Hearing Health

In Canada, 38% of adults aged 20 to 79 have hearing loss1. The two most common causes of hearing loss in adults are presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss.

Presbycusis is characterized by a progressive decrease in hearing as people age due to physiological changes in the body. It partly affects the structures of the inner ear and more precisely affects the ability of the cilia to respond to high frequencies. This gradual loss of hearing may present as decreased understanding and clarity of speech. Specifically, the person will have difficulty hearing or understanding certain sounds such as "f," "s,", and "ch,” children's or women's voices, birdsong, some ringing sounds, and speech in noisy environments. Regular hearing evaluations from the age of 55 onwards are therefore strongly recommended.

Noise-induced hearing loss can manifest in similar ways. Depending on the duration and intensity of the noise exposure, the effects may be temporary or permanent.

The impact includes:

² hearing loss

² tinnitus

² fatigue

² stress

² irritability

References:

Fortunately, there are several preventive measures we can take to protect our hearing, such as wearing custom earmolds or earmuffs that completely cover the ear.

Earmuffs

Custom earmolds

When hearing loss is left untreated, the consequences can be serious (e.g., social isolation, depression). In summary, to maintain good hearing health, you need to be aware of and alert to changes in your hearing and consult with hearing health professionals who can provide insight and options to improve your quality of life.

Josée Guillemette Bilingual audiology support specialist

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

Véronique Fugère

Audiology support specialist

1. Statistics Canada. (2021). Hearing health of Canadian adults. Found in: Hearing health of Canadian adults (statcan.gc.ca)

- Association québécoise des orthophonistes et audiologistes (AQOA). Disorders and Pathologies. Found in: Disorders and Pathologies - AQOA [French only]

- Oticon. (2021). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Retrieved from: https://www.oticon.fr/hearing-aid-users/blog/2021/perte-auditive-due-au-bruit-fr [French only]

- Oticon. (2018). How to protect your hearing. Retrieved from: https://www.oticon.fr/hearing-aid-users/blog/2018/how-to-make-listening-safer [French only]