It’s important to respect that rest period or reschedule your appointment. If the auditory rest is not long enough, the results may show more hearing loss than is actually the case.

Resting in Moderation

Auditory rest is important, of course, but you don’t need to overdo it by isolating yourself unnecessarily. Non-continuous “household” noises will not cause hearing fatigue that could alter the results of a hearing assessment. Vacuuming, listing to music at medium volume, or going to the hairdresser won’t interfere with your rest period.

It should also be noted that the time of day during which the hearing assessment is performed has no impact on the results. There is a widespread misconception that if you make an appointment at the end of the day, your auditory system won’t perform as well. But as long as you get auditory rest beforehand, the results will be valid regardless of the time of day.

It’s also important not to confuse auditory fatigue with physical or mental fatigue. Noise levels below 80 dB have no impact on the ear, but could possibly affect sleep, attention, and even your cardiovascular system. For example, if your neighbours are chatting loudly while you’re trying to sleep, you may feel physically tired the next day, but you’ll still be well and truly fit for a hearing assessment.

If you have any questions about auditory rest, talk to your audiologist.

Martin Fortin Audiologist

practicing in Quebec City and Beauce

Source: OOAQ

Congress

A Knowledge-Rich Event!

In a magnificent setting, this event brought together hearing health students, as well as hearing health professionals.

The aim of this congress is to provide continuing education in the field of hearing health, and to equip participants to practice their profession through conferences on customer service, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

As Nelson Mandela once said: "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world". This is a powerful quote, since it suggests that every notion learned paves the way for a promising future. Learning allows us to broaden our horizons, to understand the world around us.

Under the theme Show Your Colours!, participants enjoyed a rich and diverse program.

Renowned speakers shared their personal and professional experiences. Their expertise and passion were a real source of motivation and inspiration.

On June 15, 16 and 17, 2023, the ENVOL Congress was held in Mont Sainte-Anne.

Sylvain Boudreau Speaker and author

Activities for Fun and Learning!

1. During the scientific day, partners came to present their innovative technology in the field of hearing health.

2. A karting activity was organized to allow participants to bond while challenging each other!

3. The Orchestre du 7e art dazzled its audience with a concert of spellbinding film music.

Thank you to all the participants and to the organizing committee for this wonderful event. We're already looking to the next ENVOL congress!

Photo credit: François Ozan

Caroline Roy Vice-president and partner of Léger

Dr. Hieu-Han Ngo ENT specialist

Nicolas Duvernois

Founding chairman of Duvernois Esprits Créatifs

Innovative Technology to Help You in Noisy

Environments

In Quebec, over 400,000 workers are exposed to high noise levels in the course of their work.1 These noisy workplaces (construction sites, factories, restaurants, etc.) can damage the auditory system, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other general health problems.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is a risk in many lines of work. In addition to reinforcing active prevention measures to protect the hearing of workers who are frequently exposed to noise, we need to develop hearing aids that better meet the needs of people whose hearing is impaired due to occupational noiseinduced hearing loss.

A few months ago, a technology was designed to enable people with hearing loss to remain more active in different situations and auditory environments. Whether you’re still employed or retired, the RealSound™ technology built into hearing aids can make your life better. Ambient sounds can be challenging for hearing aid users, and conventional technology is sometimes slow to respond, either over-amplifying disruptive sounds or simply reducing the volume of all sounds, including speech.2 In noisier situations, this can make speech harder to understand, but can also bring discomfort when the person is faced with sudden noises (slamming doors, clattering dishes, whirring tools or heavy machinery, whistling wind, etc.).

RealSound™ technology is powered by the new Polaris R platform and includes innovative detectors for fast, accurate processing of disruptive sounds. Recent studies show that this technology improves speech clarity for users while reducing listening effort when sudden noises occur.3

For more information, talk to your audioprosthetist. They will be able to offer you advice tailored to your specific situation.

Josée Guillemette

Bilingual audiology support specialist

Charles-Édouard Basile

Director of business development and trainer for the adult and pediatric programs

Véronique Fugère

Bilingual audiology support specialist

References:

1. Le bruit en milieu de travail: une analyse des coûts pour le régime d’indemnisation. (2007, October 1). Institut national de santé publique du Québec.

2. Gade, P., Brændgaard, M., Flocken, H., Preszcator, D., & Santurette, S. (2023). Wind & Handling Stabilizer – Evidence and user benefits. Oticon whitepaper.

3. Santurette, S., Brændgaard, M., Wang, J., & Sun, K. (2023). SuddenSound Stabilizer – Evidence and user benefits. Oticon whitepaper.

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

How the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan Works

Picture this: You step out of the doctor’s office with a prescription for a drug covered by the RAMQ. But when you get to the pharmacy, you have to pay a fee to receive it. Why is that? And why would a drug be covered for someone you know but not for you?

Types of Drug Insurance Plans

In Quebec, it’s mandatory to be covered by a drug insurance plan at all times. If you are eligible for private insurance through your employer, for example, you must enroll with them. Otherwise, you must be enrolled in the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (PPDIP), which is governed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Are All Drugs Covered by the PPDIP?

No. For a drug to be covered, it must be listed on the RAMQ’s List of Medications. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) decides what is covered after consulting the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS), which performs, analyses and makes recommendations. In the end, a drug may be covered for everyone, covered under certain conditions (exceptional medication), or not covered at all.

Covered Doesn’t Mean Free!

While a drug may be listed on the RAMQ’s List of Medications, that doesn’t mean it’s free. People covered by the plan are generally required to pay a contribution: a deductible and a share of the coinsurance. The rest of the coinsurance is paid by the RAMQ.

Amount you have to pay*

Monthly deductible: $22.90/month +

Coinsurance: 33% of the cost of the prescription, once the deductible has been paid and until the maximum monthly contribution of $99.65 has been reached.

Let’s take the example of a $60 prescription that is your first purchase of the month. You’ll first have to pay the $22.90 deductible. Then, on the remaining $37.10, you’ll have to pay the 33% coinsurance, or $12.24. In total, that means you’ll pay $35.14 ($22.90 + $12.24) on the $60 bill.

What About Private Insurance Plans?

Private insurance plans must offer at least the same coverage as the RAMQ. Naturally, insurers can offer broader coverage and set limits beyond the legal minimum depending on the clauses negotiated in the contract.

In short, if you have to spend money at the pharmacy, even though the prescribed drug is on the RAMQ list, it’s because you have to pay your share of the coinsurance and the monthly deductible. What’s more, if a drug is covered for someone you know but not for you, it’s either because it’s an exceptional medication for which you don’t meet the criteria, or because that person has access to a private insurance plan that covers it.

Valérie Savard Director of the support program for people living with diabetes

Reference: - Amount to pay for prescription drugs. (n.d.). Régie de l’assurance maladie. https:// www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/prescription-drug-insurance/amount-payprescription-drugs

* These rates apply from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, for adults aged 18 to 64.

Buying Hearing Aids Online...

Caution!

Online shopping is a trend that has skyrocketed in recent years. You can now get almost anything you could ever need or want delivered right to your doorstep, sometimes in barely any time at all.

While the advantages of online shopping may seem to know no bounds, there are a few pitfalls to be wary of, as consumers “skip” important steps when selecting the products they put in their carts. For example, if you’re shopping for clothes or shoes, you won’t be able to try them on before paying for them. As a result, they might not live up to your expectations, and it’s not always easy to exchange them or get your money back.

The flaws of this type of shortcut or impulse purchase become even more worrisome when shopping for products that relate to physical health. Without the help and advice of a healthcare professional, the risk of error is quite big, and the potential repercussions on your health are not to be ignored. That’s why buying hearing aids online is a practice that hearing health professionals discourage.

The Importance of Getting Support

One of the main problems with buying hearing aids online is the lack of professional supervision. When you buy online without the advice of a properly trained person to guide you, you don’t benefit from personalized support to help you adjust the hearing aids correctly and use them to their fullest potential. Success rates are low when it comes to online shopping, since people are left to fend for themselves, without advice or follow-up care.

Let’s use physiotherapy as an example to draw parallels about the importance of professional support. If you buy a brace online without first consulting a healthcare professional and following up with a clinic, the physical problem (e.g., shoulder mobility) won’t be resolved, since you won’t benefit from the advice and care required to heal it properly.

Every appointment, consultation, and discussion with an audioprosthetist paints an increasingly precise picture of the patient’s hearing aid needs. So, it’s vital not to bypass the steps that will allow you to adapt to the world of sound and reach general well-being.

These steps include acclimatizing to your hearing aids, a key moment during which the knowledge and skills of an audioprosthetist can make all the difference.

Adapting to hearing aids isn’t just a physical process, but also a psychological—and sometimes emotional— one. For some people, it’s a whole new soundscape that becomes accessible. An audioprosthetist’s professional skills, like programming and sound adjustment, are essential to a successful experience with hearing aids.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

There are countless benefits to having appointments and follow-ups after you have your hearing aids fitted. Not only will you feel cared for, but you can also get reassurance and stay informed at every step of the process.

Very often, audioprosthetists work hand in hand with specialized educators. These professionals are also trained to provide invaluable advice about using and maintaining your hearing aids. They are equipped to answer any questions you may have about wearing them on a daily basis. Whether you want to know more about specific listening situations or your hearing aids’ connectivity with other devices, such as your cell phone, specialized educators have answers and can share best practices.

It should also be noted that in most cases, insurance companies require a prescription and medical recommendation to cover the cost of hearing aids. Online purchases are therefore generally not refunded. In Quebec, the approach to getting hearing aids is medical rather than commercial. What’s more, accessing them is easier here than anywhere else in the world. In fact, their acquisition is supported by a range of social programs that provide full coverage for either one or two hearing aids. The hearing health professionals at Lobe clinics are here to support patients with their applications to paying organizations, such as the RAMQ, the CNESST, and Veterans Affairs Canada.

That support can make all the difference if you’re on the path to rediscovering the joy of hearing and, above all, better understanding. Don’t deprive yourself of this precious connection. Your ears will thank you!

Karl Drouin Audioprosthetist

Michelle Fournier Audioprosthetist

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

Using Hearing Aids to Reduce the Risk of Dementia

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem among seniors.1 As a matter of fact, studies show that one in two people will experience hearing loss from the age of 75 onwards. Hearing loss extends beyond mere comprehension problems—it’s actually one of the major causes of cognitive degeneration, also known as dementia.

Feeding Your Brain to Help It Thrive

When a person has hearing loss, everyday sound information cannot be properly directed to the brain, as its pathway is impeded.

This reduction in auditory stimulation has consequences for the brain's faculties. Studies show that people with hearing loss are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease2 and 30% to 40% more likely to suffer from dementia.3

Remember, though, that “hearing” isn’t the same as “understanding.” While the first is more about picking up sounds, the second involves the meaning and interpretation we give to the words and noises we perceive.

Hearing loss often makes it hard to understand the messages of the people around us, which can lead the person with hearing loss to respond incorrectly in a conversation or to ask others to repeat themselves. As misinterpretations become more frequent and interactions become more uncomfortable, the person will tend to isolate themselves to avoid unpleasant situations. Put together, these components lead to under-stimulation of the brain, often resulting in cognitive decline.

What Is Dementia?

By definition, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms affecting brain function. It is a chronic condition that worsens over time, often characterized by a decline in memory, planning, language, and judgment.4

Finding the Right Solution for You

To slow the cognitive decline caused by hearing loss, you should consult a hearing health professional if you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing in order to determine whether you have hearing loss. You can start with a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing. This will give you a general idea of the quality of your hearing and the next steps to take. After the first meeting, a complete hearing assessment (audiogram) may be recommended.

The results of this evaluation can help determine whether you should consider hearing aids.

Accompanied by an audioprosthestist, you will be able to choose the hearing aids that best suit your needs and lifestyle. Note that for optimal results, hearing aids must be worn at all times, especially during the first month. The brain has to get used to new sounds and gradually integrate surrounding noises which, until then, may have been inaudible or less well-perceived.

Relatives of people with hearing loss who have recently started wearing hearing aids often say that the person is much more “alert” and relaxed, as the effort it takes to focus on understanding conversations is greatly reduced. They become more independent, and therefore need less or no help from relatives for daily interactions (e.g., visits to the doctor). Not having to depend on someone else plays an important role in boosting self-esteem, and breathes new life into everyday activities.

If you or a family member have doubts about the quality of your hearing, make an appointement for a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing.

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Marianne Brabant

Audioprosthetist practicing in Angus

Presbycusis. (2023, 19 mai). MedLinkNeurology. https://www.medlink.com/ articles/presbycusis

Study (AcouDem) conducted for the GRAP (Groupe de recherche Alzheimer Presbyacousie) between the months of August 2004 and February 2007. Hearing Loss Accelerates Brain Function Decline in Older Adults. (2013). John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/ hearing_loss_accelerates_brain_function_decline_in_older_adults Dementia : Overview. (2022, 4 novembre). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html)

Studies show that people with hearing loss are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease2 and 30% to 40% more likely to suffer from dementia.3

Myths

About Tinnitus

In 2015, Statistics Canada reported that just over 42% of workers carry out their occupation in a noisy environment. This statistic excludes individuals who are exposed to loud noise as part of their leisure activities1. If no preventive measures are taken, prolonged exposure to noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, accompanied or not by tinnitus, which can cause stress and consequently have adverse effects on physical and psychological health. Tinnitus is defined as an auditory perception (buzzing, hissing) that is not caused by an external sound.

Good to Know!

A Danish hearing aid manufacturer offers a range of sounds called SoundRelaxTM, integrated into the hearing aid itself. This unique algorithm applies fractal mathematics to generate soothing tones and sounds according to individual preferences, with the aim of relaxing, reducing anxiety, improving concentration and well-being, and above all, managing tinnitus.

Here are some myths about tinnitus and what you need to know:

Myth #1

There is a medical treatment for tinnitus.

To date, there is no cure for tinnitus, despite false promises on the Internet and social networks. Only relaxation and sound stimulation are known to help manage tinnitus and habituation.

Myth #2

There is no link between tinnitus and hearing loss.

Most people with tinnitus may also have hearing loss. In fact, it is estimated that the prevalence of tinnitus is 70-85% among the hearing-impaired population2. Although tinnitus does not cause hearing loss, it can impair hearing experience and communication.

Myth #3

Tinnitus is a new social phenomenon linked to the use of headphones.

Tinnitus has been reported in literature since the days of ancient Egypt, more than 300 years before Christ3. Many celebrities over the centuries have recounted their experiences with tinnitus, such as the renowned composer Ludwig Van Beethoven and the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh.

Myth #4

There's nothing you can do about tinnitus.

In fact, there are many ways to reduce the perception of tinnitus:

Janic Lauriault Audiologist

References:

1. Ramage-Morin, P. & Gosselin, M. (2018) Canadiens vulnérables au bruit en milieu de travail, Rapports sur la santé, vol. 29, no 8, p. 10 à 19, Statistique Canada, no 82-003-X au catalogue

2. Albertus, C. (n.d.). New Treatment For Ringing Ears Now Available. Téléchargé de https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/news/news-articles/new-treatment-for-ringingears#:~:text=Tinnitus%20affects%20an%20estimated%2032,in%20the%20 hearing%2Dimpaired%20population.

3. Beaulieu, J. (2016, 29 juillet). Il était une fois la maladie: acouphène, maladie d'un grand musicien, inspiration d'un grand inventeur. Huffpost. https://www.huffpost. com/archive/qc/entry/il-etait-une-fois-la-maladie-acouphene-maladie-dungrand-musi_b_11177848

¬ Sound stimulation by amplifying sounds through hearing aids, listening to music, or using a noise generator to minimize the perception of tinnitus.

¬ Relaxation exercises. Stress aggravates the perception of tinnitus. So, it's important to take the time to relax by reading, walking, or doing relaxation exercises.

¬ Evaluation and treatment by a hearing health professional to manage and minimize the negative impact of tinnitus on daily life.

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

With Hearing Loss

Learning music has a positive effect on children with hearing problems. Music offers them a range of avenues for growth and learning.

Learning in Harmony With Music

Playing an instrument helps develop fine motor coordination and hand-eye coordination. By handling the mallets, keys, or strings of an instrument, children learn to make precise movements with their fingers and hands.

Playing music also enhances their sensory perception. Reading musical scores, for example, stimulates their sight-reading skills and improves the coordination of their eye movements. This helps them develop other senses, such as sight and touch.

What’s more, learning music is beneficial for language and communication skills. Despite their hearing difficulties, children with hearing loss can feel the vibrations and understand tempos and musical structures. This can help them improve their sense of rhythm and timing—skills linked to other types of learning, such as reading and writing.

Creative and Proud of It!

Music is a way of expressing emotion. Students can use music to communicate how they feel, express themselves, and explore their creativity in a non-verbal way. Last but not least, learning music helps build confidence and self-esteem. When they achieve their musical goals and perform in front of others, students feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

It’s important to mention that all children are unique, and their response to music instruction may vary depending on the severity of their hearing loss and individual needs. Teaching approaches and methods must therefore be adapted to each child’s specific situation.

Music lessons are an invaluable opportunity for these young minds to explore the world of music and develop new skills in a unique way.

Jonathan Bolduc, Ph. D.

ou sourds

Music teacher at the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants

Full Professor of Music Education, Faculty of Music, Université Laval

Photo credit: Atwood photographie

A New Hearing Aids Technology

Make it a new beginning for better hearing with hearing aids that help you hear better and live better than ever before. They contain innovative Neuro SoundTM Technology, which allows the hearing aids to better replicate how the human brain processes sound.

By mimicking the cerebral cortex of your brain, this technology makes it easier to improve your hearing experience. They help you hear those missed sounds quickly and accurately, so you never have to miss a moment.

Those hearing aids make over 80 million personalized adjustments every hour. So you can count on better hearing wherever you are or whatever you’re doing without having to do anything.

Re-engineered from the ground up, those hearing aids were specifically designed to help wearers:

Distinguish words and speech more intuitively and naturally Improves your communications and keeps you informed.

Hear soft sounds without distracting noises

Helps you hear fainter sounds through the background noise, so you can stay aware of your surroundings.

Reduce the effort it takes to listen and hear

Helps diminish that all-toofamiliar strain of trying to hear.

Hear comfortably and discreetly

Fits snugly, discreetly, and comfortably.

Enjoy long-lasting rechargeable power

Provides up to 51 hours of better hearing on a single charge.

Be as active as you like thanks to build-tough durability

Withstands sweat, moisture, drops to the ground, and whatever life dishes out.

Hear better in tricky places with Edge+TM mode

Reduces background noise and make speech clearer on demand.

Stream calls and entertainment

Streams calls, music, video audio, and more, directly to your hearing aids.

Monitor your health and well-being

Counts your steps, tracks your hearing and engagement. This is the only hearing aid that can detect falls and alert family and friends.

Maintain independence and peace of mind with Hear ShareTM

Shares the hearing, activity, and safety information with your loved ones or other caregivers when they download the Hear ShareTM app.

In conclusion, it is very important to mention that this game changer technology is waterproof. It is engineered with more gaskets and silicone seals than ever before, to help ensure the devices are watertight and corrosion-proof. A full protective nano coating further shields the hearing aids both inside and out. Even the built-in lithium-ion battery is now fully enclosed to prevent damage. Completely reimagined from the inside out, those hearing aids are designed for maximum durability.

For more information, talk to your audioprosthetist. They will offer you advice according to your needs.

Rizlane Bellamlih Territory manager

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

Horizontal

Vertical

The words you are looking for can be found in the pages mentioned next to the clues.

2 Example of household noise (p. 15)

4 Hearing protector for workers in noisy environment (p. 8)

5 Consequence of acoustic trauma (p. 12)

8 Degenerative disease that can be caused by hearing loss (p. 22)

9 Hearing loss symptom for workers exposed to noise (p. 10)

10 Montreal Canadien's star player in the '70s (p. 4)

11 An important element in the hearing aid acquisition process (p. 21)

1 Example of high-intensity noise (p. 12)

3 Skills that can be developed by learning music (p. 25)

6 Government agency responsible for managing workers' rights (p. 14)

7 Type of sound that can reduce stress (p. 3)

Several Open Positions at Lobe Clinics

Do you enjoy taking care of others? Do you like making people happy? Join the Lobe network, which brings ENT specialists, audiologists, audioprosthetists, and specialized educators all under one roof!

To learn more or apply, visit careers.lobe.ca/en.

Come make a difference!

Listen to your calling!

What's New

Three New Audiologists at

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

Camille Capozzo

Laurentides and Drummondville clinics

Asmaa Ayoubi-Idrissi

Saint-Georges and Lac-Mégantic clinics

Adriana Rodriguez-Ayotte

Saint-Laurent and Lachine clinics

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 : 450 762-2149

Audioprosthetists: 450 762-2148

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 • 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

Book an appointment: 1 866 411-5623

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