Marnie Donaldson – Sound Hearing Care Niagara

Hearing, Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Speakers explain hearing loss and treatments

Andy Redman introduced guest speaker Marnie Donaldson, a hearing instrument specialist and her colleague, Jessica Cekan, an audiologist from Sound Hearing Care, Niagara. A graduate of Conestoga College, Jessica has worked in a clinical setting since 2006. She rotates among Sound Hearing Clinics in Niagara and in the Hamilton area where she lives.

Andy related his personal experience in seeking hearing help and his pleasure with the excellent outcome of the work by Marnie and her colleagues.

Marnie and Jessica began their presentation with a video that illustrated the reactions of infants with hearing impairment when they were first able to hear.

With a PowerPoint presentation, Marnie pointed out that, according to the World Health Organization, hearing loss is the fifth leading cause of disability, affecting 50% of the population worldwide and 11.5% in Canada.  Currently 65% of adults over 65 have some hearing impairment.

She said common causes of hearing loss include such things as ear wax, foreign objects in the ear, perforations to the ear drum, aging, noise exposure, toxic medication, injuries, viruses, tumors and hereditary conditions.

Heart disease, hypertension, balance and diabetes are all symptoms related to untreated hearing loss. Also associated with hearing loss and balance issues can be a greater risk of falls, kidney disease, tinnitus, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Jessica pointed out that tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear, can only be felt by the sufferer and can’t be measured but it can be reduced through lowered stress and anxiety.

She advised that if a friend or family member is suspected of hearing loss, they should be offered support and encouraged to book a hearing test.

During an extensive question and answer session, it was pointed out that hearing aids only help to hear, they will not restore hearing. Upper frequency or high pitch sounds are the first sound levels to be adversely affected in hearing loss. Different speech styles and speeds can also affect hearing. The recommended method of clearing ear wax is the use of oil and water or seeking professional help but avoiding the use of any tools such as Q-tips. In reference to the opening video, it was pointed out that hearing screening is done now in hospitals for all babies with follow-up done as needed.

Duncan McLaren thanked Marnie and Jessica for their informative presentation and presented a gift certificate in token of appreciation.