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Auditory Disorders

Hearing Loss

How Can You Tell If You Have Hearing Loss?

Do any of these apply to you?
If you answered yes to more than one of the above, you may have hearing loss. Don’t let communication problems like these keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. Call us now to schedule a hearing evaluation.

Talk to the experts.

Who can I talk to about my tinnitus?

The latest available statistics show that 1 in 4 Canadians report difficulty hearing and hearing loss. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, that number promises to increase dramatically.

Over 3 million Canadians of all ages experience hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to noise, diabetes or other factors, but most often it’s simply a result of aging.
While you can’t stop aging—yet—you can treat hearing loss. The good news is that most hearing loss is mild and treatable. There is no reason to tough it out or to be left out when you could easily be getting more out of life.
With the right hearing treatment plan and hearing aid, you’ll be able to turn up the volume on everything. You can stop asking people to repeat themselves. You can turn down the TV so the neighbors on the next block aren’t hearing it, too. With treatment, you’ll be able to stay involved in all the activities you enjoy and live life to its fullest again.

3

MILLION

Canadians experience hearing loss

How can you help yourself and your loved ones live better?

Get a hearing test to determine whether you have hearing loss and the possible extent. After your hearing test, we can determine your best option and help you select hearing loss treatments that will:

It’s time to turn up the volume and enjoy the benefits of better hearing.

Hearing helps keep you sharp. When you can hear better, you can process information faster, kick your brain into gear and feel like yourself again. The sooner you do something about your hearing, the sooner you’ll regain your confidence.

How We Hear

Hearing involves teamwork between your ears and your brain. Hearing begins when sound waves enter your outer ear (the part that’s visible on the outside of your head). The waves travel through your auditory canal, a tube-like passageway lined with tiny hairs and small glands that produce earwax to your middle ear.
The middle ear has three small bones, often referred to as the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup, and the eardrum. The middle ear has an important job: to amplify sound. If any of the middle ear’s parts get disrupted, significant hearing loss can result.

Hearing: The Inside Story

When waves of sound, such as the chirp of birds in your backyard, travel to your middle ear and hit your eardrum, your eardrum vibrates and, in turn, moves the hammer (the small bone is shaped like a hammer). The hammer moves the anvil, which moves the stirrup, transmitting the vibrations into your inner ear.
Your inner ear consists of the cochlea (a small, snail-like structure) and the auditory nerve, which carries information between the cochlea and the brain. With the help of tiny hair cells, the auditory nerve converts sound waves into nerve impulses that travel to your brain. Your brain interprets the sound so you “hear” it as birds chirping, a voice or music. All told, hearing is an amazing process that happens in a split second.
Certain drugs, diseases, noise or simply aging can damage hair cells. Once these hair cells are gone, you can’t use Rogaine to make them grow back. But hearing aids can help compensate.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, we’re here to help. We can determine what’s not working as well as it should be. We’ll explain your options and help you choose the best solution for your hearing needs and your lifestyle.

Don't wait! Take control of your tinnitus now!

Talk to the Experts

Types of Hearing Loss

Getting a hearing test is the first step to improving your hearing. A hearing test will identify any hearing loss you may have and the extent. There are four basic types of hearing loss:

Conductive
Usually temporary, this type of hearing loss can be fixed with medication, a short procedure and, on rare occasions, with surgery.
Sensorineural
This type of hearing occurs when tiny hairs in the cochlea are missing or damaged. Getting fitted with hearing aids is the only non-surgical solution.
Mixed
A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, this type of hearing loss is usually treated with hearing aids alone, and occasionally in conjunction with medication, a short procedure or with surgery.
Central
Caused by strokes and central nervous system diseases, this type of hearing loss usually involves a therapy called auditory rehabilitation.
What’s the right treatment for your type of hearing loss?
Call us at 587-316-9406 to get your hearing tested and get answers.

Start Your Journey to Improved Hearing Today!

Seven years: That’s the average amount of time people wait before visiting a hearing specialist for their hearing loss.
Just as you wouldn’t tolerate a loss in vision without a trip to the eye doctor, why ignore a loss in hearing without visiting a hearing expert?
The fact is, without treatment, hearing loss can get worse. Your ears and brain thrive on sound. But studies show that over time, hearing loss impairs the brain’s ability to process sound and recognize speech.
The earlier you treat your hearing loss, the more hearing you’ll be able to preserve. Don’t wait to get the help you need!

Decreased Sound Tolerance: Hyperacusis & Misophonia

Bothered by loud noises or specific sounds? You may be suffering from Decreased Sound Tolerance: hyperacusis and misophonia. If you suffer from some sort of negative reaction when exposed to sound that would not trigger the same response in the average listener, then you’re experiencing Decreased Sound Tolerance (DST).
DST can cause you to feel a range of negative reactions from dislike or discomfort to pain, distress, anxiety, annoyance or even fear. DST often comes hand and hand with tinnitus and hearing loss, and can be reported in many medical conditions including head injuries, migraines, Lyme disease, Williams Syndrome, autism, Bell’s palsy, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and post stapedectomy. However, it’s not unusual for DST to be reported as the sole complaint.

Talk to the experts.

What exactly are Hyperacusis and Misophonia?
Hyperacusis occurs in about 25-30% of tinnitus patients and is the experience of moderately-intense sounds (e.g., dishes clanging) being perceived as overly loud and annoying. In other words, there is a negative reaction to sound that depends on only the physical characteristics of the sound itself (e.g., loudness).
Misophonia, experienced by about 60% of tinnitus patients, is a dislike, fear, or negative reaction to a specific sound with a certain pattern and meaning (e.g., chewing of a specific person). Reactions are usually context-specific (e.g., eating at a restaurant would not bother you, but eating at home does). Unlike hyperacusis, someone with misophonia can tolerate a high level of other sounds, such as music or traffic noise. Patients with misophonia tend to have an increased awareness of external sounds as well as somatosounds (internal body sounds, like chewing).
Other terms you’ll see associated with misophonia include:
Although hyperacusis and misophonia differ in terms of how we approach treatment, there is no fundamental difference with how you treat misophonia vs phonophobia vs 4S, so for simplicity’s sake, we use the term “misophonia”.
Treatments for DST
The first step is a thorough consultation with us. We’ll listen to your concerns rather than tell you to “just live with it.” To effectively treat DST, we consider all the dimensions of the condition:
Other terms you’ll see associated with misophonia include:
Depending on the complexity of your specific case, you may see more than one healthcare professional from a variety of disciplines. For example, if we suspect that there’s an underlying medical condition that’s causing your symptoms, we may refer to you an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist.

Sound Therapy

Depending on whether you have hyperacusis or misophonia (or both), we will recommend sound therapy in different ways. For example, someone with hyperacusis will undergo a desensitization procedure that introduces soft, low-level sound which we gradually increase over time to induce “auditory toughening”; the idea is to gradually desensitize your auditory system. Although white noise is typically used, our rule is to only use sounds that are not annoying or bothersome to my patients. If the idea of listening to noise is not appealing, there are tons of other sound options out there; flexibility is crucial to getting you to restore a sense of control so that we can “reset” your relationship with sound. There are discreet, portable ear-worn solutions as well as table-top sound machines, all the way down to free sound generating apps for your phone.

Appropriate Hearing Protection

We absolutely advocate the use of hearing protection when there’s a chance of exposure to potentially damaging sounds. However, when it comes to DST, it’s not unusual for hyperacusis sufferers to overprotect themselves from everyday sounds by using earplugs or earmuffs even though there’s no chance of harming their hearing.
Overusing hearing protection will make your hypersensitivity to sound worse. Normally, hearing protection is supposed to be used when you’re going to be exposed to dangerously loud sound, like jet engines. It dampens the sound so that even though you will still hear the engine noise, it’s enough to take the edge off so it’s no longer at damaging levels.
What happens if you wear hearing protection when there’s no loud sound? Everything gets dampened, so little to no sound gets up to the brain. However, sound is life and your brain craves stimulation. If it doesn’t get it, it cranks up its internal sensitivity. The lack of stimulation will only make DST symptoms worse. It is the fear that drives earplug use, not the possibility of actual risk.
Not ready to give up your earplugs? We recommend a gradual process of weaning off those earplugs/earmuffs. Or we may suggest investing in a set of custom musician’s earplugs, which contain special filters to dampen sound levels more evenly so that music and speech are clear and natural, not muffled as with regular foam earplugs.
If you’ve been living for DST for quite some time, it can take time to re-establish what are “normal” levels of sound.
h carries information between the cochlea and the brain. With the help of tiny hair cells, the auditory nerve converts sound waves into nerve impulses that travel to your brain. Your brain interprets the sound so you “hear” it as birds chirping, a voice or music. All told, hearing is an amazing process that happens in a split second. We’re here for your hearing needs and your lifestyle.

Relaxation Techniques

DST itself can cause a great deal of stress (on top of whatever life throws at us). One thing you can to relieve DST yourself is to follow good practices to manage stress in your life, and to engage in relaxing activities. Some examples of relaxing activities include (but are certainly not limited to):
Other DST sufferers may also benefit from more formal relaxation approaches, such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), which teaches your muscles to relax. We can help you find relaxation techniques that will be effective for you.
Questions? DST is complex. We can help you understand the condition and restore your quality of life. Call us today to get answers.
What exactly are Hyperacusis and Misophonia?
Hyperacusis occurs in about 25-30% of tinnitus patients and is the experience of moderately-intense sounds (e.g., dishes clanging) being perceived as overly loud and annoying. In other words, there is a negative reaction to sound that depends on only the physical characteristics of the sound itself (e.g., loudness).
Misophonia, experienced by about 60% of tinnitus patients, is a dislike, fear, or negative reaction to a specific sound with a certain pattern and meaning (e.g., chewing of a specific person). Reactions are usually context-specific (e.g., eating at a restaurant would not bother you, but eating at home does). Unlike hyperacusis, someone with misophonia can tolerate a high level of other sounds, such as music or traffic noise. Patients with misophonia tend to have an increased awareness of external sounds as well as somatosounds (internal body sounds, like chewing).
Other terms you’ll see associated with misophonia include:
Although hyperacusis and misophonia differ in terms of how we approach treatment, there is no fundamental difference with how you treat misophonia vs phonophobia vs 4S, so for simplicity’s sake, we use the term “misophonia”.
Treatments for DST
The first step is a thorough consultation with us. We’ll listen to your concerns rather than tell you to “just live with it.” To effectively treat DST, we consider all the dimensions of the condition:
Other terms you’ll see associated with misophonia include:
Depending on the complexity of your specific case, you may see more than one healthcare professional from a variety of disciplines. For example, if we suspect that there’s an underlying medical condition that’s causing your symptoms, we may refer to you an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist.

What to Do About Hearing Loss

Over 3 million Canadians of all ages experience hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to noise, diabetes or other factors, but most often it’s simply a result of aging.
While you can’t stop aging—yet—you can treat hearing loss. The good news is that most hearing loss is mild and treatable. There is no reason to tough it out or to be left out when you could easily be getting more out of life.
With the right hearing treatment plan and hearing aid, you’ll be able to turn up the volume on everything. You can stop asking people to repeat themselves. You can turn down the TV so the neighbors on the next block aren’t hearing it, too. With treatment, you’ll be able to stay involved in all the activities you enjoy and live life to its fullest again.

The latest available statistics show that 1 in 4 Canadians report difficulty hearing and hearing loss. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, that number promises to increase dramatically.

3 MILLION

Canadians experience hearing loss

What exactly are Hyperacusis and Misophonia?
Hyperacusis occurs in about 25-30% of tinnitus patients and is the experience of moderately-intense sounds (e.g., dishes clanging) being perceived as overly loud and annoying. In other words, there is a negative reaction to sound that depends on only the physical characteristics of the sound itself (e.g., loudness).
Misophonia, experienced by about 60% of tinnitus patients, is a dislike, fear, or negative reaction to a specific sound with a certain pattern and meaning (e.g., chewing of a specific person). Reactions are usually context-specific (e.g., eating at a restaurant would not bother you, but eating at home does). Unlike hyperacusis, someone with misophonia can tolerate a high level of other sounds, such as music or traffic noise. Patients with misophonia tend to have an increased awareness of external sounds as well as somatosounds (internal body sounds, like chewing).
Other terms you’ll see associated with misophonia include:
Although hyperacusis and misophonia differ in terms of how we approach treatment, there is no fundamental difference with how you treat misophonia vs phonophobia vs 4S, so for simplicity’s sake, we use the term “misophonia”.
Treatments for DST
The first step is a thorough consultation with us. We’ll listen to your concerns rather than tell you to “just live with it.” To effectively treat DST, we consider all the dimensions of the condition:
Other terms you’ll see associated with misophonia include:
Depending on the complexity of your specific case, you may see more than one healthcare professional from a variety of disciplines. For example, if we suspect that there’s an underlying medical condition that’s causing your symptoms, we may refer to you an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist.

Our Procedures

Tinnitus and Sound Tolerance

Usually temporary, this type of hearing loss can be fixed with medication, a short procedure and, on rare occasions, with surgery.

Hearing Tests

This type of hearing occurs when tiny hairs in the cochlea are missing or damaged. Getting fitted with hearing aids is the only non-surgical solution.

Tinnitus Sound Generators
Whether you have hearing loss or normal hearing, these discreet, ear-worn, Bluetooth-compatible devices emit therapeutic sound for tinnitus relief, such as soothing tones or noise.
Tinnitus Sound Generators
Whether you have hearing loss or normal hearing, these discreet, ear-worn, Bluetooth-compatible devices emit therapeutic sound for tinnitus relief, such as soothing tones or noise.
Tinnitus Sound Generators
Whether you have hearing loss or normal hearing, these discreet, ear-worn, Bluetooth-compatible devices emit therapeutic sound for tinnitus relief, such as soothing tones or noise.
Tinnitus Sound Generators
Whether you have hearing loss or normal hearing, these discreet, ear-worn, Bluetooth-compatible devices emit therapeutic sound for tinnitus relief, such as soothing tones or noise.

Not sure where to start?

Book your 20-minute Meet & Greet

A Meet & Greet is a 20-minute complimentary introduction with our Audiologist, Bonita, over the phone or by Zoom. Learn about how our practice works as well as our intake process while Bonita learns about your concerns and needs. Please note there is no diagnosis or advice provided in this informal consultation.

Reviews

“I went to Tinnitus and Hearing Health Calgary just over a year ago as my tinnitus was no longer tolerable for me and I was at the end of my rope. Bonita’s professional and friendly manner instantly put me at ease. The whole process was wonderful and I’m happy to say that a year later my tinnitus is definitely much more manageable. Making that appointment over a year ago was life changing for me – I’m now kicking myself for not going to see her sooner!”

Joanne Foster

5/5

“I want to thank Bonita for being so thorough in her assessment. I was rear ended in a car accident and sound became a huge issue for me to tolerate. Bonita has given me hope that I may slowly return to normal through the sound therapy she prescribed. She is very supportive and willing to answer any questions at any time. Very happy with my experience.”

Sherry Barge

5/5

“Bonita Chow is the most knowledgeable audiologist on tinnitus that I have found. She answered all my questions and has given me practical advice on how to manage my tinnitus. She fitted me with hearing aids customized to my tinnitus. They have greatly improved the quality of my life and her patience and weekly follow up to monitor my progress help me to keep moving forward. ”

Frances Kohlsmith

5/5

Talk to the Experts

Don't wait! Take control of your tinnitus now!

Types of Hearing Loss

Getting a hearing test is the first step to improving your hearing. A hearing test will identify any hearing loss you may have and the extent. There are four basic types of hearing loss:

Conductive
Whether you have hearing loss or normal hearing, these discreet, ear-worn, Bluetooth-compatible devices emit therapeutic sound for tinnitus relief, such as soothing tones or noise.
Sensorineural
This type of hearing occurs when tiny hairs in the cochlea are missing or damaged. Getting fitted with hearing aids is the only non-surgical solution.
Mixed
A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, this type of hearing loss is usually treated with hearing aids alone, and occasionally in conjunction with medication, a short procedure or with surgery.
Central
Caused by strokes and central nervous system diseases, this type of hearing loss usually involves a therapy called auditory rehabilitation.
What’s the right treatment for your type of hearing loss?
Call us at 587-316-9406 to get your hearing tested and get answers.

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