Your path toward better hearing begins here.
It’s easy to take for granted the role that sound plays in our daily lives. After all, sound is more than just “hearing noises around you”. It’s much, much more.
- Sound is Comforting. It’s your mom calling you in for supper, it’s the crackling of a fire at Christmas, it’s the soothing jazz at the end of a long day.
- Sound is Sensing. It’s the echo of an empty room, it’s the bustle and chatter of a crowded restaurant, it’s the hissing wind against the shutters.
- Sound is Exhilarating! It’s the siren of a smoke alarm, it’s the roaring cheer from a crowd, it’s a baby’s first cry.
Sound enriches each moment with hundreds of subtle cues that your ears pick up on.
Sound enriches life.
But how do we maintain good hearing health? And if we do have a hearing loss, what can we do about it?
This section is a step-by-step guide to help you toward your best hearing possible, but nothing can substitute the benefits of a one-on-one consultation with a dedicated hearing care practitioner, so we do invite you to book a complimentary assessment today, and take the first step toward better hearing.
Step 1: It Starts with a Complimentary Assessment
It’s time to find out what’s what. Is it actually a hearing loss, or is it just a bit of wax buildup? Are your hearing difficulties major or minor? The truth is, if you have any concerns about hearing or hearing loss, you owe it to yourself to have a checkup. We’ll asses your hearing, but also check the overall health of the ear and answer questions you may have. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it takes the mystery out of hearing.
If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing a hearing loss, please read here for a self-assessment.
Step 2: The Appointment
The appointment is always a two-way conversation. As much as we will assess your hearing and ear health, we also want to hear from you.
Have you been experiencing any changes to your hearing? Do you feel your hearing is affecting your performance at work? What daily activities have become difficult lately? Do you hear better in some situations than others? Have you recently changed medication? What else would you like to mention?
These and many other important indicators rely on us listening to you. It’s also how you know that the appointment is always focused on your needs!
Step 3 – Assessment and Options
If a hearing loss is found, we may recommend an assistive device, but it is ultimately up to you to evaluate the impact that the loss is having on your life– psychologically, financially, socially, recreationally– and decide which option is right for you.
We will remain at your service offering wax removal, assistive devices, accessories, hearing aids and tinnitus management should you choose to proceed with treatment.
Step 4 – Getting into the Routine
Should you require hearing aids, this step is where you get into the routine of wearing, cleaning and storing your aids. It goes without saying that we’re right there with you to answer questions and demonstrate proper usage.
But what’s really important in this step is your patience with yourself. For the most part, hearing aids are great from the get-go… just put them in and you’re off. But for some it’s getting used to old sounds that are new again. Clunky furnaces, busy streets, and washing machines suddenly pop back into the daily soundscape, and it may take time to adjust.
Changing batteries and cleaning the aids may seem a bit “much” at first, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly those tasks become second-nature. Using the aids consistently in the first few weeks is crucial for easier adaptation and getting into a proper routine of hygiene and care.
Step 5 – Continued Support
Once you come to Beethoven, you’re part of the family, and that means we’re here for you for any other needs you may have.
Cleanings, adjustments, repairs, or just answering questions and retraining. We love our work, and we’re happy to do it for you, your hearing, and your overall better health and well-being.
Support comes in other ways, though.
If hearing cannot be fully restored, there may still be challenges. How can others in the household provide support? How can additional assistive devices help for things like TV and phone calls? Might counseling be required, or perhaps some simple advice and tips on optimizing your hearing in various settings?
We’re happy to support you in any way possible with your hearing health. Just refer to step 1…!