interview with Marie-Josée Taillefer

Pl
ea
se
FR
Volume 5, Number 2, 2012
EE
ta
ke
The magazine that’s all about your hearing
The hearing test…
How do I persuade
a loved one to book
a consultation?
page 8
Hearing aids:
even more effective!
page 13
Interview with
Marie-Josée Taille
fer
Making deafness vis
ible!
page 3
Treat yourself
to wireless for
watching TV
page 20
ENT’s report
Cholesteatoma
page 5
o
ne
Editorial
TM
Volume 5, Number 2, 2012
Editor
Martin Cousineau, President
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief
Sabrina Grégoire
[email protected]
Pay attention
hearing loss can creep
up on you!
At Lobe Magazine,
we have made it
our mission to raise
awareness about
the importance
of taking good
care of your hearing. It is always
sad to see people isolate themselves from their families simply
because they can no longer follow conversations.
Once again, this issue focuses
on the various telltale signs of
hearing loss. It is full of tips to
help you assist your hearingimpaired loved ones as they take
the necessary steps to maintain
their quality of life.
An aging ear is a natural
phenomenon.
Just as presbyopia often
appears in aging eyes, presbycusis
is the result of the hearing system’s normal aging process.
The biggest problem with
presbycusis is its gradual onset.
Because it develops so slowly, a
person may not be aware they
have the condition, at least not
in its early stages. People often
blame their hearing problem on
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
others and complain that those
around them are not speaking
clearly, not enunciating properly
or are not loud enough.
Certain conditions will make
it more obvious that a person
is having trouble making out
speech:
 noisy environments (a lively
meal, a crowded pub, public
transportation);
 conversations that take place
at a distance (such as from one
room to another);
 several people talking at the
same time (meetings, debates);
 large and sparsely furnished
spaces (churches, conference
halls).
If you see these signs in a
loved one, friend or co-worker, it
is a good idea to approach them
about having their hearing tested.
Happy reading! 
Columnists
Cédric Bégnoche, Audioprosthetist
Simon Dufort, Audioprosthetist
Paul Fontaine, Audioprosthetist
Martin Fortin, MOA, Audiologist
Sébastien Lanthier, Audioprosthetist
France Morrissette, Audioprosthetist
Jonathan Plouffe, Audioprosthetist
Michèle Veilleux, MPA, Audiologist
Advisory committee
Josée Boulanger
Annie Dumontier
Michelle Fournier
Martin Fortin
Natacha Ioannoni
Francine Morrissette
Michèle Veilleux
Rafif Zarka
Graphic designer
Véronique Labbé
Novalux Conception Impression inc.
Rights and responsibilities
Any translation, reproduction or adaptation of
texts, illustrations and photos in this work, for
any reason whatsoever, in whole or in part, is
strictly prohibited without written permission
from the editor.
The opinions expressed in articles published
by Lobe Publications are the responsibility of
the author.
Legal deposit
ISSN 1913-0287
Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, Montréal
National Library of Canada, Ottawa
Lobe Publications
3520, rue de l’Hêtrière, bureau 103
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures QC G3A 0B4
Tel.: 418 877-7222
Fax: 418 872-1451
Email: [email protected]
www.lobe.ca
Lobe Magazine is published in English three
times per year by Lobe Publications.
Printed in Canada
Martin Cousineau
Subscribe to INFO-Lobe
The e-newsletter that keeps you up to date
with the latest news on hearing health, speech
and language. Visit www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
2
3
Interview with Marie-Josée Taillefer:
Making deafness visible!
M
object fell on the floor, it would
startle him—not because of the
noise, but because he could feel it.
After a while, Marie-Josée and René
real­ized that they were not able to
calm their son’s crying with their
voices alone. Olivier would only
quiet down at the sight of his parents. That was when they decided
to have him tested. At 11 months,
Olivier’s deafness was diagnosed.
As the inspirational parents of
two deaf children, Marie-Josée
Taillefer and her husband René
Simard understand better than
anyone the importance of our
awareness campaign, which seeks
to inform people about the impact
hearing has on our daily lives.
When Olivier was born, MarieJosée and René thought he was simply a very calm baby. An extremely
calm baby. Far from silent, Olivier’s
babble served to mask his deafness.
But over time, his small sounds
became more and more infrequent.
Since he couldn’t hear them, he did
not develop the habit of repeating
after them. However, like all babies,
he could sense vibrations. If an
Early childhood
intervention is critical!
When Rosalie was born two years
later, it was a completely different
story. At that time, the hospital was
testing a new device for detecting
deafness in newborns, and they
soon diagnosed Rosalie as being
deaf as well. For the couple, the
news came as a shock. Their experience with Olivier had shown
them how important it is to act
quickly, equipping the child with
hearing aids and adopting appropriate behaviours right away to
avoid developmental delays. Early
intervention is crucial because language develops in a child before
the age of three. “For example, if a
arie-Josée Taillefer is the
spokesperson for the
inaugural fundraising campaign for the Fondation Sourdine
pour l’École oraliste de Québec
pour enfants malentendants ou
sourds, and she met our interview
request with enthusiasm.
child begins to talk at one year old,
it’s because he’s been hearing words
for a whole year,” says Marie-Josée.
“Imagine the delays a child would
experience if he only started to hear
at the age of five!”
Marie-Josée points to the hidden nature of deafness, which is
not an easily detected disability.
“People don’t usually think their
child’s ­hearing could be deficient;
parents take it for granted that
their child can hear well from birth.
Imagine—we were with our son
24 hours a day, and even though
Olivier is deaf, we had to piece
together all these little signs before
we became suspicious and decided
to have his hearing tested. Think of
what it would be like with a child
who has mild or moderate deafness.
Often, parents will become aware of
their child’s hearing loss only once
he or she starts school and displays
difficulty with reading and writ­
ing. If you have even the slightest
suspicion, you should consult an
audiologist to make sure,” advises
Marie-Josée.
All rights reserved
René and Marie-Josée have agreed to be the spokespeople for the first
fundraising campaign for the Fondation Sourdine pour l’École oraliste
de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds.
Over a period of five years, this major
campaign will raise 2.5 million dollars to go towards acquiring a building that will house the École oraliste
de Québec. The money will also be
used to create an endowment fund
to ensure the school can continue to
provide services and to build an intensive education program for students.
“We decided to support this campaign because we know that for deaf
or hearing-impaired children, proper
education is crucial to their development. This is why we are very happy to
lend our support to this extraordina­ry
school,” says Marie-Josée.
When we asked Marie-Josée
to tell us what her ultimate
goal was, she replied without
hesitation: “To make deafness
visible!” Indeed, the disability
receives scant attention.
Throughout our interview, MarieJosée displayed an incredible gener­
osity of spirit, and we would like to
thank her from the bottom of our
hearts for this enriching and enlight­
ening encounter. 
,
To read the full interview
a.
visit www.lobe.c
www.sourdine.qc.ca
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
4
TM
ll.
Just one care.
e listen. We ca
TM
W
Volume 5, Number 2, 2012
TM
OUR mission The professionals who practice in Lobe Santé auditive et communication multidisciplinary
clinics share the goal of offering people who have hearing, language, or speech challenges every possible means of improving their quality of life by using the most current technologies and by applying a
­multidisciplinary patient-centered approach.
Cédric Bégnoche
Audioprosthetist
Natacha Ioannoni
Audioprosthetist
Joëlle Bélanger
MPA, Audiologist
Tanya Béliveau
Specialized Educator
Nathalie Bisson
Audioprosthetist
Francis Laflamme
Audioprosthetist
Élise Boucher-Doddridge
MPA, Audiologist
Myriam Bouchard
Specialized Educator
Josée Boulanger
Audioprosthetist
Sonia Lamarche
Audioprosthetist
Kathia Faust
MPA, Audiologist
Valérie Boucher
Specialized Educator
Julie Caya
Audioprosthetist
Sébastien Lanthier
Audioprosthetist
Martin Fortin
MOA, Audiologist
Myriam Boulanger
Specialized Educator
Joey Champagne
Audioprosthetist
Étienne Lefebvre
Audioprosthetist
Linda Gagnon
MOA, Audiologist
Marie-Julie Carbonneau
Specialized Educator
Paul Côté
Audioprosthetist
Stéphanie Marceau-Dugal
Audioprosthetist
Audrey Goulet
MPA, Audiologist
Stéphanie Desjardins
Specialized Educator
Martin Cousineau
Audioprosthetist
France Morrissette
Audioprosthetist
Joanie Lessard
MPA, Audiologist
Émilie Fournier
Specialized Educator
Skueda Dessureault-Tremblay
Audioprosthetist
Francine Morrissette
Audioprosthetist
Marie-Ève Lessard
MPA, Audiologist
Isabelle Galarneau
Specialized Educator
Karl Drouin
Audioprosthetist
André Ouellet
Audioprosthetist
Justine Ratelle
MPA, Audiologist
Marie-Pier Gervais
Specialized Educator
Simon Dufort
Audioprosthetist
Jonathan Plouffe
Audioprosthetist
Nadine Tougas
MPA, Audiologist
Marie-Ève Guay
Specialized Educator
Annie Dumontier
Audioprosthetist
Jacinthe Poitras
Audioprosthetist
Jessica Tremblay
MPA, Audiologist
Stéphanie Guillemette
Specialized Educator
Janie Durette
Audioprosthetist
Annie Potvin
Audioprosthetist
Michèle Veilleux
MPA, Audiologist
Estelle Lamonde
Specialized Educator
Paul Fontaine
Audioprosthetist
Nicole Tourigny
Audioprosthetist
Ann Yuile-Campbell
M.S. Aud (C), Audiologist
Marie-Christine Lavoie
Specialized Educator
Michelle Fournier
Audioprosthetist
Audrey Tremblay
Audioprosthetist
Rafif Zarka
MPA, Audiologist
Audrey Racine
Specialized Educator
Elaine Gagnon
Audioprosthetist
Michel Zalatan
Audioprosthetist
Annick Rousseau
Specialized Educator
Christophe Grenier
Audioprosthetist
Hugues Baril
MOA, Audiologist
Marie-Claude Fortier
MOA, Speech-language
Pathologist
Stéphanie Hamel
Audioprosthetist
Hélène Beaucher
MOA, Audiologist
Sylvie Thivierge
MOA, Speech-language
Pathologist
Sarah Roy
Specialized Educator
Marianne Vermette
Specialized Educator
Our Partners
Association québécoise de défense des droits
des personnes retraitées et préretraitées
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
DRE !
À REVEN
RGIE
’ÉNE
DE L
lace des aînés
All rights reserved
Association québécoise de défense des droits
des personnes retraitées et préretraitées
HEARING
ent’s report
Cholesteatoma
The human ear is susceptible to a thousand and one problems: ear infections
are common among children while the
elderly often experience presbycusis
(age-related hearing loss). Cholesteatoma, on the other hand, is a disease
marked by cysts on the eardrum and in the middle
ear.
Cholesteatoma is a type of chronic ear infection
or long-term inflammation of the eardrum or middle
ear. It consists of a cyst or retraction pocket on the
eardrum. Cholesteatoma is sometimes congenital, but
most often it results from chronic tympanic membrane
retraction or a perforated eardrum. Cholesteatoma is
more frequent among children under 15, but it can
occur at any age and usually appears in only one ear.
An ENT can perform a microscopy exam to diagnose problems of the eardrum and the middle
ear, including cholesteatoma. A computed tomo­
graphy (CT) scan of the ear is also often useful.
Cholesteatoma must be surgically treated by an
ENT specialist. The condition often requires longterm monitoring. It should be treated quickly to avoid
certain complications such as infections (mastoiditis,
meningitis), permanent deafness, dizziness or facial
paralysis.
If you are experiencing prolonged ear discharge, do
not hesitate to consult an ENT doctor. 
Patients with cholesteatoma may experience hearing loss or ear discharge, but symptoms are sometimes
very mild.
All rights reserved
Dr. Yanick Larivée
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist
Head and neck surgeon
President of the Association of Oto-rhino-laryngology
and Maxillo-facial Surgery of Quebec
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
5
Hearing
audioprosthetist’s report
Two ears:
two cerebral hemispheres
The brain acts as
headquarters for the
central nervous system, controlling our
ideas and thoughts.
It is home to over
a hundred billion interconnected
nerve cells that transmit and
receive messages from different
parts of the body. These cells are
the seat of intellectual, sensory and
motor functions.
Each hemisphere is subdivided
by fissures forming several lobes:
the limbic lobe, the insula, the
frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the
occipital lobe and the temporal
lobe containing the taste, memory
and hearing centres. The auditory
cortex is responsible for analyzing
the information we receive through
hearing.
The brain is divided into two
hemispheres, and as a general rule,
these are organized in the following way:
Hearing (temporal lobe)
The left hemisphere
The right hemisphere
The left hemisphere: The brain’s
left hemisphere is the rational side,
the primary centre for language,
computation and analysis.
The right hemisphere: The
right hemisphere excels in everything visual and spatial, perception
and intuition. The right hemisphere of the brain is associated
with creativity and music.
Each cerebral hemisphere processes information according to
its speciality, and then forwards
its results to the other half of the
brain. For example, to stretch the
right leg, the left hemisphere is
what triggers the movement.
Binaural hearing
Nature has equipped us with two
ears and two cerebral hemispheres.
Each cerebral hemisphere analyzes
the messages transmitted by both
ears, which means it is important
that each ear is functioning well.
References:
*See the article “La privation sensorielle,” Lobe Magazine, Vol. 7, No. 1, p. 8.
- Mariebs, Elaine N. Principes d’anatomie et de physiologie humaines, Éditions du renouveau pédagogique.
- Tortora, Gerard J., and Sandra Reynolds Grabowski. Principes d’anatomie et de physiologie.
- Purves, Dale (2003). Neurosciences, 2nd edition, trans. J. M. Coquery (De Boeck).
- Revue Audio info (April 2004).
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
Studies show that hearingimpaired people with bilateral
hearing aids describe sounds
as having more clarity, intensity, proximity and softness,
and report an improvement
in their ability to understand
conversation in noisy environments. In short, binaural hearing provides a better hearing
experience than monaural
hearing.
Not only do our two ears allow
us to hear, they also let us locate
sounds in our environment. For
example, your ears don’t just let
you know a car is coming, they also
tell you the direction from which
it is arriving. With his eyes closed,
a person with bilateral hearing aids
(both ears corrected) is able to tell
if a vehicle is arriving from the left
or the right. In addition, hearing
aids stimulate the reorganization
mechanisms of the auditory cortex
(brain plasticity) and improve cognitive and social performance.*
Hearing aids “re-educate” hearing, even in the very elderly. So it is
never too late to reap the benefits of
modern digital technology!
To learn more, do not hesitate to
consult an audioprosthetist at any
Lobe Santé auditive et communication multidisciplinary clinic. 
France Morrissette
Audioprosthetist
Boisbriand and
Laval • Sainte-Dorothée
All rights reserved
6
HEARING AIDS
audioproStheTIST’S REPORT
Brain plasticity
You have undoubtedly already heard
of books or memory games that are
bursting with various problems to test
our memories and mental skills. They
engage our brain’s ability to maintain
its malleability. This phenomenon is
referred to as brain plasticity. In essence, our central nervous system is perpetually reorganizing itself
regardless of our age.
The idea is simple: the more stimuli the brain
receives, the more it reorganizes itself to better manage those stimuli. A good example of this is how sometimes the blind develop a sense of touch or hearing
that is stronger than the average person’s. Many scientific experiments and studies have shown this observation to be true. Some researchers even believe that
brain plastic­ity could be at the centre of slowing down
symptoms of Alzheimer disease in some subjects, as if
the brain were compensating for having the disease.
In other words, the brain continuously remodels itself.
Brain plasticity is extremely important to a successful hearing aid fitting; it should definitely not
be ignored. Put another way, you need to give
yourself some time. Adapting to hearing aids is a
process, not an innate ability.
Today, hearing aid miniaturization allows us to
brush aside most pejorative stereotypes about the
devices. The adaptation period remains essential to the
success of a hearing aid fitting. People can take days
or weeks to find their auditory markers and reorganize
the processing of this new information by the various
nerve endings. Your audioprosthetist and specialized
educator will support you during this adaptation
period. In addition, always keep in mind that time is
a determining factor in this process, so give yourself a
chance to see the positive changes over time.
Brain plasticity
from another angle
It can work the other way too: a brain receiving a
reduced quantity of information will slowly lose the
ability to process that information. This phenomenon
is referred to as sensory deprivation.
People who have been hearing-impaired and
­without a hearing aid for several years will face a
greater challenge during the period in which they
are adapting to their hearing aid. Therefore, it is
imperative to proceed with a hearing aid fitting as
soon as hearing loss is diagnosed.
Considering that a person with hearing loss takes
an average of seven years before consulting a professional, it is not surprising that the adaptation period
will be longer.
Do not hesitate to consult an audioprosthetist at any
Lobe Santé auditive et communication multidisciplinary
clinic for more information. 
All rights reserved
Simon Dufort
Audioprosthetist
Montréal • Saint-Laurent
References:
-ARLINGER, S. “Negative consequences of uncorrected hearing loss−a review,”
International Journal of Audiology (2003); 42(2), 17-20.
-PHILIBERT, B., et al. “The auditory acclimatization effect in sensorineural hear­
ing-impaired listeners: Evidence for functional plasticity,” Hearing Research
(2005); 131-142.
-TREMBLAY, Jessica, MPA, Audiologist.
- “À la découverte de la plasticité cérébrale,” http://www.psychologies.com, page
consulted on January 22, 2012.
-“Les personnes à risques d’Alzheimer peuvent désormais espérer retarder
l’apparition des premiers symtômes,” http://www.nouvelles.umontreal.ca, page
consulted on January 22, 2012.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
7
HEARING
audiologist’S REPORT
The hearing test…
How do I persuade a loved
one to book a consultation?
It is not easy to
convince the people
in our lives to consult
an audiologist. Deafness is commonly
associated with old
age, and who wants to admit to getting older with the accompanying
loss of abilities? Telling someone
they “don’t hear well” can therefore
feel somewhat confrontational.
Deafness can sneak up on
people. Because it often occurs
very gradually, many don’t even
realize that anything is wrong with
their hearing. People who fail to
notice their hearing loss will often
lay blame on those around them:
­“ Everyone else mumbles—they
don’t speak clearly!” is a common
argument. It is hard for a person to
realize they are missing sounds they
can no longer hear. Bear in mind
that before hearing impaired people
come to terms with their deafness,
they typically go through a fairly
long period of denial. It can be a
frustrating experience. On aver­
age, it is usually five to seven years
between the time someone starts to
notice a problem and the time they
consult an audiologist. Some will
even wait up to 15 years.
There is no magic formula for
persuading someone to book a
consultation. Every person will
react differently to the suggestion. For some, it is important to
approach the topic very gently,
while others will respond to a more
direct approach. It can be helpful
to appeal to a person’s emotions;
for example, by asking them if they
are bothered by their inability to
understand others during family
get-togethers or when they play
with their grandchildren. You can
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
also bring up your own feelings by
talking about how it makes you
sad when the person avoids taking
part in conversations, or frustrated
when you constantly need to repeat
yourself. Make sure to choose an
appropriate time when the person
is likely to be receptive. Above all,
avoid bringing up the topic when
a third person is present. Be respectful when broaching the subject
and you will have a better chance of
being heard.
Stick to the facts, and avoid using
a harsh tone or accusatory words so
the person does not feel as if they are
being attacked. Avoid the following
expressions: “You don’t understand
anything,” “You always make me
repeat everything” or “Your responses don’t make any sense!” It is
better to use the “I” formula: “I have
the impression that you are more
tired after group gatherings,” or
“I think you are having more trouble
under­­s­tanding people than you used
to.” It is important to let the person
know that you only want what is
best for them and that your goal is
to improve their quality of life.
Be an active listener and try to
understand their point of view.
Don’t force the issue.
Hearing health profession­
als are there to help people
cope with hearing loss. You
can let your loved one know
they have nothing to lose and
everything to gain by booking
a consultation!
You can even offer to make the
process easier by arranging the
appointment or accompanying
them to the audiologist. For people
who are dealing with hearing loss,
gestures like these will certainly
reduce their stress.
Here are a few other helpful tips:
 Leave some Lobe Magazine issues
lying around to demystify the
issue.
 Find a reason to bring up a
recently published article that
may be of interest.
 Make a positive comment about
a neighbour’s hearing aids.
 Etc.
Lastly, just like our eyes, our ears
need regular preventative check-ups
throughout our lives, and hearing
tests are recommended, especially
after the age of 50.
If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to contact an audi­
ologist at a Lobe Santé auditive et
communication multidisciplinary
clinic. 
Michèle Veilleux, MPA
Audiologist
Québec
All rights reserved
8
HEARING aids
audiologisT’S REPORT
Did you know that the type of hearing aid
you wear is based on your individual profile?
All rights reserved
Wh e n d e c i d i n g i f
a person should
wear a hearing aid,
there are several
factors to consider.
An individual’s
personality and their environment bear more or less equal
consideration in determining
hearing aid needs.
First of all, it is important to
understand that the audiogram
represents only one factor. This
graphic, generated by the audiologist, illustrates the degree and type
of hearing loss present. It forms
the basis of any hearing assessment, certainly, but bear in mind
that two people with the same type
of deafness can each face very different challenges.
These challenges vary depend­
ing on the hearing-impaired
person’s level of activity. For
example, people who do not lead
busy social lives and who are not
working will interact less frequently
with others, and therefore will run
up against fewer communication
challenges. In addition, if they
know the people with whom they
usually communicate, their needs
will be less acute. People who are
hard of hearing will usually find it
easier to communicate with friends
and family as opposed to strangers.
It is also important to consider
the type of work a person
performs. People who engage in
manual labour and who have little
need to communicate with others
may feel less inclined to use hear­
ing aids than a person who attends
meetings frequently, interacts with
the public or who works in cus­
tomer service. The actual work
environment can be a factor as well.
Quiet workplaces such as closed
offices make it easier for hearingimpaired people to understand
conversation, in contrast to noisy
environments like open concept
spaces that are shared with several
colleagues.
Recreational activities also
come into play. Life does not only
happen at work—what a person
does in their free time is also an
important consideration. To take
full advantage of leisure activities,
it is important to take stock of
what is required. People who participate in numerous social activities (bingo, bridge, etc.) will have
greater need for a hearing aid than
those who engage in solitary pastimes such as reading, sewing or
embroidery.
It is important to note that the
ability to adapt to hearing
loss varies greatly from one indi-
vidual to another. Some people are
limited in their ability to compensate, such as through lip-reading or
by signalling that they have missed
what was said. People who are less
inclined to employ good communication strategies experience more
severe consequences as a result of
hearing loss, which increases the
need for hearing aids.
Furthermore, a person’s capac­
ity to make mental adjustments hinges on their language
as well as their degree of general
knowledge; these make a big dif­
ference in one’s ability to under­
stand. In addition, when the language a hearing-impaired person
hears is not their mother tongue,
difficulties increase, along with
the need to wear hearing aids. For
example, if you are learning French
or enjoy frequent travel, you may
find these activities very challeng­
ing once you experience hearing
loss and feel a greater need for
hear­ing aids.
Always keep in mind that to
reap all the benefits of hearing aids
and to facilitate their regular usage,
it is important to recognize one’s
own unique challenges and feel
motivated to make the necessary
effort!
Do not hesitate to consult an
audiologist at a Lobe Santé auditive et communication clinic for
more information. 
Michèle Veilleux, MPA
Audiologist
Québec
facility (syntax and vocabulary)
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
9
Questionnaire
Hearing and Listening
difficulties screening
For each question, place a checkmark in the circle under the answer that best describes your listening
and hearing experiences. Please only use one checkmark per question and answer all the questions.
Never Occasionally Often Always
0 point
2 points
4 points 6 points
Questions
1. I have difficulty understanding a conversation when I am
speaking with someone and there is background noise present
(example: in a shopping mall, in a restaurant, in the car).




2. I have to turn up the volume of the television or the radio
in order to understand better.




3. I have difficulty understanding conversations when a number
of people are talking at the same time.




4. I have difficulty hearing someone knocking at the door or
hearing the doorbell ringing.




5. I have difficulty hearing the telephone ringing from another
room at home.




6. I have difficulty understanding speech if I cannot see the face
of the person talking to me.




7. I have difficulty understanding speech when people talk
too quickly.








8. I have difficulty understanding on the phone.
9. I have difficulty identifying where sounds are coming from.
10. I have difficulty understanding speech when someone talks
to me from another room at home.
1. Add up your points.


2. Add:
• Below 60 years of age:0
• Betwen 60 and 64: 6
• 65 years or more: 12






3. Add boxes
1 and 2.
If your total score is 24 or more,
the following steps are recommended:
Make an appointment
with an audiologist for
a complete hearing evaluation.
1
If a hearing loss is identified; you will be
referred to either, your family doctor,
an ear-nose-throat specialist or an audioprosthetist.
2
Upon your request, a copy of your hearing evaluation
will be sent to your family doctor.
This questionnaire was designed by Martin Fortin, MOA, audiologist, in conjunction with Lobe Santé auditive et communication.
No part of this document can be reproduced without the written permission of Lobe Santé auditive et communication.
To find the multidisciplinary clinic nearest you:
1 866 411-5623 • www.lobe.ca
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
10
Hearing aids
audioprosthetist’s report
Myths surrounding
the use of hearing aids
Are you embarrassed
to wear glasses
because you want
to keep others from
knowing you have
vision problems?
Are you always pushing off correcting your vision until later? Do
you use a magnifying glass to read
the newspaper instead of wearing
your glasses? Then why keep your
hearing problems a secret?
If you have a hearing loss, why
are you embarrassed about wearing
hearing aids? Could it be the myths
surrounding hearing aids and deafness? If so, let’s demystify them.
Following are a few examples of
myths that hearing health professionals often encounter.
1. Hearing aids are too
big; everyone will see
I have them.
So? What’s important is that you
hear and understand better. There
are hearing aids that can be placed
at the bottom of the ear canal.
However, for people whose degree
of hearing loss or size of auditory
canal do not allow the wearing of
this style of hearing aid, devices
worn behind the pinna (ear flap)
are much smaller and more dis­
creet and comfortable than before.
Matched to hair colour, they are
essentially hidden.
All rights reserved
2. Hearing aids produce
feedback all the time.
Feedback is increasingly rare in
new hearing aids, which are much
improved in this regard, with their
anti-Larsen system (which eliminates feedback as soon as the hear­
ing aid perceives it). If there is feedback, it is likely because the hearing
aid is not properly positioned in
the auditory canal or the wearer has
a ear wax plug.*
3. I don’t want two;
I’ll look even deafer!
Wearing two hearing aids is nothing
but positive, offering better under­
standing in noisy situations and
better spatial sound localization.
The reason is simple: in most cases,
hearing loss occurs in both ears. In
fact, Dr. Sergei Kochkin of the Better Hearing Institute tells us that in
90% of cases, hearing loss occurs in
both ears and therefore, two hear­
ing aids are needed!
4. I don’t need them;
at my age it’s normal
to be hard of hearing.
Presbycusis is the degeneration of
the cells of the inner ear. Therefore,
it is normal that with age presbycusis affects your ears. What is not
normal is not doing anything about
it! It’s a bit like someone suffering
from presbyopia (degeneration
of the cells of the eye) telling you
he no longer reads the newspaper
because he doesn’t see well. That
makes no sense! A simple correction can fix everything and improve
your quality of life in one step.
5. I won’t like it.
A study shows that 92% of hear­ingimpaired people who wear hearing
aids are satisfied with them. This
References:
* See the article “Mes appareils sifflent, est-ce normal?”, Lobe Magazine dated
August 15, 2008.
- KOCHKIN, S. “MarkeTrak VII: Consumer satisfaction with hearing instruments in the
digital age,” The Hearing Journal, September 2005, Vol. 58, No. 9: 30-43.
- www.hear-it.org
study, conducted by Dr. Kochkin,
also reveals that nine out of ten
people agree that their quality of
life has improved since they have
hearing aids. You know, the best
way to find out if you’d like wearing
hearing aids is to try them!
Because of these myths, you
are depriving yourself of the joy of
hearing your grandchildren, birds
singing or understanding what
people are saying to you. When
you meet hearing health profes­
sionals and they recommend you
to wear hearing aids, understand
that it is because you need them.
The goal of a hearing aid is not
to show everyone that you have
a hearing problem, but to clearly
understand the people talking to
you, to help you appreciate your
time with family members and
friends. It simply means that you
are taking care of your hearing and
that you are solving a problem a
lot of people have, starting with
yourself.
For more information, do
not hesitate to contact an audioprosthetist at a Lobe Santé auditive
et communication multidisciplinary clinic. 
Sébastien Lanthier
Audioprosthetist
Sainte-Foy
- KOCHKIN, S. “MarkeTrak VII: Hearing loss population tops 31 million,” The Hearing
Journal, July 2005, 12: 16-29 and Fördergemeinschaft Gutes Hören.
- http://www.french.youth.hear-it.org/Les-appareils-auditifs-ameliorent-la-qualite-de-vie.
- BETTER HEARING INSTITUTE, www.betterhearing.org.
- CARMEN, Richard, and Shelley URAM. “The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss &
Hearing Aids: A Bridge to Healing,” The Hearing Journal, April 2012.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
11
Hearing aids
audioprosthetist’s report
K
MO
D
I
L QN
HP
The negative effects
P
of diminished auditory discrimination
on the performance of your hearing aids
W
hen getting fitted for hear­
ing aids, certain obstacles
can influence the expected
results (hearing aids + % discrimi­
nation = expected results). One
such obsta­cle is diminished auditory discrim­i­nation, represented as
a percent­age on your hearing test
results.
A
E
F
B
C
D
Take the example of a form of hearing loss common to many hearingimpaired people, whereby high frequencies are affected and low frequencies are normal. Let’s analyze the frequency structure of the word sunset.
The “s” and “t” are sharp (high frequencies) and the “un” and “e” are low
frequencies. The hearing-impaired person will therefore have difficulty
perceiving the “s” and “t.” The figure below illustrates the concept.
sunset:
Perceived by a normally hearing person
To determine this percentage, the
Perceived by a hearing-impaired person
audiologist has the patient listen to
with sensorineural hearing loss
several words and repeat them. The
purpose of this test is to measure the
Perceived by a hearing-impaired person
patient’s ability to recognize words
with sensorineural hearing loss
at a comfortable loudness level and
with hearing aids
therefore determine word clarity to
the patient’s ear. Typically, the audiologist uses a list of 25 mono­syllabic
words. Every time the patient makes
With the results of your hearing test conducted by the audiologist, the
a mistake when repeating a word, audioprosthetist will be able to explain what benefits you can expect from
4% gets subtracted.
your hearing aids. The role of your hearing aids is to maximize residual
hearing, i.e. stimulate the intact parts of the auditory system, not repair
them.
Discrimination
For hearing-impaired people with diminished auditory discrimination,
qualification scale
it is important to be aware of the specific solutions for maximizing resid­
(this scale may vary
ual hearing. Among these, using two hearing aids (binaural hearing aids),
depending on the author):
choosing hearing aids with more advanced technology, and using listening
Excellent discrimination:
and communication strategies make it possible to obtain the maximum
90% or higher
amount of information from the sound environment.
Very good: 80% to 89%
In conclusion, patients who have diminished speech dis­crimination
Good: 70% to 79%
abilities must have realistic expectations in terms of the results they will
Fair: 50% to 69%
achieve with their hearing aids.
Weak: 20% to 49%
Do not hesitate to consult an audioprosthetist at any Lobe Santé audiAlmost nil: 0% to 19%
tive et communication clinic for more information. 
Diminished auditory discrimination translates into a difficulty in
differentiating between the various
sounds of speech. As such, some
words may be distorted or altered.
To illustrate this, suppose you were
listening to your favourite radio
station and the reception was bad.
Turning up the volume won’t eliminate the sound distortion. This phenomenon applies to someone with a
hearing impairment whose auditory
discrimination is dimin­ished.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
Jonathan Plouffe
Audioprosthetist
Saint-Hubert
Cédric Bégnoche
Audioprosthetist
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
References:
- LESHOWITZ, B., and R. LINDSTROM (1979). “ Masking and speech-to-noise ratio ,” Audiol. Deaf Educ. 6, 5-8.
- PLOMP, R., and A.M. MIMPEN (1979). “ Speech-reception threshold for sentences as a function of age and
noise level ,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 66, 1333-1342
All rights reserved
12
G
Hearing aids
audioprosthetist’s report
Hearing aids:
even more effective!
Hearing problems are
increasingly wide­
spread. People suffering from deafness
are looking for hear­
ing aids that match
their lifestyle. Through science, our
auditory knowledge continues to
grow, which lets us develop even
more effective hearing aids. One of
the problems the hard of hearing
most often cite is hearing in noisy
environments.
Hearing and understanding
are two different, but interrelated,
things. Hearing loss means that
people perceive words less distinctly, which means understanding
is reduced considerably. This is why
they hear the words, but don’t really
understand them. Using hearing
aids earlier in our lives enables us
to better adapt to hearing amplification.
All rights reserved
Today’s hearing aids use
several systems to help users
understand in noisy environments.
left ear), which increases the ability
to understand in a noisy place. The
noise reduction system works in
the canal where ambient noise is
present without altering the other
bands, thus providing better sound
quality. Using interactive microphones, the systems available in
hearing aids ensure that the hearing
aid opposite the main vocal source
focuses on that same vocal source.
Connectivity features are available
to connect the hearing aids to the
telephone or TV so that the sound
source is perceived directly in the
hearing aids.
Hearing aids with mid level
technology use less developed systems. They have fewer channels,
and the noise reduction systems
and microphones are less flexible
than those in hearing aids with
premium and advanced technology.
They do not share sound information, but they can work together
for directional microphone action
or for adjusting volume.
Lastly, hearing aids with economy and entry level technology
provide fewer options as they have
fewer channels and less effective
noise reduction systems. They can,
however, communicate interaurally
for volume adjustment and directional microphone action.
Do not hesitate to consult your
audioprosthetist at one of the Lobe
Santé auditive et communication
multidisciplinary clinics for assistance selecting the right hearing
aids for you. 
Paul Fontaine
Audioprosthetist
Lac-Mégantic and Saint-Georges
References:
Hearing aid manufacturers’ data sheets. Thank you
to the following companies: Starkey, Oticon and
Phonak.
A wide selection is available on
the market and can be categorized
into five levels of technology: premium, advanced, mid level, entry
level and economy.
Hearing aids using premium
and advanced technology provide
for the most effective correction
systems. They break the sound into
several fragments, which allows for
intervention on small sound bands.
These hearing aids are equipped
with the latest generation computer system. Noise reduction systems work alongside the interactive
microphones and the interaural
communication systems (right and
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
13
Hearing aids
PERFORMANCES USUALLY OBSERVED IN VARIOUS LISTENING
ENVIRONMENTS BASED ON TECHNOLOGY LEVEL *
Calm
ECONOMY
ENTRY LEVEL
MID LEVEL
ADVANCED
PREMIUM
One on one
Listening environments
Family
dinner
Theatre/
Concert
Outdoor
activities
Meetings
Restaurant
Noisy
Parties
Social
activities
Comfortable
* These levels of performance presuppose that the person is wearing binaural hearing aids and has strong speech
recognition capabilities.
CONNECTIVITY (Bluetooth, FM, infrared)
HOME
TELEPHONE
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
MOBILE
TELEPHONE
TV
OTHER AUDIOVIDEO SYSTEMS
CONFERENCE
All rights reserved
14
15
Lobe Maintenance Products
To ensure both the comfort and longevity of your hearing aids
TM
Quick and
se
Easy to u
Use
Directions
VapoLobe
Daily
Cleaner
Cleans hearing aids and reduces
the risk of ear canal infection
while helping to keep repair
costs down.
Spray the VapoLobeTM solution on a tissue and
gently wipe each hearing aid’s earmold, shell or dome.
Can also be used to clean protective ear wear
(e.g. earplugs for musicians, swimmers, etc.).
ServiLobeTM
Daily
Cleaning and
Disinfectant
Towelettes
Cleans hearing aids and reduces
the risk of ear canal infection
while helping keep repair
costs down.
Take a packet from the ServiLobeTM box and open it to
remove the towelette. Carefully wipe the earmold, shell
or dome of your hearing aid. Can also be used to clean
protective ear wear (e.g. earplugs for musicians,
swimmers, etc.).
IntraLobeTM
Deep Cleaner Deep cleans earmolds.
Light pressure is all that’s needed to wet the brush.
Apply the cleaner to the earmold and brush lightly
until the product has evaporated.
Nightly
Protector
for Everyday
Care
Open the battery compartment, remove the battery
and place hearing aids in the ProtecLobeTM container.
TM
ProtecLobe
TM
Eliminates excess moisture,
which is the main cause of
hearing aids malfunction.
The ProtecLobeTM tablet must be replaced every three months. Tip: write the date on the tablet.
TestLobe
TM
Immediately indicates
whether your battery
is still good or
needs replacing.
: Battery OK
: Battery OK
: Battery needs
changing
: Battery needs
changing
SoluLobe
Effervescent
Tablets for
Earmolds
Deep cleans and disinfects
earmolds.
Fill the container with warm water and drop in a tablet.
Disconnect the earmolds from the hearing aids and
place them in the container. Soak for several hours or
overnight. Rinse with clean water. Dry with VentiLobeTM.
VentiLobeTM
Air Blower
for Earmolds
Eliminates moisture from
earmold tubes.
Disconnect the earmolds from the hearing aids.
Insert the air blower tip into the tube and squeeze
until all moisture or condensation is gone.
InserLobe
Lubricating
Gel
Makes hearing aid insertion
easier.
Apply a small amount of InserLobeTM lubricating gel
on the earmold or in-the-canal part of the shell.
Avoid getting gel on the receiver and microphone.
TM
All rights reserved
Battery
Tester
Insert the battery into the TestLobeTM tester. Slide
the battery over the gold-coloured part of the tester,
being sure to keep the “+” side upwards.
The result:
TM
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
Hearind aids
The Wi Series 110:
Hearing aids designed for better speech
intelligibility in noisy environments
Starkey is introduc­
ing its brand-new
line of Wi Series
wireless hearing aids
design­
e d to make
your life easier, especially when it comes to hearing!
The Wi family is available in three
technology levels: entry level (Wi
Series 70), mid level (Wi Series 90)
and advanced (Wi Series 110).
The Wi Series 110 was developed
for active people who experience
ambient noise levels of variable
intensity. Thanks to its programming flexibility and unique background noise reduction algorithm,
these high-end hearing aids provide
optimal sound and performance in
challenging listening and communication environments.
Most hearing losses involve a
diminished capacity to perceive
high frequencies. Those frequencies, generally above 3 kHz, account
for some 25% of the speech cues
required to recognize spoken language (ANSI S3.5-1997). The
Spectral iQ option that comes with
the Wi Series 90 and Wi Series
110 restores the audibility of highfrequency speech sounds without
introducing any distortion. Spectral
iQ uses a technique called “spectral
identification” to identify incoming acoustic signals in the hearing
aids, recognizing and classifying the
acoustic characteristics of high frequencies. Once that’s done, it uses
a sophisticated technical process
to replicate those high-frequency
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
characteristics at a lower frequency,
leading to enhanced audibility and
speech intelligibility.
The Wi Series 110’s advanced
technology also opens the door to
a very useful function for hearingimpaired individuals: binaural synchronization. The principle is very
simple: the hearing aids exchange
information every six milliseconds
to establish an accurate portrait of
your acoustic environment. Then,
that map of the acoustic environment is used to adjust the hearing
aids’ noise reduction levels and
microphones, providing the best
possible sound quality for that
environment. What’s more, when
you turn up the volume on one
hearing aid, binaural coordination
reproduces the action on the other,
providing balanced, optimal hear­
ing at all times.
In addition to helping you
hear better in noisy settings, the
Wi Series line can also relay audio
signals from your television, radio
or computer directly to your hear­
ing aids through the wireless Surf­
Link Media transmitter. You don’t
have to install anything complicated or wear any special accessories: just connect the transmitter
to your TV set or other device
using the audio cables provided,
and you’re all set! The transmitter
will stream the audio signal from
your entertainment device directly
to your hearing aids, making sure
you don’t miss a word while those
around you can continue to watch
their programs at a volume they
find comfortable. 
Wi Series
Remote Control
Artone
SurfLink Media
Julie-Catherine Ste-Marie, M.Sc.S.
Audiologist
Starkey Canada
www.starkey.com
rmation or want to know
If you’d like further info
aring aid or accessory
whether this type of he
an audioprosthetist at
is right for you, consult
et communication
ive
a Lobe Santé audit
ay!
multidisciplinary clinic tod
All rights reserved
16
Hearing aids
Bernafon Chronos 7
All rights reserved
When it comes to
hear­
i ng aids, the
chal­lenge has always
been to fit hearingimpaired people with
hearing aids that provide appropriate amplification along
with comfortable sound.
The difficulty in achieving this
balance becomes complex:
1. If the person has hearing loss due
to working in a noisy environment
for an extended period;
or
2. If the person’s audiogram shows
an atypical hearing loss;
or
3. If the person suffers from tinnitus;
or
4. If the person has difficulty in
terms of tolerating loud sounds
(recruitment).
Bernafon Chronos 7 hearing
aids provide adjustment flexibil­
ity, making it possible to program
hearing aids to correct the most
problematic hearing losses. These
devices, along with all the others in
the family of Chronos hearing aids,
were developed to provide clear
and comfortable sound. Audio
Efficiency™ technology synergetically combines the processing of the
ChannelFree™ signal and directivity for improved speech comprehension, with optimal elimination
of acoustic feedback (hissing) and
effective noise management.
The technology speed of ChannelFree™ signal processing com­bined
with phonemic compression ensures
that appropriate gain is phonetically
applied while elimi­nating any spectral blurring, resulting in enhanced
sound quality.
With the growing popularity of
open hearing aids, particularly for
people with ski slope hearing loss
(where low to medium frequencies
are often normal), a good system
for counteracting acoustic feed-
back is very important. The Adaptive Feedback Canceller (AFC)
Plus, designed in conjunction with
the Chronos family, detects and
eliminates feedback while it is still
inaudible, allowing for open hearing aids with no acoustic feedback
for the majority of high frequency
­hearing losses.
Chronos 7 hearing aids have a
great deal of adjustment flexibility:
 Ability to set up to four programs
including telephone, automatic
telephone setting and Bluetooth
DAI (direct audio input), for
maximum flexibility for your
hearing needs.
 Choice of four hearing aid formulas (NAL NL1, DSL i/o, Bernafit and Bernafit Comfort) to
satisfy amplification needs.
 Full range of styles and matrices
for fitting a wide variety of people
with different audiogram con­
figurations and aesthetic pref­
erences.
 Choice of different shells for
behind-the-ear products, includ­
ing the standard colour hook and
Spira Flex thin tube available in
two diameters.
Expanded
scope of domes for
maximum hearing-aid fitting
flexibility for all ear sizes.
 Data collection/recording of vol­
ume changes.
 Connectivity via remote control
and Soundgate (Bluetooth). 

Martin Lusignan
Bernafon
www.bernafon.ca
thetist at one
Consult your audiopros
ditive et
au
nté
Sa
be
of the Lo
isciplinary
communication multid
product
this
clinics to see whether
eds.
ne
g
arin
he
r
is right for you
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
17
hearing aids
Pure Carat from Siemens:
An innovative solution
As a manufacturer
specializing in innovative, practical and
environmentally
friendly concepts,
Siemens has devel­
oped Pure Carat, a rechargeable
hearing aid. The handy eCharger
recharging case is easy to use
and spares you the hassle of purchasing and handling batteries. It
also serves as a drying kit at night,
drying your hearing aids to reduce
the risk of internal corrosion that
could result from exposure to
moisture—including natural perspiration generated by normal activity.
Pure Carat has earned a reputation for its flexibility, including a
case that comes in a variety of interchangeable colours so you can personalize your hearing aids when­ever
you wish, and a switch that can be
used to set the volume or change
listening programs, as required.
Equipped with Siemens’ BestSound technology, the Pure Carat
hearing aid delivers truly natural
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
sound quality. What’s more, the
built-in TruEar function helps you
determine where sounds come
from. The SoundBrilliance feature
restores the rich, round sound of
music and Bluetooth audio feeds,
thanks to the Tek and miniTek
remote controls. Pure Carat can
also play a part in tinnitus management programs, helping to alleviate
a common after-effect of noise-­
related hearing loss.
Pure Carat is a RIC (receiverin-canal) hearing aid featuring a
size 13 battery for longer battery
life without sacrificing the case’s
tiny size. Its telecoil enables you
to connect your hearing aids to
compatible telephones and take
advantage of magnetic induction
loop systems found at establishments like museums, churches and
theatres.
Provided certain requirements
are met, the CSST will cover the
cost of this model for workers suffering from occupational hearing
loss. 
thetist at
Consult your audiopros
ditive et
au
one of the Lobe Santé
iplinary
isc
ltid
mu
n
communicatio
product
this
er
eth
wh
rn
clinics to lea
he
r aring
is a good match for you
.
profile
Michèle Dostaler, M.Sc.S.
Audiologist
Product Support
Siemens
www.siemens.com
All rights reserved
18
Hearing aids
Acto Pro from Oticon:
Hearing aids designed for noisy environments
For most hearing aid users, noisy environments always pose a challenge. A survey
of 3,000 hearing aid wearers conducted
by Dr. Kochkin in 2005 showed that only
59% of hearing aid users were satisfied
with their hearing aids’ overall performance in noisy environments.
With the arrival of new technologies like wireless
communication between hearing aids and extended
bandwidth, Oticon is now focusing on speech perception in complex hearing environments. Oticon’s Acto
Pro hearing aids are part of a product line that incorporates some of the best technologies on the market,
including multiband adaptive directionality, TriState
noise management and binaural synchronization.
These features improve speech intelligibility in
noisy, difficult environments, and they should be
on your must-have list when the time comes to
choose your hearing aids.
All rights reserved
Binaural synchronization is a function that allows
two hearing aids to communicate with each other. Our
ears naturally work together to acquire spatial information on the sounds around us, based on factors like
time lag (a sound reaches one ear before the other) and
difference in intensity (the sound is stronger in the ear
closer to the source). To accomplish that same result,
hearing aids must have considerable bandwidth because
some spatial information comes from higher frequencies. In the case of Oticon’s Acto Pro, the bandwidth
is 8,000 Hz.
Binaural synchronization and bandwidth size are
essential features, not only for pinpointing the sources
of the sounds around us, but also for understanding
speech in noisy settings. They help produce a sound
picture of the surrounding environment that is richer,
more detailed and more balanced.
In a recent study (Oticon/Sagepub, 2010), 36 adults
with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss (18 expe-
Connect Phone
Connect TV
rienced hearing aid users and 18 inexperienced users)
were fitted in both ears with hearing aids, either models
with an extended bandwidth and wireless communication capability or models with a narrower bandwidth
and no wireless capability. The goal was to compare the
performance of each pair of hearing aids in two listen­
ing and speech intelligibility tests: a quick speech-innoise (QuickSIN) test and a hearing-in-noise (HINT)
test. Hearing aids with broader bandwidth and wireless
communication capability achieved better results in
both tests and all noise conditions than digital hearing
aids without wireless communication capability.
Acto Pro is also on the CSST’s list of eligible prod­
ucts. If you have an occupational hearing loss and a
hard time understanding speech in noisy conditions,
ask your audioprosthetist whether Oticon’s Acto Pro is
right for you! 
Connect mic
To see the Oticon/Sagepub study (Kreisman, et al., 2010), visit www.lobe.ca.
Josée Guillemette
Audiologist
Business Development Manager,
Adult and Pediatric Trainer
Oticon Canada
www.oticon.com
Streamer
product is
To find out whether this
, consult
file
pro
g
right for your hearin
Santé
be
Lo
a
at
tist
the
an audiopros
n
tio
auditive et communica
ic.
clin
y
multidisciplinar
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
19
hearing aids
When I sat down to write this article, I
started pondering the phenomenon of
hearing loss. My first thought was that
most people do not even notice that
it’s happening, and unfortunately, it’s
usually their family and friends who suffer because of it!
This week, I was Skyping with my parents in Florida when I realized that my father was starting to have
a bit of trouble understanding what I was saying. My
mother also complained that he kept turning up the
volume on the TV to an annoying level. This set off
alarm bells in my head.
Please take a few minutes to answer the following
questions. This exercise might allow you to recognize
any changes in your hearing:
 Do you set the TV volume at a higher level than
those around you?
 If you do not turn up the TV volume, do you have to
make an effort to hear and understand what is being
said?
 Do the people around you, your children, friends
or spouse complain that the volume of your TV or
music is too high?
 Does your spouse complain that you speak too
­loudly?
FEATURES:
 Wireless noise-isolating headphones.
 Adjustable, comfortable headband.
 Effective range of 20 feet.
 Compact portable transmitter with multiple
receivers (up to four people can listen to the
same audio source simultaneously).
 No installation required—just plug and play. 
Nadine Girard
Business Director
Retail Strategy
Consumer, Audiology and
Communication Division
Sennheiser Canada inc.
www.sennheiser.ca
RS 160 headphone system
RS 160 headphones offer an affordable solution that
can improve the quality of life for you and your loved
ones. A high-fidelity stereo system, it consists of a
wireless headset powered by two rechargeable NiMH
batteries and a transmitter that connects to your sound
source. With its clear, well-balanced sound, it delivers
a high-quality listening experience. It is ideal for your
TV, sound system and computer, or even for talking
on Skype. And you can carry it with you wherever
you go!
product is
To find out whether this
, consult
file
pro
g
right for your hearin
Santé
be
Lo
a
at
tist
an audioprosthe
n
tio
ica
un
mm
co
et
auditive
ic.
clin
multidisciplinary
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
20
aqdr’s report
Age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss is known
as presbycusis. Several studies have
reveal­ed that hearing loss has many
adverse consequences that should
give cause for concern.
All rights reserved
When someone loses their hear­
ing, it can affect relationships with
loved ones and service providers
alike. Hearing loss sufferers may
shy away from interactions, avoid
discussion, and reduce their participation in recreational activities.
Even family dynamics can deteriorate if loved ones fail to understand
the impact of hearing loss.
People with hearing loss may
also experience a lower level of
physical and social activity com­
pared with those who hear normally. Some studies have even
revealed an increase in symptoms
of depression.
It can take several years before
a person with hearing loss seeks
help by a professional. Although
several studies have looked at ways
that hearing-impair­ed persons
adjust to their situation, a recent
study focused on the experience
of seniors with hear­ing problems
in order to pinpoint the individual and environmental factors that
facilitate or limit their adaptation.
For this age group, the study’s
authors identified four main stages
of progress, ranging from the first
awareness of hearing loss to successful adaptation. The authors
also compared certain positive and
negative personal factors, such as
whether a person has a confident
or a defeatist outlook. Having the
emotional support of loved ones
and employing good listening
and communication strategies can
also help an elderly person move
through these stages, as they cope
with the reality of hearing loss
and achieve a certain level of wellbeing.
Do not hesitate to seek assist­
ance from a hearing health professional in order to help your
elderly loved ones. Their well-being
depends on it!
To receive a copy of Vie et vieillissement magazine from the Association québécoise de gérontologie,
please visit www.aqg-quebec.org. 
Martine Gagnon
Association québécoise de défense
des droits des personnes retraitées
et préretraitées
Reference:
-POULIOT, Louis-Marie, et al. “L’adaptation à la perte auditive chez la
personne aînée: une transformation profonde insoupçonnée,” Vie et
vieillissement, Vol. 9, No. 3.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
21
22
Good hearing
for a good
quality of life
Our quality of life is dependent on
many factors, not the least of which is
our ­ability to hear. When we hear well,
we are able to take part in conversations and communicate with people
around us. In short, our hearing keeps
us connected with life.
If you notice any of these signs, keep in mind that
the person may not be aware of any hearing loss. You
can help by speaking to them about the importance
of having their hearing checked to pinpoint any prob­
lems. It really is the best gift you can give them! 
It is important to remain vigilant and be on the
lookout for evidence of hearing loss in our loved ones.
Here are a few signs to watch out for:
 You need to repeat yourself frequently;
 The TV volume is abnormally high;
 The person takes part less often in family discussions,
as if they are unable to follow the conversation.
Suzanne Belzile
Vice-president of the
Table de concertation
des personnes aînées de
la Capitale-Nationale
The FQCC is pleased to
make
the Lobe-Access hearin
g health program
available to its membe
rs.
We are listening
Our 45,000 member-families are already enjoying the many
benefits we provide, including the Lobe-Access program,
exclusive to FQCC members.
A passion for camping
365 days a year
DISCOUNTS
ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS
SERVICES
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
Join today!
www.fqcc.ca
All rights reserved
For information and membership
PUBLICATIONS
pharmacist’s report
Preventing age-related disease and disabilities
“The Canadian population is aging. People
over 65 are part of the
most rapidly growing
age demographic. In
2010, it was estimated
there were 4.8 million Canadians
age 65 and over, and this number is
expected to double over the next ­25
years, reaching 10.4 million by 2036.
By 2051, about one in four Canadians will fall into this age category.”
As the body ages, it becomes more
prone to the effects of illnesses such
as cardiovascular disease, cancer, the
loss of sensory perception, dementia
and osteoporosis. However, it is possible to maximize healthy aging by
adopting behaviours that help prevent and control disease.
Age-related health problems are
the result of major physiological
changes that come with aging. The
heart weakens, joints wear down,
neurons grow less efficient at transmitting information and bones
become brittle. But it is a known fact
that a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or reverse age-related diseases.
Physical exercise will help maintain
roud
The AQRP is p ers the
b
m
to offer its me program
h
lt
a
e
h
g
hearin
a healthy heart, strong bones and a
proper weight. And you don’t need
to be a marathon runner to enjoy the
benefits of an active lifestyle. Simple
things like choosing a parking spot
further away from the store or taking
the stairs instead of the elevator are
excellent habits that can help you
stay fit.
Quitting smoking will keep your
lungs in good shape. A healthy diet
will not only help you control your
weight, it will provide your body with
the nutrients it needs to function
properly (for more help, consult the
Canada Food Guide). In addition,
certain medications can decrease the
risk of falls and help prevent injury.
“Gradual hearing loss often goes
unnoticed. Yet it is the most common sensory disability among seniors, affecting more than 30% of
people age 65 and over. It is a serious
problem—not only does it affect the
elderly’s ability to hear, it also impacts
their overall well-being. Hearing loss
creates difficulties in communication and can lead a person to isolate
themselves from family and friends
and avoid social activities.”
There is a clear link between cardiovascular problems and hearing
loss. Hearing problems can be caused
by insufficient blood flow to the
hearing organ, which is yet another
excellent reason to maintain good
cardiovascular health. Other causes
of deafness in the elderly include
noise exposure, heredity, middle
ear problems, certain medications,
neurological disease or stroke, head
injury and inner-ear infection.
It is never too late to adopt habits
that promote healthy aging, and you
will reap the benefits at any age. Visit
your pharmacist for tips on how to
lead a healthier lifestyle. 
Francis Turgeon, Pharmacist
Pharmacie Fleury,
Charest & Guilbert
References available on www.lobe.ca
Your rights aren’t retired
All rights reserved
There are plenty of good reasons to join the AQRP:
·
·
·
·
Exciting association activities and culture
Substantial savings
Exclusive, high-quality services
Ongoing lobbying for seniors' rights
1 800 653-2747, ext. 10 • www.aqrp.qc.ca
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
23
multidisciplinary clinics
ENT • Audiologists • Audioprosthetists
Specialized Educators • speech-language pathologists*
Saint-Augustinde-Desmaures
Complexe médical l’Hêtrière
3520, rue de l’Hêtrière
Bureau 103
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures
(Québec) G3A 0B4
Tel.: 418 780-3007
Fax: 418 780-3016
Centre-du-québec
new clinic
Drummondville
Across from Hôpital Sainte-Croix
110, rue Saint-Jean, bureau 300
Drummondville (Québec) J2B 7T1
Tel.: 819 472-7676
Fax: 819 850-4181
Are you
a member?
AQRP • CAA
Réseau FADOQ
FQCC • RPCU
Exclusive benefits!
Saint-Georges
2nd floor, Uniprix drugstore
14640, boulevard Lacroix
Saint-Georges (Québec) G5Y 7G8
Tel.: 418 228-2970
Fax: 418 228-6722
Sainte-Marie
733, boulevard Vachon Nord
Sainte-Marie (Québec) G6E 1M3
Tel.: 418 387-7988
Fax: 418 387-7918
Thetford Mines
Place 611
611, boulevard Frontenac Est
Bureau 201
Thetford Mines (Québec) G6G 6Y7
Tel.: 418 338-8777
Fax: 418 338-3673
Estern township
Lac-Mégantic
Carrefour Lac Mégantic
3560, rue Laval, bureau 123
Lac-Mégantic (Québec) G6B 2X4
Tel.: 819 583-6633
Fax: 819 583-4690
Sherbrooke • LSQ
Clinique de santé Jacques-Cartier
1815, rue King Ouest
Bureau 200
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1J 2E3
Tel.: 819 348-4334
1 866 348-4334
Fax: 819 542-1883
Sherbrooke • Rock Forest
Clinique Médicale Rock Forest
4870, boulevard Bourque
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1N 3S5
Tel.: 819 348-4334
1 866 348-4334
Fax: 819 542-1883
Laval • Chomedey
Centre professionnel
Cité de l’Avenir
1575, boulevard de l’Avenir
Bureau 120
Laval (Québec) H7S 2N5
Tel.: 450 934-2614
Fax: 450 934-2615
Laval • Sainte-Dorothée
Centre médical Sainte-Dorothée
3, boulevard Samson, bureau H
Laval (Québec) H7X 3S5
Tel.: 450 969-3335
Fax: 450 969-3566
Mauricie
Shawinigan
3222, boulevard des Hêtres
Shawinigan (Québec) G9N 3B6
Tel.: 819 539-8666
Fax: 819 731-9922
Trois-Rivières
4870, boulevard des Forges
Bureau 101
Trois-Rivières (Québec) G8Y 1W9
Tel.: 819 378-7477
Fax: 819 840-8382
MONTérégie
Longueuil
1215-165, chemin Du Tremblay
Longueuil (Québec) J4N 1R4
Tel.: 450 448-4544
Fax: 450 448-4504
Saint-Hubert 4025, boulevard Taschereau
Bureau 1200
Saint-Hubert (Québec) J4T 2G6
Tel.: 450 890-3781
Fax: 450 890-3782
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 600, boulevard
du Séminaire Nord
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
(Québec) J3B 7B4
Tel.: 450 349-4343
Fax: 450 348-4884
MONTRÉAL
Montréal • Saint-Laurent
1605, boulevard Marcel-Laurin
Bureau 120
Saint-Laurent (Québec) H4R 0B7
Tel.: 514 788-7751
Fax: 514 788-7754
Montréal • Saint-Léonard
Les Terrasses Langelier
6383, rue Jean-Talon Est
Saint-Léonard (Québec) H1S 3E7
Tel.: 514 798-0915
Fax: 514 798-0916
Pointe-Claire
Corner of Saint-Jean Blvd.
and Holiday Avenue
18, place Triad, bureau 210
Pointe-Claire (Québec) H9R 0A2
Tel.: 514 782-0482
Fax: 514 782-0480
Northern QuEbec
Tel.: 819 378-7477
All trademarks are the property of Lobe Santé auditive Inc. / Bulletin produced by Lobe Publications.
Québec • Sainte-Foy
Clinique médicale Saint-Louis
(Parking: 75 min. free)
3165, chemin Saint-Louis
Bureau 420
Québec (Québec) G1W 4R4
Tel.: 418 781-1733
Fax: 418 781-1736
new address
Lévis
Complexe Lévis 1
1655, boul. Alphonse-Desjardins
Bureau 210
Lévis (Québec) G6V 0B7
Tel.: 418 830-5623
Fax: 418 830-5624
Laurentides and Laval
Boisbriand
Polyclinique 640
2000, cours Le Corbusier
Bureau 105
Boisbriand (Québec) J7G 3E8
Tel.: 450 437-4343
Fax: 450 437-1719
Litho Canada
Québec • Neufchâtel
Clinique médicale DuChatel
9465, boulevard de l’Ormière
Bureau 102
Québec (Québec) G2B 3K7
Tel.: 418 843-5244
Fax: 418 843-0885
Chaudière-appalaches
ll.
Just one care.
e listen. We ca
TM
W
1 866 411-5623
www.lobe.ca
TM
Head office • Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures : Tel.: 418 877-7222 • Fax: 418 872-1451
* The types of professionals may vary from clinic to clinic.
Québec city area
Québec • Lebourgneuf
Polyclinique Lebourgneuf
777, boulevard Lebourgneuf
Bureau 120
Québec (Québec) G2J 1C3
Tel.: 418 780-3007
Fax: 418 780-3016