Recognizing Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss develops gradually, and individuals become aware of it as it progresses over time. At Discover Hearing Centre, we provide comprehensive hearing tests in the Waterloo region. Early evaluation of hearing can help maintain independence, and reduce issues like social isolation, falling and memory loss. We are here to help you take proactive steps towards your hearing and brain health.

woman getting her ears checked at kichener hearing clinic
woman meeting with hearing clinic technician

When Should I See a Hearing Specialist?

Just like getting your vision checked regularly, our ears allow us to stay engaged with the world around us. The World Health Organization recommends people start getting regular hearing assessments at the age of 50. At Discover Hearing Centre, we specialize in assessing both your hearing and cognitive function to identify potential issues. Our comprehensive evaluations can detect difficulties such as hearing challenges in noisy environments, trouble understanding multiple speakers, tinnitus, and declines in cognitive abilities.

At this stage treatment may not be needed. We can use preventative techniques such as hearing protection and brain training programs. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Hearing Test

Step 1.

Get to Know You and Understand Your Symptoms. We will take time to get to know you better and understand what brought you into the clinic. We’ll take time to get to know what symptoms you're experiencing.

Step 2.

Explore Your Treatment Goals and Medical History. We will discuss your treatment objectives and delve into your medical history to gather essential information that will guide our assessment and recommendation.

Step 3.

Assess the Stage of Your Hearing Loss or Tinnitus. Through thorough evaluations, we will determine the extent and specific characteristics of your hearing loss or tinnitus, enabling us to create an accurate evaluation.

Step 4.

Answer Any Questions and Concerns. We value open communication and will address all your questions with detailed explanations. We are here to help you make informed decisions about your hearing health.

Step 5.

Begin Personalized Treatment Plan. Based on our assessments and your individual needs, we will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Step 6.

Follow Up Care. We’re here for you every step of the way and want to ensure your solution is working to meet your needs. That’s why we schedule regular follow ups to ensure you’re hearing your best.

What Our Patients are Saying

Signs That You Need a Hearing Test

Hearing loss often develops over time, making it challenging to detect. By recognizing the subtle cues, you can be proactive in taking the next steps.

  • Difficulty in background noise
  • Family and friends say you listen to the TV too loud
  • People around you seem to be mumbling
  • Having to ask people to repeat themselves often
  • Buzzing, ringing, or other noise in your ears
  • Difficulty hearing children, females, or people with soft voices
woman suffering from tinnitus
woman getting her hearing tested at Kitchener hearing clinic

Why Acting Early on Hearing Loss Matters

By detecting and treating hearing and brain health issues early on, we can minimize or even prevent certain problems. This includes:

  • Social isolation
  • Perception of tinnitus
  • Progression of hearing loss
  • Brain atrophy due to lack of stimulation of the auditory nerve
  • Cognitive overload & strain on the brain
  • Increased risk of dementia & cognitive decline be 200-500%

Have Questions?

Call our office if you have any questions about your hearing loss or anything else related to hearing. We are happy to help and answer any questions you may have.