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How Often Should Adults Get a Hearing Exam in Kitchener

Hearing is something most of us take for granted — until it starts to fade. For many adults in Kitchener, subtle changes in hearing happen gradually, often going unnoticed until they affect daily life. Difficulty following conversations, constantly turning up the TV, or missing important sounds can all be signs that it’s time for a professional hearing exam. Regular hearing exams aren’t just about detecting hearing loss — they’re a proactive step toward protecting your overall health, maintaining connections with family and friends, and ensuring you enjoy life to the fullest. In this article, we’ll explain how often adults should get

How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

Hearing aids are more than just devices—they are essential tools that help people stay connected to the world around them. Whether it’s enjoying conversations with family, listening to music, or staying safe in everyday life, reliable hearing aids make a real difference. A common question many people have is: how long do hearing aids actually last? Understanding their lifespan can help you plan for maintenance, replacement, and technology upgrades. Typical Lifespan of Hearing Aids On average, hearing aids last between three and seven years. This range can vary based on the type of device, how it’s used, and how well it’s

Hearing Health and New Year’s Resolutions: A Smarter Way to Start the Year

At Ear and Hearing Clinic, we encourage patients to think of hearing care as an essential part of their overall wellness plan. Making hearing health a priority at the start of the year can lead to meaningful improvements in confidence, relationships, and quality of life. Hearing affects nearly every part of our daily living. Clear hearing supports conversations with family, social interactions, workplace communication, and personal safety. When hearing issues go untreated, they can slowly begin to interfere with these areas. Many people experience frustration, fatigue, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. Changes in our hearing often occur gradually, making them easy to ignore. This is why

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Hearing Loss

Hearing can play an important role in the way some children access language, participate in activities, and interact with those around them. Yet, hearing loss in children is more common than many parents realize. Spotting the indications early can make a significant difference in your child’s life. This article will walk you through the common signs of hearing loss, explain why early detection is so important, and outline the steps you can take if you have concerns. Why Early Detection Matters Untreated hearing loss can have a ripple effect on a child’s development. It can impact their ability to develop speech

Understanding Why Ear Infections Happen and What Helps Prevent Them

Ear infections are one of the most common health concerns for both children and adults. They can be painful, disruptive, and—if they happen frequently—can even impact long-term hearing health. By understanding why ear infections happen and what steps help prevent them, you can better protect your ears and know when it’s time to reach out to an audiologist for expert care. In this guide, we’ll break down how ear infections develop, what symptoms to look for, and simple ways to reduce the risk for your family. What Ear Infections Are and How They Develop An ear infection occurs when the middle

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GETTING AN EARFUL

“Canal-style” hearing instruments are designed to go almost completely unnoticed when worn. Because they fit entirely in the ear canal, these tiniest of hearing instruments also provide the additional benefit of allowing the wearer to benefit from the pinna’s (the outer part of the ear) natural resonance and localization characteristics. Of these types of hearing instruments, “completely-in-the-canal” (CIC) models are best for individuals with good dexterity. Their smaller size usually translates to fewer manual controls (such as volume controls and program buttons) and smaller batteries (which may be more difficult to insert and remove). “In-the-canal” (ITC) models may be easier to

DO YOU HAVE A MUSICAL EAR?

If you are a musician, you should know that recent research shows that musicians top the charts when it comes to hearing loss. In fact, an analysis of the insurance records of seven million people shows that professional musicians are nearly four times more likely to suffer noise-induced deafness. Moreover, the study indicated that musicians were also about 57 percent more likely to suffer from “tinnitus,” which is ringing in the ears associated with hearing loss. A symphony orchestra can hit 120-137 decibels, and a rock concert can top 150 decibels. Over time, loud music takes its toll. Musicians of all

EXPLAINING GENDER BIAS

Studies indicate that men are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as women, especially those between the ages of 20-69. One of the many possible explanations for this difference involves the “female sex hormone” estradiol, which is found in both men and women. In women, estradiol functions as a growth hormone for tissues of the reproductive organs and plays a critical role in sexual development. In men, the hormone is generated in testosterone by aromatase, a protein which is found throughout the male reproductive system. Estradiol is also known to affect other organs. Of particular interest to hearing specialists is

OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING LOSS

While past studies have largely focused on men with hearing loss related to taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, a more recent study concerns women with the same problem. According to a large Harvard study involving middle-aged female nurses, those taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen on a regular basis experienced a 20 percent higher risk of hearing loss. Curiously, the study did not show that aspirin produced the same effect even though it is the only OTC pain reliever to carry a warning of potential hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) on its label. Hearing loss that does not go away

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