hearLIFE Clinic Toronto
123 Edward Street, Suite 908 M5G 1E2 Toronto, ON, Canada

***We are moving!*** During this period of transition our clinic will be temporarily closed. Our new address will be: 123 Edward Street, Suite 908... Toronto, ON M5G 1E2 We are looking forward to welcoming you soon!

The proof is here: Those who enjoy a long life are those who can communicate with friends, family AND acquaintances -- the baristas at your coffee shop, people in line-ups at the cash, etc. But hearing loss eliminates these everyday exchanges. And while it may seem such a little thing, our lives are made healthier and happier by asking someone how they're doing, and hearing their answer. When hearing aids are not effective, hearing implants are the standard of care.

Recently, the British made global headlines by appointing a Minister for Loneliness. The new Ministry follows on a study that confirms loneliness can make people ill. The cure? Live conversations, active friendships, community involvement. And treating hearing loss! Elder loneliness is especially prevalent. And we know that older adults suffer debilitating isolation if their hearing aids are no longer effective. But too many don't realize that hearing implants can be an option --and age is no barrier. Many in their 90s are implanted. Studies also show a lot of people won't openly acknowledge their inability to hear, just as they won't speak out about their loneliness. But if family members talk to them empathetically, they'll discuss it. And that's an important first step.

It’s a thing! Many celebrate their hear-versary. And that’s important for many reasons. For one, it recognizes that hearing loss doesn't just isolate you, but your loved ones too. A major British study confirms hearing partners suffer loneliness, frustration and depression. Couples confirmed they talk, joke and socialize much less together. But with treatment -- hearing aids or, where not effective, hearing implants those with #hearingloss revive their ability to communicate and participate more fully in life. And the day that happens is a day worth celebrating, every day! To read about the study: http://bit.ly/2AUo82k

When #meningitis left singer Johanna Patzold with single-sided deafness (#SSD) at 23, her life turned upside down. As a musician, Johanna said losing the ability to hear in stereo was devastating to her career. But even everyday activities, like looking for a ringing cell phone, frustrated her. That's because, among other things, it’s hard to localize sound with just one hearing ear. Eight years after receiving a #cochlearimplant (CI), Johanna reports on her journey. Initially, the CI completed the picture. It broadened the perspective. Today I can also hear the details that are so important to me as a musician. Over time my CI has become a more active participant in my hearing process.

Single-sided deafness isn't uncommon among Canadians. And the news for those with #SSD who also suffer chronic severe tinnitus is that cochlear implant may reduce -- or even stop -- it. #Tinnitus is an intense ringing, buzzing, screeching, hissing sound only you can hear. It has no external source, and leaves people feeling very much alone --but they're not. About 150,000 Canadians live with debilitating severe #tinnitus. In a study of 26 patients with SSD, all found relief from their severe tinnitus after receiving a #cochlearimplant. The majority found the noise significantly reduced. For 15%, tinnitus disappeared entirely. Other studies show similar findings .http://bit.ly/2yNHmAW Sadly, too many people remain unaware of options and despair instead of talking to otolaryngologists.

What's your #resolution for 2018? Here's the goal of #scientist Ingeborg Hochmair, the CEO of MED-EL who revolutionized cochlear implants and continues to usher in technological breakthroughs. She wants to see improved global access to hearing implants. Untreated hearing loss can contribute to cognitive and physical decline. Still, many older adults "who should receive a cochlear implant have not even heard of this therapy,"Dr. Hochmair says "So I wish not only to continually... improve the hearing implant technology but also increase accessibility and awareness to benefit more people, adds Dr. Hochmair. Many #seniorCanadians whose hearing aids are no longer effective have no idea that cochlear implants are the standard of care. Those struggling with the challenges of single-sided deafness (#SSD) also are largely unaware of their options. Just one conversation can be an eye-opener --or rather, an ear-opener. Ingeborg Hochmair puts action behind her wishes every day. All the best for activating your goals and meaningful conversations in 2018.

Here's a different Boxing Day story. Detlev Fisher woke up on Dec. 26, 2004 to a new reality. He suffered acute hearing loss in his right ear. Like most, he assumed single-sided deafness (SSD) was no big deal - until he had to live with it. What does a cafe sound like with SSD? Detlev writes it's an overwhelming collision of sounds pressing on his good ear. In his column, he continues: Sound localisation was no longer possible. Going to the supermarket was horrifying: I f...ound myself continuously turning around asking, What was that? Where did that noise come from? Did I hit something? In front of me? Behind me? Or did it come from three rows down? This kept happening for three months. The tinnitus worsened. If I spoke to someone, I could only rely on my left side. I could not look at anyone as they spoke, because I always had to tilt my head. Eventually, Detlev decided to restore what was lost with a cochlear implant: On October 17, 2005, after a smooth surgery, I realised that the tinnitus was as good as gone. I then waited impatiently for four weeks and finally the day that I have been waiting for arrived: November 18, the day of the first fitting. It was the day when my life changed because it was the day when I got back my hearing on my right ear. Speech understanding and sound localisation was back. The voices sound very natural, and the high frequency sounds seem to harmonise just like normal hearing. You can read his story at http://bit.ly/2BtxYaN To better understand what life sounds like with SSD, spend this minute living it.

Happy holidays from all of us at the HearLIFE Clinic. And our best wishes for a year of hearing and participating in life! This holiday, what are you not hearing? Too often people wait 7 to 10 years to treat their #hearingloss. We might not always know what we’re missing, but science does. We now can measure just how quickly #qualityoflife declines with loss of hearing. You'll likely be amazed at the technological breakthroughs to better treat hearing loss with hearing aids o r#hearingimplants. We hope this 2018, you will take full advantage of what the world can offer.

Is there a Grinch at your table this holiday? Do older friends or family members seem more #disgruntled? Their ill-temper may be masking deep loneliness, confusion and frustration at not being able to hear and recognize speech around them. A University of Gothenburg study found hearing loss has the greatest impact on personality. No other factor makes as big a difference, say the researchers who tracked the physical and mental health of 400 people in their 80s and 90s. Grinchs' hearts grow when they receive treatment, and when they are reassured that if hearing aids are no longer effective, #hearingimplants are the standard of care. Age is no barrier to participating in life. People well into their 90s are successfully implanted.

Do you hear what I hear? Musicologist Johanna Patzold, who has a cochlear implant to treat her single-sided deafness #SSD, wanted to make sure everyone with a #cochlearimplant can enjoy holiday music. So Johanna curated a playlist of 24 songs that have certain elements which enhance the listening experience for cochlear implant users. And with the likes of Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Sinatra, and Miriah Carey making the cut, this is a Spotify playlist for everyone in your house who loves the classic sound of the holidays.

Canadians are nice, but not shy, at least not millenials. A Med-EL survey shows most millenials have no problem talking openly about hearing loss. And that should help reluctant older adults open up about the issue too, says Professor Barbara Weinstein, an expert in hearing loss and aging. Dr. Weinstein adds the millenials’ habit of wearing something in their ear also helps #babyboomers recognize that some kind of hearing device an ear bud, hearing aid or the audio processor of a hearing implant doesn't make you look old, just trendy. That's something worth talking about at holiday gatherings this month.

Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) is not uncommon among Canadians,but the challenges of living with SSD aren’t widely recognized. As this graphic shows, for those who are deaf in one ear, the head acts as a barrier, stopping some sounds and noises from reaching the hearing side. Overall, this makes hearing more of a strain. Understanding speech in busy environments is difficult, not to mention exhausting, and sound localization is very hard. Two-sided hearing allows the brain to combine and compare input from two different ears to give you a 3-D world of sound. Many simply don’t realize they may have treatment options, including bone conduction implants, CROS hearing aids, and cochlear implants.