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“Give me 10 minutes.”
It’s something many Ontarians say every day amidst an ever-growing to-do list. In those 10 minutes, new priorities arise, plans are made, and some details that were heard can even be forgotten.
Sound familiar? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), many people don’t notice hearing changes at first because they happen so slowly. Unlike an injury that requires immediate attention, people adapt to hearing changes. This usually looks like asking others to repeat themselves more often or finding phone conversations hard to follow.
For many Ontarians, taking just a few minutes to recognize these signs can be the first step toward maintaining communication with the people that matter most.
Hearing Changes Often Go Unnoticed
What many people don’t realize is that hearing loss doesn’t occur suddenly; it often develops gradually over time due to repeated exposure to noise or aging. Because of its gradual onset, recognizing the signs of hearing loss might not be obvious.
Common signs of hearing changes include:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Finding conversations in restaurants or busy settings difficult to follow.
- Turning the television volume up louder than family members prefer.
- Struggling to understand conversations over the phone.
- Finding one-on-one conversations easier than group discussions.
- Becoming frustrated during conversations
These experiences can seem like one-offs, but together they may indicate hearing changes.
Why Delaying Hearing Care Can Affect More Than Your Hearing
When hearing becomes more challenging, many people begin adapting their routines by:
- Avoiding crowded gatherings.
- Contributing less during conversations.
- Needing time to rest after social interactions, as they feel mentally tired after trying to keep up in discussions.
Over time, people living with hearing loss may withdraw from social interactions and new experiences. This, in turn, can impact mental health and hurt existing relationships.
Ontario Residents Face Unique Challenges
According to the Hearing Health Alliance of Canada, 19% of Canadian adults report hearing loss, and that number increases with age. Looking ahead, Ontario is expected to have more than 4.1 million residents aged 65 and older by 2036, representing nearly one-quarter of the province’s population. Since aging is the leading cause of hearing loss, more Ontarians are likely to experience some symptoms in the next 10 years.
For many people living in smaller communities across Eastern Ontario, maintaining strong social connections is an important part of healthy aging. Whether attending community events or simply enjoying conversations with family and friends, these activities help people stay connected.
Older adults aren’t the only group affected. Many trades professionals, farmers, and individuals who have spent years working in noisy environments may also experience hearing changes earlier due to long-term noise exposure. Recognizing these risks and understanding the available support can help people continue to participate fully in their work and community life.
Hearing Care Doesn’t End With a Hearing Device
One common misconception is that hearing care ends once someone receives hearing aids. But the reality is that ongoing care is an important part of adapting to hearing changes.
Regular follow-up appointments allow hearing healthcare practitioners to monitor changes in hearing and fine-tune hearing devices as communication needs evolve, helping individuals feel confident using their technology in everyday situations. This ongoing relationship can make it easier to address new challenges as they arise.
A free online hearing test is one way to learn more about potential hearing changes before speaking with a hearing care professional.
Taking the First Step
It’s easy to book a hearing assessment on tomorrow’s to-do list. But hearing changes are easiest to overlook until they begin to affect everyday conversations. Taking a few minutes now to recognize persistent communication challenges can make a difference 10 years into the future.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Please consult a hearing care specialist to address your unique needs.
About the author
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO is an audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing health care with HearingLife for over 17 years.
If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and educational resources, visit a hearing clinic near you.
This advertorial was provided and paid for by HearingLife. If you are interested in placing an advertorial with Hometown News, please contact our advertising team at advertising@pdgmedia.ca.
