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Volume 14, number 2, 2021

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Proud Quebec Company

Protecting your hearing: Workers Musicians

Working in

Open-Plan Offices

MARIE-JOSÉE TAILLEFER’S Column

Noisy Workplace: Working Safely

Lobe stands for workers’ hearing Bill 59 Recognizing a Noisy Workplace

Safer—and Quieter— WORKPLACES

There’s a lot of emphasis placed on protecting our hearing as individuals and watching out for signs of hearing loss. But what can we do to protect hearing as a society? More specifically, how can we limit noise in the workplace? This edition of Lobe Magazine, which is mostly about workplace noise, aims to answer those questions. No matter what type of workplace we work in, the environment in which we work must be safe. And that safety includes hearing protection. Working in a noisy environment can seriously harm our hearing, and we need to take steps to limit the damage it does. This edition of the magazine will encourage us all to consider the importance of protecting workers’ hearing and help employers and employees take steps towards hearing safety. Happy reading!

Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe clinics and of hearing health

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

NOISY WORKPLACE: WORKING SAFELY

Marie-Josée Taillefer’s Column

WORKPLACE NOISE: YESTERDAY AND TODAY

RECOGNIZING A NOISY WORKPLACE

ALL THE NOISE IN OUR SCHOOLS

AUDITORY ERGONOMICS FOR A BETTER WORKPLACE

BILL 59: LOBE CALLS FOR BETTER PROTECTION OF WORKERS’ HEARING HEALTH

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2, 2021 Editors Julie Grenier-Turcot and Marie-Andrée Gagné Graphic designer Roxanne Blondeau Printing house Imprimerie Solisco 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.

RECEIVING CNESST COMPENSATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS

WORKING IN OPEN-PLAN OFFICES

PROTECTING YOURSELF DURING SUMMER: IT TAKES MORE THAN SUNSCREEN!

CUSTOM EAR PROTECTORS DESIGNED FOR MUSICIANS

PROTECTING OUR WORKERS WITH CUSTOM EAR PROTECTORS

LIFE-CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES

COCHLEAR SYNAPTOPATHY: A HIDDEN TYPE OF HEARING LOSS

CHANGING THE SOUND PARADIGM

TINNITUS : THE “PHANTOM SOUND”

SHARED INTERESTS AS A FOUNDATION FOR COHABITATION

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AGEISM IN THE WORKPLACE

WHAT’S NEW IN THE LOBE CLINICS?

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ADDRESSES OF THE LOBE CLINICS

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NOISY WORKPLACE:

Working Safely

When you think of a noisy workplace, your mind almost certainly goes to a construction site or a factory. You immediately think of a place where the workers wear hearing protectors and noise is far from the only hazard.

What Is a Noisy Workplace? This is, of course, a common perception, but a noisy workplace can be somewhere completely unexpected. And that can affect workers, because many are not protected enough. For example, think about gym teachers. They spend their days in a gym, constantly hearing shoes squeaking on the floor, balls bouncing and children yelling. I studied physical education teaching and did internships in schools and gyms. I remember I often had a feeling of being tired at the end of the day. I didn’t know then that I was experiencing auditory fatigue. At the time, I didn’t make the connection to the noisy environment where I was working. I have to say, I wasn’t as conscious of taking care of my hearing health back then. I didn’t realize how much the noise was affecting me. It was normal to me.

Through my role as ambassador of Lobe clinics and of hearing health, I often meet people who have worked in noisy workplaces. Many have told me about their experience in the wood industry, where noise is omnipresent. Others have told me about working in bars and restaurants. Do you find that the music is loud when you visit these places? Imagine if you had to work full shifts there, without any protection. Even hair salons are considered noisy workplaces. Think of all the noise hairdressers have to put up with: not just hairdryers, but often background music as well. It may seem harmless, but such constant noise can have long-term consequences on hearing health.

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COLUMN | MARIE-JOSÉE TAILLEFER

Changing Mindsets Successfully The more I think about all the noisy workplaces out there, the more I believe that we’re greatly underestimating the noise levels in certain environments. To me, it’s clear that this can have long-term effects for workers. They’re the ones who suffer from being exposed to noise and not having enough protection for many years. Some will end up needing hearing aids, others will live with tinnitus. In talking with so many people who have worked in noisy environments, I’ve found that awareness about workplace noise is recent, and that prevention wasn’t always a major concern. Fortunately, things are changing. Recently, I ran into some young workers who were wearing hearing protectors and I was quick to congratulate them. I’m pleased to see that the new generation is more aware of how important it is to have proper protection. Naturally, I understand that habits can be hard to change for people who have been working in the same field for many years. However, we can still work together to change the mentality around hearing protection through awareness activities.

Of course, if we want to find concrete solutions, workers first need to be aware that they’re working in noisy environments. Employers and employees must follow suit by offering and wearing hearing protection. The first step might be to organize a hearing health information day at the workplace*. This will allow workers—and their employers—to understand the effects of excessive noise exposure. In terms of day-to-day operations, employers can alternate employees’ work stations to allow sound rest or actively create silence, for example by setting up a quiet room where workers can take a break or do certain tasks. Workers can also take responsibility themselves by using custom noise protectors to protect their hearing. Think of your friends and family who work in neighbourhood garages or with construction and maintenance companies. Let’s make it our duty to raise their awareness and encourage them to adopt good hearing habits at work. Together, let’s change things.

CUSTOM NOISE PROTECTORS FOR WORKERS

All my love,

Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe clinics and of hearing health

*By respecting the sanitary measures in force. If your company wants to organize a hearing health information day, contact us at 1-866-411-5623 ext. 5230 or by email at courrier@lobe.ca. LOBE.CA | © MAGAZINE LOBE 2021

WORKPLACE NOISE:

Yesterday and Today

As we all know, working conditions haven’t always been regulated or monitored. The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has declared that at the dawn of the 20th-century, working conditions were “pitiful” in Quebec1. Fortunately, a lot has changed since then. Regulations have been introduced and measures have been established to protect workers in noisy environments.

Recognizing Occupational Deafness Several 20th-century studies in England and the United States showed that noise strongly affects hearing and can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Even so, concrete preventive measures wouldn’t be introduced for another few years. The first case of occupational deafness was compensated by a New York State court in 1948. In Quebec, the government recognized occupational deafness as an employment injury in 1962 and adopted a compensation scale2. The high costs of compensating for occupational deafness, and its longterm consequences for workers, subsequently prompted governments to focus on prevention by adopting regulations to limit noise exposure in the workplace. In 1972, the Industrial and Commercial Establishments Act set limits on noise exposure. In Quebec, this limit is currently set at 90 dB(A) for an 8-hour exposure. However, Bill 59, An Act to Modernize the Occupational Health and Safety Regime, tabled on October 27, 2020, would change the limit to 85 dB(A), which would harmonize the Quebec standard

with that of the other Canadian provinces. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), the safe limit for 8 hours of daily exposure is 80 dB(A). While measures to control noise in the workplace are recent, we now know that workers’ hearing can be protected in many ways. Reducing noise at the source, limiting noise propagation, cutting back on workers’ exposure

time and encouraging the use of hearing protection can all create a working environment that is safe for workers’ hearing. Of course, we need to continue raising awareness, because some workplaces still don’t take proper measures to reduce noise.

Alexandra Bédard Audioprosthetist practicing in Lévis

Examples of sources

Noise levels applicable to the source

Human reactions / Maximum duration of exposure*

Jackhammer | Gunshot in the ear of the hunter

130 dB(A)

Pain. Less than 1 second.

Aircraft at 300 metres Siren of an emergency vehicle

120 dB(A)

Beginning of the pain. Less than 15 minutes.

Music show Symphony orchestra

110 dB(A)

Bearable for a short period. 30 minutes.

Drilling machine | Chain saw

100 dB(A)

Louder noise. 2 hours.

Subway | Lawnmower | Alarm

90 dB(A)

Loud noise. 8 hours.

Noisy restaurant Alarm clock

80 dB(A)

Difficult conversation, loud noise feeling.

Circulation | Vacuum cleaner

70 dB(A)

Inconvenient

Normal conversation

60 dB(A)

Start of the disturbance.

Moderate rain | Washing machine

50 dB(A)

Nuisance

Quiet room

40 dB(A)

Place perceived as peaceful.

Library

30 dB(A)

Feeling of calm.

Whispered voice at 1 metre

20 dB(A)

Feeling of great calm.

Breathing

10 dB(A)

The sound can barely be heard.

*The maximum exposure times presented must be interpreted in the light of daily and recurrent exposure to noise in the workplace. Please note that if you perform sporadic high noise activity, we recommend that you use hearing protectors.

References: 1. Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail. Historique. Online. https://www.cnesst. gouv.qc.ca/a-propos-de-la-CNESST/structure_organisation/Pages/historique.aspx. Consulted on January 31, 2020. 2. Bruit et société. La petite histoire de la législation. Online. http://www.bruitsociete.ca/fr-ca/thematique_cat.aspx?catid=34&scatid=114. Consulted on January 31, 2020. - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Noise - Basic Information. Online. https://www.cchst.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/noise_basic.html. Consulted on January 31, 2020 - Table: Estelle Huet, Tony Leroux and Jean-François Bussières. Perspectives sur l’attention, les interruptions et le bruit en pratique pharmaceutique. Online. https://www.cjhp-online.ca/index.php/cjhp/article/view/1041/1310. Consulted on January 31, 2020. - Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. Exemples de sources de bruit et de rédactions humaines selon le niveau de bruit. Online. https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2016/echelle_bruit_16juin.jpg. Consulted on February 26, 2020. - Bruit et société. Réglementation sur le bruit. Online. http://www.bruitsociete.ca/fr-ca/thematique_cat.aspx?catid=34&scatid=116. Consulted on February 26, 2020.

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RECOGNIZING A NOISY

Workplace

Do you hear tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) in your ears at the end of a shift? Do you have to raise your voice to be heard, even if you’re just a metre away? Do you experience a temporary decrease in your hearing after your work day?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your work environment may be noisy enough to damage your hearing2.

Sound level meters are the way to accurately measure the noise level of your environment. These instruments determine how much noise people are exposed to in their workplace. It measures the volume in A-weighted decibels, or dB(A). Unlike standard decibels, this unit of measurement takes into account the way the human ear hears. Prolonged exposure to noises louder than 80 dB(A) (8-hour exposure) is considered to be harmful to hearing. If the sound level meter shows that your work environment E is noisy, it’s important to try to L M reduce noise exposure. Hearing SOU E ND LEV protectors become essential, as do measures to reduce noise at the source. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, hearing protection is needed when the noise level reaches 85 dB(A)3 for 8 consecutive hours. RS

These questions will help you determine whether there is too much noise in your workplace1 :

Getting an Accurate Answer

Being exposed to noise at work every day increases your risk of occupational deafness. This irreversible condition affects workers’ personal and professional lives, so it’s essential to do everything we can to prevent it. The first step is to determine whether your work environment is noisy.

If you work in a noisy environment, consult an audioprosthetist to find out which hearing protector is best for you.

Jacinthe Poitras Audioprosthetist practicing in Gatineau

References : 1. CCOHS. Measurement of Workplace Noise. Online. https://www.ccohs.ca/ oshanswers/phys_agents/noise_measurement.html. Consulted on January 29, 2020. 2. Portail de formation en santé et sécurité au travail. Votre milieu de travail estil trop bruyant? Online. https://formationsst.csn.info/bruit/votre-milieu-detravail-est-il-trop-bruyant/. Consulted on January 29, 2020. 3. CCOHS. Hearing Protectors. Online. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html. Consulted on January 29, 2020.

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ALL THE NOISE

in Our Schools Did you know that teachers are also exposed to very high noise levels at work? In classrooms, gyms, cafeterias and music rooms, the volume can rise very quickly. Fortunately, noise control solutions designed specifically for schools are available.

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“ Noise is not good,

Complying With Noise Exposure Limits Recent studies in Quebec have shown that daily, schools get close to the noise exposure limit recommended by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). In Quebec, this limit is currently 90 dB(A) for a daily duration of eight hours. However, Bill 59, An Act to Modernize the Occupational Health and Safety Regime, tabled in October 2020, would reduce this daily limit to 85 dB(A). The Quebec limit would thus be harmonized with that of the other Canadian provinces. In a school, the volume can vary greatly depending on what’s going on. It’s generally estimated to be between 80 and 90 dB(A), but it can sometimes rise to over 100 dB(A). Sounds above this level increase the risk of noise-related deafness1. In industrial circles, noise levels like these can even lead to disciplinary action. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), the safe limit for 8 hours of daily exposure is 80 dB(A).

PROTECTIVE EARMUFFS

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and good is no noise.” Saint François de Sales

Learning How to Reduce Noise The best way to make changes in schools is to create accessible solutions that involve students. For instance, think of school gyms; they’re infamous for being large, open spaces where sounds are amplified as they echo off the walls. So why not line the walls with gym mats that act as sound-absorbing panels? They prevent sound from bouncing off the walls, which lowers the volume. Another idea is to install a noise meter in the gym. This system looks like traffic lights, so it’s easy to understand for children of all ages. As the volume increases, the light goes from green to yellow, then to red. That makes it easy for everyone to recognize that it’s too loud and react accordingly. The traffic lights system is available on the online shop of a school material store and on online sales plateforms. And what about classrooms? You can try placing tennis balls beneath chair legs to stop them from scraping across the floor. Teachers can also get custom noise protectors that reduce noise effectively2. Teachers need to hear what’s going on around them, so frequency-filtering custom noise protectors are a perfect solution. In addition, students who are most likely to be disturbed by ambient noise can in turn wear protective earmuffs. In fact, earmuffs for children, offering an attenuation level of 26 dB(A), are available in all Lobe clinics and on boutique.lobe.ca.

Everybody Wins! There’s no doubt that cutting back on noise in schools comes with a number of benefits. It can help reduce the number of teachers and educators with occupational deafness. On a day-to-day basis, a less aggressive auditory environment also directly boosts motivation and performance for staff and students alike. It reduces irritability and the likelihood of hearing fatigue at the end of the day. For all of these reasons, it’s critical to establish sustainable solutions to protect the hearing health of our children and the people responsible for their education. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact an audioprosthetist.

Hugo Girard Audioprosthetist practicing in Saint-Jérôme

References: 1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Fact sheets: Physical Agents. Online. https://www. ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/exposure_can. html. Consulted on January 15, 2020. 2. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Information Sheet – Personal Protective Equipment. Online. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html. Consulted on January 15, 2020.

AUDITORY ERGONOMICS FOR A

Better Workplace

Prolonged noise exposure can come with many side effects. We all work in environments with varying noise levels. Some workplaces are louder than others, but all have at least some level of ambient noise, whether we like it or not. So, it’s important to limit the ways that noise affects our hearing health. Rethinking our work environment using certain principles of auditory ergonomics is a great way to protect our hearing!

Effects of a Noisy Workplace Noise-related deafness is a common issue. There is evidence that exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss. It only takes a few hours in a noisy workplace to realize how important it is to have enough hearing protection. Workplace noise affects more than just hearing, too; it can also affect the hormone and autonomic nervous systems, because it increases blood pressure, heart rate and blood viscosity. This raises the risk of vascular and cardiac problems1,2.

Are Hearing Protectors Enough? In noisy environments, it’s best to try and reduce noise at the source. Of course, wearing hearing protectors is also beneficial. However, they must be used properly, since studies show that the level of protection, written in decibels by the manufacturer on the packaging, is actually lower. Several factors explain the decrease in effective protection. The protector may be improperly installed or damaged by prolonged use. Some workers also have a tendency to remove it a few times a day3. Therefore, it is ideal to opt for custom noise protectors that are designed to provide comfort and protection. For this reason, noise reduction at the source is also essential. Here are a few principles of auditory ergonomics to consider: + Move workers away from the source of the noise + Place the source of the noise in a soundproof enclosure or allow workers to work in a soundproofed area + Place a screen between the worker and the machine + Dampen equipment vibration + Install a silencer on noisy air vents + Plug leaks in air ducts + Reduce reverberation (echo) + Install a noise-cancelling system4

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An acoustic engineer can help you determine whether these solutions are feasible. You may also want to consider solutions that require less drastic changes, such as: + Maintaining equipment properly + Shutting down equipment that doesn’t need to be running + Rotating workers in the noisiest jobs + Encouraging noise reduction even when workers aren’t there + Teaching employees to work with tools more quietly4

Noise: Not Just a Factory Issue! We might not think of some jobs as being particularly loud, even if they involve a lot of noise exposure. Just think of teachers, people in open-plan offices. While this type of constant noise exposure isn’t necessarily hazardous to hearing, it can have other consequences. For instance, the presence of continuous noise can, among other things, interfere with speech comprehension and thus social relationships, as well as lead to frustration. Studies on the subject also report that people in noisy environments have a higher prevalence of concentration problems, headaches, irritability, anxiety and mood swings. This sometimes translates into lower productivity and more mistakes in the workplace1. Here are some principles of auditory ergonomics that can be used to reduce noise in any workplace:

In short, there are many ways to reduce ambient noise in the workplace. Don’t hesitate to discuss them with an audiologist.

+ Isolate noisy devices (e.g. printers)

Pier-Luc Trudeau

+ Limit vibrations by placing shock-absorbent material underneath devices

Audiologist practicing at the Boisbriand, Sainte-Agathedes-Monts, Saint-Jérôme and Mirabel Lobe clinics

+ Limit the number of employees in each room + Install screens or barriers between employees + Close the door of all rooms + Install soundproofing tiles or sound-absorbent materials on walls and ceilings + Introduce some rules about conversations in open areas

References: 1. Berglund, Birgitta, Lindvall, Thomas, Schwela, Dietrich H & World Health Organization. Occupational and Environmental Health Team. (1999). Guidelines for Community Noise. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/ handle/10665/66217 2. Stansfeld S.A. & Matheson M. P. (2003). Noise Pollution: Non-Auditory Effects on Health. British Medical Bulletin vol. 68: 243–257 3. Health and Safety Laboratory for the Health and Safety Executive. (2009). Real World Use and Performance of Hearing Protection. Health and Safety Executive, Report RR720. 4. Leroux T. (2014). Réduction du bruit à la source. Presented as part of course AUD6638 - Bruit et audition. University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.

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Bill 59:

LOBE CALLS FOR BETTER PROTECTION OF WORKERS’ HEARING HEALTH As part of the public consultations on Bill 59, An Act to modernize the occupational health and safety regime, Lobe submitted a brief to the National Assembly’s Committee on Labour and the Economy. For Lobe, this bill will have major human effects on the hearing health of thousands of Quebec workers. “Bill 59, in its current form, makes its program less accessible to workers with occupational hearing injuries,” said Martin Cousineau, President and CEO of Lobe. “If the bill is passed as is, a significant number of workers suffering from occupational deafness will no longer be able to receive compensation. That will have major human impacts on the hearing health of thousands of workers who will no longer have access to CNESST claims.”

Through its brief and recommendations, Lobe hopes to help improve Bill 59 Recommendations Since the spirit of the bill is to improve the occupational health and safety system, Lobe has included in its brief three recommendations to better protect workers with occupational hearing injuries. Recommendation 1: The scientific committee on occupational diseases, which would be created if the bill is adopted, should determine the eligibility thresholds for the claims of workers suffering from an occupational disease diagnosed as a noise-induced hearing loss.

Recommendation 2: An exception should be included in the regulation so that a person who has documented their hearing loss and undergone hearing tests can later prove that the hearing loss is, or was, caused by their work. Recommendation 3: The following should be considered physical causes of hearing problems in workers: deafness due to acoustic trauma, tinnitus related to occupational hearing loss, the incidence of ototoxic products as aggravating factors in occupational deafness, and unilateral hearing loss in the specific context of diseases caused by physical agents.

Lobe is speaking up for workers In sum, if Bill 59 is adopted in its current form, the criteria for occupational deafness would be limited, making its program less accessible to workers suffering from this type of injury. The stigma associated with deafness has a significant impact on the time people with hearing loss take to see a hearing health professional. This must be taken into account in the bill. The sharp rise in the number of cases of occupational deafness is unlikely to be reversed in the next few years, as many workers continue to work in noisy environments on a daily basis. It is estimated that between 287,000 and 350,000 workers are exposed to noise levels high enough to potentially cause occupational deafness. Moreover, Quebec has the highest threshold for continuous noise levels in workplaces, with a maximum exposure level set at 90 dB(A) for 8 hours, as opposed to 85 dB(A) in the other Canadian provinces and territories (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2014). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), the safe limit for a daily exposure of 8 hours is 80 dB(A).

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CNESST RECEIVING CNESST COMPENSATION FOR

Occupational Deafness

If you believe that your hearing loss is the result of noise exposure at work, you may be entitled to compensation. You can apply to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) to have the hearing loss recognized as an employment injury. Even if you’re retired, and no matter how long you’ve been retired, you can still receive compensation. The same is true for former employees of companies that have since closed. That said, you must have contributed to the CNESST plan in order to open a file with them.

Compensation process for occupational deafness: Free* hearing health 01 consultation First, you’ll need to see a hearing health professional. They’ll take the time to discuss your career with you. This will help them determine everyday factors that could have contributed to your hearing loss, assess your hearing problems, and perform a brief hearing evaluation. Audiologist 02 appointment The audiologist will perform a complete hearing evaluation. They will be able to link your audiogram results to your work environment and confirm whether the hearing loss is workrelated.

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor appointment

During this appointment, you will receive a medical certificate that will be sent to the CNESST for analysis of your eligibility. A doctor specializing in industrial medecine or an ENT doctor can write the expert’s report required for the process. An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Consultation with the CNESST resource person

At this point, you will meet with a trained resource person, who will help you open a file with the CNESST. They will help you fill out the necessary forms (“Worker’s Claim” and “Appendix to the Worker’s Claim” forms). Audioprosthetist 05 appointment Once your hearing loss has been recognized as an occupational injury by the CNESST, you’ll meet with an audioprosthetist. They will assess your needs to help you find the best hearing aids for your situation. Hearing aid 06 adjustment Finally, you will have your hearing aids adjusted. The audioprosthetist and a specialized educator will help you readjust to the world of sound and share tips for using and maintaining your hearing aids, as well as listening and communication strategies. If needed, they’ll also help you choose assistive listening devices. If you want to start the process to have your occupational deafness recognized, don’t hesitate to request a free* hearing health consultation.

Marc-André Isabel Specialized educator practicing in Sainte-Foy

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

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WORKING IN

Open-Plan Offices

Many companies have opted for open-plan workspaces because they can foster communication and teamwork. And this trend, largely inspired by the practices of tech companies, does have some advantages. However, an open-plan layout can also create some challenges for workers, whether or not they have hearing loss. After all, most workplaces have no shortage of ambient noises: phones ringing, printers running, colleagues chatting… All of these noises, while they may seem harmless at first, can have a major impact on workers and their productivity. The volume can rise quickly in open spaces, and studies have shown that this can affect workers’ physical and mental health, and even their quality of life1.

How Do Open-Plan Offices Affect Productivity? According to a study entitled Workspace satisfaction: The privacy-communication trade-off in open-plan offices, this type of layout leads to distractions, which in turn affect productivity. Nearly 50% of the workers surveyed mentioned that the lack of acoustic privacy was an issue for them, while about 30% mentioned the lack of visual privacy2. In addition, a 2016 survey conducted by the JNA Association revealed that one in five employees lose more than 30 minutes of work per day because of noise. The same study showed that nearly six in ten employees found that their work was disrupted by noise from their coworkers3.

Encouraging Acoustic Improvement When companies choose an open-plan arrangement, they need to pay close attention to design in order to manage noise levels. While the main purpose of this type of layout is to foster collaboration, it’s important to take auditory ergonomics into consideration. Even something as simple as adding partitions between desks can improve acoustics and limit noise. The same is true of adding absorbent materials to the walls and ceilings. Employers may also choose to create smaller open-plan spaces, with only a few desks in each, so that employees are working in small groups. It’s also important to remember that some workers have hearing loss, which presents an additional challenge. Some may also wear hearing aids. Fortunately, technology has evolved to the point where hearing aids can be equipped with noise reducers and multiple features to manage noise (such as automatic noise-reduction systems and directional microphones). This allows them to process all noises, reducing discomfort and improving the wearer’s understanding of speech. If you feel that the noise in your workplace causes you to be uncomfortable or more tired at the end of the day or if you think your hearing has changed, don’t hesitate to request a free* hearing health consultation.

Noise reduces the ability to concentrate and leads to auditory fatigue, both of which affect productivity. That’s why it’s important to establish practices to limit the effects of noise in open-plan offices. References: 1. Patrick Chevret, Le bruit dans les open-spaces : acoustique et perception. INRS. June 2017. 94 pages. 2. Anne-Sophie Poiré, Le mythe des espaces de travail à aire ouverte. Online. https://www.infopresse.com/article/2019/2/15/le-mythe-du-bureau-aaire-ouverte. Consulted on February 26, 2020. 3. Ifop-JNA study, 2016. Les nuisances sonores et leurs impacts sur la santé. Online. https://www.ifop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3314-1study_file.pdf. Consulted on February 26, 2020.

* Permanent offer. 18 and over.

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PROTECTING YOURSELF DURING SUMMER: IT TAKES MORE THAN

Sunscreen!

Summer is usually a time for outdoor festivals and concerts. While we don’t yet know what summer 2021 will look like, we can all dream of attending an outdoor concert and enjoying the good weather. People are often more exposed to loud volumes in the summer. For example, during a concert, the sound can reach up to 110 dB(A). That volume can easily damage your hearing, especially if you’re exposed to it for more than 15 minutes a day. In comparison, a normal conversation is closer to 60 dB(A).

Lobe usually attends summer festivals like the Festivent de Lévis and the Festival Promutuel de la relève de Thetford Mines. We usually have children’s earmuffs available for sale, and we’ll even loan them out, free of charge, to concertgoers before a show. At the time of writing, we don’t know whether these events will be held or whether we’ll be able to loan earmuffs.

Fortunately, children’s earmuffs that attenuate noise by 26 dB(A) are available at all Lobe clinics and online at boutique.lobe.ca. They aren’t just good for concerts, they can also be used, in moderation, for homework or reading. It’s a good way to improve children’s concentration and protect their hearing health.

…and Adults’, Too! Of course, adults also need to protect their hearing when noises get too loud. For that reason, our online shop— boutique.lobe.ca—also carries adult earmuffs. Custom noise protectors are also a good option, especially if you’re a musician or if you work in a loud environment. You can learn more about this solution in the articles on pages 16 and 17.

Earmuffs are an effective way to temporarily protect your hearing. They cover the ears and attenuate ambient sound, preventing excessive volume from damaging hearing.

If you’d like to find out more about custom noise protectors, you can make an appointment with an audioprosthetist. They will be happy to give you advice and cast a mold of your auditory canal so your custom noise protectors are perfectly tailored to the unique shape of your ear.

Protecting Children’s Hearing…

Hearing protectors are a critical tool for preventing hearing loss. After all, you’re never too old (or too young) to start taking care of your hearing!

Children are also more vulnerable to loud noises because they aren’t used to protecting themselves. For that reason, it’s recommended that they wear earmuffs during loud activities. Other things—such as fireworks, movies, and even some toys—can also impact your children’s hearing. The sounds they generate can be just as damaging if they’re close to the ears for extended periods of time.

Don’t hesitate to request a free* hearing health consultation.

Émilie Goulet Specialized educator practicing in Lévis

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Références : - Emsee. Hearing Protection. Online. http://www.emsee.ca/protection.html. Consulted on February 2, 2021. - Government of Quebec. The Effects of Environmental Noise on Health. Online. https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/health-and-environment/theeffects-of-environmental-noise-on-health/noise-measurement/. Consulted on February 2, 2021. - Hop Toys. Solutions pour une société inclusive. 5 idées d’utilisation du casque anti-bruit. Online. https://www.bloghoptoys.fr/5-idees-dutilisation-casque-nti-bruit#:~:text= L’effet%20apaisa nt%20du%20port,d’%C3%A9motions%20li%C3%A9es%20au%20stress. Consulted on February 2, 2021.

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CUSTOM EAR PROTECTORS DESIGNED FOR Musicians Hearing protection is essential for people who work in loud environments. This is especially true for professional musicians, since they have to deal with near-constant exposure to noise. The volume of the music and the duration of the exposure can cause significant and sometimes irreversible hearing damage such as tinnitus, hyperacusis and sound intolerance. A musician’s hearing is just as important as the instruments they play, and it needs to be protected accordingly. Foam or wax earmolds from a pharmacy are appealing because they’re not expensive. However, they’re not very good for playing or listening to music, because they don’t allow some sound ranges to be heard properly. In particular, over-the-counter earmolds tend to block high-pitched sounds the most, which can be a big problem for musicians when they play an instrument. This type of protector completely blocks the ear, which is a good thing when you want to protect yourself from loud sounds, but not as great when you want to play music.

Personalized Protection That’s why custom ear protectors are the best solution. Musician’s ear protectors have holes in them, to which an acoustic filter is added. This prevents the ear from being blocked completely. The custom ear protectors still provide excellent protection, but they reduce sound evenly across all frequencies. The three most common types of filters are ER-9, ER-15 and ER-25. The number at the end shows how many decibels of protection they CUSTOM EAR provide. The filter you choose can vary depending on your needs, the instrument PROTECTORS you’re playing or even your position in an FOR MUSICIANS orchestra or on a stage. The filters are interchangeable, which is great for people who play multiple instruments or simply want to change how much noise is being blocked. These custom ear protectors are comfortable and create a better seal than over-the-counter earmolds.

TYPES OF FILTERS

ER-9

Small strings

Large strings

ER-15

ER-25

Woodwinds Brass Flutes Percussion Vocalists

Acoustic guitar

Amplified instruments

Marching bands

Music teachers

Recording engineers

Sound crews

With proper hearing protection, musicians can practice their art safely, without compromising the quality of their music or the joy of listening!

Marie-Pierre Genest Audioprosthetist practicing in Québec

References: - Berger, E. H. (2011b). The ER-15 - Development of a Good-Sounding Earplug, Canadian Hearing Report 6, 30–32. - Chasin, M. Musicians and the Prevention of Hearing Loss. Singular Publishing Group. - Etymotic. Which Musicians Earplug is Right for You?. Online. https://www.etymotic. com/consumer/hearing-protection/which-earplug. Consulted on January 29, 2020.

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PROTECTING OUR WORKERS WITH

Custom Ear Protectors The number of occupational deafness cases recognized by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has exploded in recent years. In 2007, the CNESST recorded 2,324 cases, but that number skyrocketed to 8,872 in 20171. That spike clearly shows how important it is to establish noise-reduction measures in the workplace. After all, workers’ hearing safety is at stake.

Custom Protection for Workers In many companies, workers use disposable foam earplugs to protect their hearing. However, they aren’t the safest or most suitable solution. Because each person’s anatomy is different, these noise protectors can be inserted incorrectly and cause discomfort. What’s more, improper insertion decreases their effectiveness and increases risks to the person’s hearing. We recommend that employers protect their team members by opting for custom noise protectors instead. Made from a mold of the person’s ear, these are more comfortable and provide better protection. That makes workers more likely to wear them regularly. This is all the more important because it’s been shown that removing a hearing protector, even for a short time, significantly reduces the protection factor. For example, if an earmold with 25 dB attenuation is removed for 5 minutes an hour, it is estimated that the total protection will drop to approximately 11 dB2. In other words, hearing protectors need to be worn at all times to be fully effective.

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There are many types of custom noise protectors for people who work in noisy environments. They can choose full ear protectors, ones that reduce the noise of impacts or earmolds with acoustic filters. The latter allow speech frequencies to pass through, so workers can talk to their colleagues while remaining protected from loud noises. Custom noise protectors should be chosen according to each person’s needs.

Benefits Good hearing protection has many benefits for workers. In particular, it improves motivation and performance as it helps reduce auditory fatigue. In the long term, it also reduces the prevalence of occupational deafness, as well as the number of claims submitted to the CNESST. Of course, it’s still important to reduce noise at the source. We need to do everything we can to prevent occupational deafness, because there is no cure!

In Quebec, the limit for noise exposure over an 8-hour period is currently 90 dB(A)*. Once that noise level is reached, the worker must wear hearing protection. However, studies show that only 35% of workers routinely use hearing protectors and 41% never use them3.

*Bill 59, An Act to modernize the occupational health and safety regime, would however reduce this level to 85 dB(A).

Laurie Lafantaisie Audioprosthetist practicing in Mirabel

References: 1. Pascal Dugas Bourdon. Les cas de surdité au travail ont quadruplé en 10 ans. Online. https://www.journaldequebec.com/2019/02/25/les-cas-desurdite-au-travail-ont-quadruple-en-10-ans-1. Consulted on January 29, 2020. 2. CCOHS. Personal Protective Equipment. Online. https://www.ccohs.ca/ oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html. Consulted on January 29, 2020. 3. Statistics Canada. Hearing Loss of Canadians, 2012 to 2015. Online. https:// www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2016001/article/14658-eng. htm. Consulted on January 29, 2020.

Life-Changing

Of course, outside technological advances have guided the evolution of hearing aids as well. With the advent of Bluetooth technology in the 2000s, hearing aids users could stream voices and music from Bluetooth-enabled devices to their hearing aids4. The use of this technology has also reduced listening difficulties on the telephone by using systems that transmit the audio signal from the cell phone to the hearing aids.

All of our social interactions are based on communication, so hearing loss can be a major hindrance to sociability. Someone with hearing loss may choose to isolate themselves in the hopes of avoiding situations where they might have trouble hiding their condition.

Over the years, hearing aids have evolved greatly. Now more than ever, we have more natural access to the sounds around us. Technology has also improved hearing aids’ ability to transmit sounds well, even in noisy environments. This can be extremely helpful for workers5. Some hearing aids can also connect to mobile apps to provide different features allowing certain settings and providing access to additional options (e.g. listening to a movie on a tablet device). Technology continues to surprise us, and there’s no doubt that hearing aids will keep evolving to meet people’s needs.

TECHNOLOGIES

It’s estimated that one in ten people over the age of 50 is living with hearing loss. For people aged 65 and older, this figure climbs to 35–40%1. By 2050, it’s estimated that 15% of the world’s population will be over the age of 65, and that means a lot of people will be coping with hearing loss2. For several years now, people in the hearing health industry have come up with many innovations to help people stay connected to the world around them.

Charles-Edouard Basile

The Evolution of Hearing Aids In the 2000s, the miniaturization of RITE (ReceiverIn-The-Ear)3 hearing aids made the devices more discreet, reducing the stigma of wearing hearing aids. The acoustic performance of these hearing aids also made it easier for users to get used to the amplification. An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Directeur développement des affaires

References: 1. World Health Organization – Global estimates on prevalence of hearing loss. 2. United Nations, Population Division, Department of Economics and Social Affairs – World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision. 3. Tour des nouveautés 2007, Audio Infos – no. 110 - p.17–27 – April 2007 4. Veille Technologique, Les Cahiers de l’Audition - Vol. 20 - no. 3 - p.59–62 May/June 2007 5. Le Goff, N., Wendt, D., Lunner, T., Ng, E. Opn Clinical Evidence. Whitepaper. 2016.

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Cochlear Synaptopathy:

A HIDDEN TYPE OF HEARING LOSS In order to hear birdsong or your favourite tune, all of the structures of the ear—from the auricle to the auditory centres of the brain—need to be working properly. However, certain common factors can cause those structures to deteriorate. For instance, prolonged noise exposure in the workplace or during certain leisure activities can damage the cilia (sensory cells in the ear). Until recently, it was believed that aging and noise exposure mainly caused hearing loss by damaging the cilia. However, recent research has shown that they can be responsible for another type of damage, as well. What’s more, that damage can’t be measured during a standard hearing assessment, but it can have a real impact on a person’s day-to-day life. It’s called “hidden hearing loss”, or cochlear synaptopathy.

What Is Cochlear Synaptopathy? For sounds to be heard properly, they must first be able to pass through the structures of the ear to reach the cilia. Once they reach the cilia, the sounds are translated into an electrical signal (nerve impulse) and then transmitted to the auditory nerve through the nerve connections (synapses). It’s important to know that the cilia allow you to hear quiet sounds and that damage to those cells results in hearing loss that can be measured during a hearing assessment. Cochlear synaptopathy, however, is caused by damage to the connections that link the cilia to the auditory nerve. If the cilia are relatively healthy, but their connections to the auditory nerve are damaged, a person can still experience hearing problems. Noise exposure and aging damage one type of connection in particular: the one responsible for transmitting medium- to high-volume sounds.

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This is why people with cochlear synaptopathy will report that they have trouble following a group conversation at a family dinner, for example. They’ll also have trouble understanding speech in noisy environments, like restaurants. Some individuals will also develop tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in one or both ears, even when there is no outside sound). Even so, cochlear synaptopathy cannot be detected during a standard hearing assessment. In other words, patients with this condition will generally have normal hearing acuity despite reporting hearing loss.

What Can You Do About Cochlear Synaptopathy? Unfortunately, there is no way to regenerate damaged nerve connections. Therefore, prevention remains the best strategy. It’s just one more reason to protect your ears properly when you’re exposed to loud noises! That said, if you think you do have cochlear synaptopathy, the first step is to see an audiologist. They’ll be able to make recommendations to suit your individual situation.

Maryam Afandi Audiologist practicing at the Aylmer and Hull Lobe clinics

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

CHANGING THE

Sound Paradigm Over the years, hearing aids and their technology have advanced at a breathtaking pace. However, many wearers have difficulty adjusting to hearing aids. One of the reasons for this adjustment is that hearing aids require a delay to capture, analyze, and process sound which can cause distortion, known as the comb filter effect. Currently, the processing time for most hearing aids is between four and eight milliseconds. However, any delay above 0.5 milliseconds can be perceived by the wearer and impact sound quality.

Improving Sound by Reducing Processing Delay A hearing aid manufacturer has developed a new technology that pushes the limits and changes the sound paradigm, allowing them to offer hearing aids able to process sound with a delay less than 0.5 milliseconds. This eliminates sound distortion and provides a natural listening experience without compromising speech intelligibility in various the listening situations.

Evaluating Sound Quality Two recent studies confirm the efficacy of this new technology. The first study was on sound quality1. Participants were exposed to 20 real-life listening situations, varying in intensity from quiet to very loud. They were then asked to evaluate the hearing aids with standard and fast processing delays. The results revealed that 100% of participants with normal hearing, and 85% of participants with hearing loss preferred the sound resulting from a processing delay less than 0.5 milliseconds, demonstrating the significant influence of the processing delay on sound quality. A second study2 compared the technology which offers a processing delay of less than 0.5 milliseconds to hearing aids with longer processing delays. The results showed that when it came to sound quality and perception of one’s own voice, participants preferred the technology yielding minimal processing delays. It was also noted that this technology did not compromise speech intelligibility. The longer hearing aids take to process sound, the more distorted the sound experience can be. With long processing delays, the quality of the signal received by the brain deteriorates. As a result, listening requires more effort. Reducing the processing dalay improves the sound quality of the hearing aids and makes communication easier. In fact, a processing delay of less than 0.5 milliseconds preserves the natural sound envelope, which is essential for of speech understanding, in both quiet and noisy environments. This innovation provides natural and effortless hearing thus promoting the acceptance of hearing aids. Talk to an audioprosthetist to learn more about this new technology. Janic Lauriault Audiologist Technical Support

References: 1. Kuk, F., Ruperto, N., Slugocki, C., & Korhonen, P. (2020). Efficacy of Directional Microphones in Open Fittings Under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios Using Widex MOMENT Hearing Aids. Hearing Review, 27(6), 20–23. 2. Slugocki, C., Kuk, F., Korhonen, P. & Ruperto, N. (2020). Neural Encoding of the Stimulus Envelope Facilitated by Widex ZeroDelay Technology. Hearing Review, 27(8), 28–31. - Winther Balling, L., Townend, O., Stiefenhofer, G., & Switalski, W. (2020). Reducing Hearing Aid Delay for Optimal Sound Quality: A New Paradigm in Processing. Hearing Review, 27(4), 20–26.

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TINNITUS:

the “Phantom sound ” What is tinnitus? Tinnitus, also known as “phantom sound”, is a sound that a person hears even when there is no surrounding noise. In other words, people with tinnitus hear sounds that people around them cannot. Tinnitus can be caused by noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, head injury, or certain medications, among other things. The important thing to know is that tinnitus is not a disease. In general, it’s a symptom of another type of physiological impairment1.  It is estimated that 1,000,000 people in Quebec suffer from tinnitus and that 41% of Canadians have already experienced it2.

An innovation to relieve tinnitus Since there is no cure for tinnitus, scientists are constantly looking for ways to relieve its burden. To that end, the latest technological development is a sound therapy called Multiflex Tinnitus Pro. It can create a kind of envelope around your tinnitus to reduce its adverse effects. Your audioprosthetist can also design a customizable and comforting sound stimulus for you from scratch. That stimulus can be fine-tuned to help you reduce the intrusiveness of your tinnitus and redirect your attention to the sounds that really matter to you. This technological advance allows a specific adjustment to suit the intensity and the type of sound that bothers you.

Details on operation Multiflex Tinnitus Pro offers two new options: 1. By creating a masker tailored to the audiogram. This option uses the precise measurements of your audiogram to mask the discomfort caused by tinnitus. 2. By creating a customized masking stimulus. You and your audioprosthetist can program a soothing noise that reduces the impact of your tinnitus and redirects your attention to the sounds that really matter to you. Talk to an audioprosthetist to learn more about this technology.

Yousra Lamribat Audiologist

References: 1. American Tinnitus Association. « Causes ». https://www.ata.org/understanding-facts/causes 2. Acouphènes Québec. « Qu’est-ce qu’un acouphène? ». https://acouphenesquebec.org/vivre-avec-les-acouphenes/quest-ce-que-les-acouphenes/#

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs. LOBE.CA | © MAGAZINE LOBE 2021

SHARED INTERESTS AS A FOUNDATION

for Cohabitation

Cohabitation, also known as cohousing, is becoming a common alternative to seniors’ homes in Quebec. This solution, which is more widespread in European companies (particularly Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands), is drawing the attention of the media and even some researchers and, of course, seniors. To some, it’s a way of breaking isolation. To others, it’s a solution to limited financial means. Cohabitation is a broad term that can describe a number of different arrangements. For instance, family members or close friends may choose to live in the same apartment building so that they can still share resources and support each other, but maintain some independence. Some people may want to live with a group of people their own age, while others may choose to live with people from all generations. No matter which option someone chooses, the important thing is to live with people who have common values and who are willing to share. Another potential solution is for students and seniors to live together. This allows the student to benefit, for example, from reduced rent in exchange for specific services or simply being there for the senior. This type of arrangement is generally made through an external organization that will ensure a good match and address both parties’ needs as long as they live together.

The topic was also discussed on the radio show Pénélope, broadcast on Ici Première on January 15, 20201. The interviewees, a 23-year-old student and a 75-year-old woman, sang the praises of living together. Will this type of arrangement, where shared interests lead to a mutually beneficial living situation, become more common over time? To some, it seems to be the way of the future.

Martine Rodrigue Executive Director Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées Lévis-Rive-Sud (AQDR)

Want to see more examples of successful cohabitation? The website of the Canadian Cohousing Network2, which was formed in British Columbia in 1992, has plenty of stories. In Quebec, Cohabitat Québec3 is an excellent success story.

References: 1. Radio-Canada. La colocation entre aînés et étudiants pour briser l’isolement. En ligne. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/emissions/penelope/segments/ panel/151022/colocation-jeunes-aines-intergeneration?fbclid=IwAR2DlhU3sSo388PZ0ZdWf4uAQr-8iG2ZT3YQvK1DWu9yVqSkyu77gO_oi4Q. Consulted on January 22, 2020. 2. Canadian Cohousing Network Online. https://cohousing.ca/. Consulted on January 22, 2020. 3. Cohabitat Québec. Online. https://www.cohabitat.ca/. Consulted on January 22, 2020.

OUR PARTNERS

Thank you!

To the writers who have spent time writing the articles published in this magazine, and who generously agreed to share their knowledge. LOBE.CA | © MAGAZINE LOBE 2021

Daily Life

AT THE ÉCOLE ORALISTE At the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds, we’re lucky enough to have students filled with talent. Some only stay a little while and some are here for longer, but our goal is the same for everyone: do everything we can to help our students continue regular schooling after they leave us and allow them to have any career they want. In the last issue of Lobe Magazine, former students shared their stories with you. This time, we’ve asked current students to talk about themselves and their school!

Loïc Allard 11 years old “My name is Loïc Allard. I’m 11 years old and I go to the École oraliste because I’m hearing-impaired. I used to go to a public school, but I didn’t like being in classes with 25 students because we weren’t learning fast enough. At the École oraliste, there are only a few students in each class, so we get to learn a lot about the world and talk about current events. I’m also given challenges in my schoolwork, which lets me develop my knowledge. The École oraliste is a very good school for learning!”

Félix Boisvert 16 years old “My name is Félix and I’ve been at the École oraliste for 10 years. In 2011, I started grade 1 in a class of five students. Since then, we’ve done a lot of projects and activities. For example, every year we put on two plays with a wonderful, creative teacher, Ms. Amélie Plaisance. In this school, which also includes a high school, teachers are able to support us individually in our work. They also help us find our future jobs and put us on the right path to reach our goals. Next year, I’ll be entering 10th grade at an adult school.”

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Thomas Healey 16 years old “My name is Thomas Healey. I’m 16 and have been deaf since birth. I started going to the École oraliste in grade 3, when I was 9. I went to a regular school before we discovered the École oraliste, but it was harder for me to make friends there because of my deafness. The École oraliste gave me all the help and support I needed. I strengthened my language and pronunciation and learned how to express my ideas. At first, I was afraid I wouldn’t make friends. Let’s just say that ended up being far from the case! Here, my friends and I have a lot in common. I felt less different. We’ve been able to take end-of-year trips to New York, Toronto, and Ottawa. At the École oraliste, we do a lot: we go to peewee hockey games, make compost and honey, grow flowers, watch salmon grow, do robotics, and more. We also do theatre, art, and music. It’s all helped me learn and develop my self-esteem. Today, I’m in high school and my life goal is to become a police officer or construction worker.”

Yasmine Sahrane Vice principal of the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds

DE QUÉBEC POUR ENFANTS SOURDS

Ageism

IN THE WORKPLACE Experience is, according to the Petit Larousse, knowledge acquired through long practice combined with observation. Ageism is described as a psychosocial mechanism engendered by the perception, conscious or not, of the intrinsic qualities of an individual in relation to his or her age. Ageism—discriminatory behaviour, stereotypes or prejudice against individuals because of their age—is unfortunately common on the job market.

For many, it appears to be the most pervasive of the three major “isms” of our society, alongside racism and sexism. Ageism shows a certain lack of understanding of aging, and its consequences can be widespread. It sometimes pushes people into early retirement. Some employers also embrace the “OK Boomer” slogan, putting pressure on older workers to retire. Leaving the workforce can affect a person’s socialization, making them lose their bearings and feel worthless. Of course, everyone ages differently, as do minds and bodies. However, as a society, we should encourage companies to hire and retain seniors, while encouraging seniors to return to the workforce. After all, they’re a valuable source of experience. The best way to counter ageism is to help companies understand aging. This can be done through awareness campaigns like the Association québécoise de gérontologie’s (AQG) Générations au travail project.

As the population ages, we have fewer and fewer people of working age. Isn’t that all the more reason to value the expertise and creativity of our seniors? The sooner we realize that age comes with a certain level of wisdom that can only be earned through experience, the sooner we’ll learn to appreciate the incredible value of our seniors. Not taking advantage of this wealth of creativity is a waste of talent.

Matey Mandza, M.D., Ph. D., LL. M. Researcher (Drummondville CCEG) Vice-President of the Association québécoise de gérontologie (AQG)

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• Promote your rights and have access to a free telephone help service! AQRP members receive a 20%* discount on a complete hearing assessment performed by an audiologist practicing in a Lobe clinic. * Discount offered by Michèle Veilleux, audiologiste audiology services. Applicable only on a complete hearing assessment ($75 value) performed by an audiologist practicing in a Lobe clinic, excluding pediatric hearing assessments and other services. By appointment only. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Call 1 866 411-5623 to find the nearest Lobe clinic. Offer available until December 31, 2021. Some conditions apply.

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We are here for you! Rest assured that, in all Lobe clinics, strict sanitary measures are in place to ensure your safety. That way, we are able to offer you hearing health services and help break the isolation of people with hearing loss.

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Conferences

by Marie-Josée

Taillefer

This spring, our ambassador Marie-Josée Taillefer, continues her French-only virtual conference tour! This is a unique opportunity to discover her journey in the field of hearing. Visit lobe.ca to discover her complete schedule.

ways to get Lobe Magazine: ¼ Online, free of charge, on the Customer Account of boutique. lobe.ca/en. Available just a few days before it's released! ¼ Print subscription for 4 issues per year. Available on boutique.lobe.ca/en. Some conditions apply.

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Questions or comments? EMAIL US: courrier@lobe.ca

As the Lobe clinic network is expanding, we are constantly looking for new talent to join our head office team or practice in our clinics. Visit the Career section of lobe.ca to discover our job offers and apply.

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Drummondville 110, rue Saint-Jean, suite 300 Drummondville Qc J2B 7T1 ENT specialists: 819 857-4777 Audiologists : 819 857-4666 Audioprosthetists: 819 472-7676

CHAUDIÈRE-APPALACHES Beauceville Coop santé Robert-Cliche 463-B, boul. Renault Beauceville Qc G5X 1N5 Audiologists : 581 813-3015 Audioprosthetists: 581 813-3013

Disraeli

CAPITALE-NATIONALE Donnacona Complexe Santé Donnacona 499, route 138, suite 200 Donnacona Qc G3M 0A9 Audiologists : 581 821-2435 Audioprosthetists: 581 821-2434

Pont-Rouge Above Familiprix drug store 69, rue du Collège, suite 203 Pont-Rouge Qc G3H 0J4 ENT specialists: 581 318-3505 Audiologists : 581 329-8476 Audioprosthetists: 581 329-840

Québec • Beauport Clinique médicale de Giffard Les Promenades Beauport, door 4 3333, rue du Carrefour, suite A222 Québec Qc G1C 5R9 Audiologists : 418 780-6270 Audioprosthetists: 418 780-3007

Québec • Charlesbourg La Cité Médicale de Charlesbourg 8500, boul. Henri-Bourassa, suite 250 Québec Qc G1G 5X1 ENT specialists: 418 780-3015 Audiologists : 418 780-6270 Audioprosthetists: 418 780-3007

Québec • Lebourgneuf Complexe Vision 725, boul. Lebourgneuf, suite 315 Québec Qc G2J 0C4 ENT specialists: 418 780-3015 Audiologists : 418 780-6270 Audioprosthetists: 418 780-3007

Québec • Limoilou Complexe Santé Synase 1825, boul. Henri-Bourassa, suite 302 Québec Qc G1J 0H4 ENT specialists: 581 814-8901 Audiologists : 581 814-8900 Audioprosthetists: 581 814-8899 Free parking, coupon given at the exit

Québec • Neufchâtel Clinique médicale DuChatel 9465, boul. de l’Ormière, suite 102 Québec Qc G2B 3K7 Audiologists : 418 915-8919 Audioprosthetists: 418 843-5244

Québec • Saint-Sacrement Complexe La Cité Verte 1200, rue des Sœurs-du-Bon-Pasteur suite 310, Québec Qc G1S 0B1 Audiologists : 581 742-3880 Audioprosthetists: 581 742-6050

Québec • Sainte-Foy Clinique médicale Saint-Louis 3165, chemin Saint-Louis, suite 420 Québec Qc G1W 4R4 ENT specialists: 418 781-1735 Audiologists : 418 781-1734 Audioprosthetists: 418 781-1733 Free parking, coupon given at the exit

Québec • Val-Bélair Polyclinique médicale Val-Bélair 1147, boul. Pie XI Nord, suite 205 Québec Qc G3K 2P8 Audiologists : 418 915-2117 Audioprosthetists: 418 915-2116

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures Complexe médical l’Hêtrière 3520, rue de l’Hêtrière, suite 103 Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures Qc G3A 0B4 ENT specialists: 418 614-1665 Audiologists : 418 614-1662 Audioprosthetists: 418 614-1661

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Complexe Santé Côte-de-Beaupré 9745, boul. Sainte-Anne, suite 303 Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Qc G0A 3C0 Audiologists : 581 540-3022 Audioprosthetists: 581 540-3021

1244, avenue Champlain Disraeli Qc G0N 1E0 Audiologists : 581 714-3051 Audioprosthetists: 581 714-3050

Lac-Etchemin Résidence Belvédère du Lac 301, rue du Sanatorium, suite 121 Lac-Etchemin Qc G0R 1S0 Audioprosthetists: 581 820-3220

Lévis Complexe Lévis 1 1655, boul. Alphonse-Desjardins, suite 210, Lévis Qc G6V 0B7 ENT specialists: 418 830-5622 Audiologists : 418 830-0987 Audioprosthetists: 418 830-5623

Lévis • Lauzon Complexe Santé Lévis-Lauzon 6750, boulevard Guillaume-Couture, suite 102, Lévis Qc G6V 9H4 Audiologists : 581 629-0414 Audioprosthetists: 581 629-0413

Lévis • Saint-Romuald Complexe Pôle Sud 1190 A, rue de Courchevel, suite 502 Lévis Qc G6W 0M5 ENT specialists: 418 903-8102 Audiologists : 418 903-8101 Audioprosthetists: 418 903-8100

Lévis • Saint-Jean-Chrysostome Complexe Santé Taniata 700, avenue Taniata, suite 104 Lévis Qc G6Z 2C2 Audiologists : 581 629-0409 Audioprosthetists: 581 629-0408

Saint-Georges 14640, boul. Lacroix Saint-Georges Qc G5Y 7G8 ENT specialists: 418 228-7684 Audiologists : 418 228-7071 Audioprosthetists: 418 228-2970

Sainte-Marie 340, boul. Vachon Sud Sainte-Marie Qc G6E 1X8 ENT specialists: 418 386-3643 Audiologists : 418 386-4426 Audioprosthetists: 418 387-7988

Thetford Mines

Place 611 (Ameublement Carrier) 611, boul. Frontenac Est, suite 201 Thetford Mines Qc G6G 6Y7 ENT specialists: 418 755-0176 Audiologists : 418 755-0138 Audioprosthetists: 418 338-8777

ESTRIE Lac-Mégantic

6246, rue Salaberry Lac-Mégantic Qc G6B 1H8 Audiologists : 819 583-4631 Audioprosthetists: 819 583-6633

Sherbrooke Ouest

Complexe de la Santé 15, rue J.-A.-Bombardier, suite A200 Sherbrooke Qc J1L 0H8 ENT specialists: 819 780-9747 : 819 780-9746 Audiologists Audioprosthetists: 819 348-4334

Sherbrooke Est

Clinique médicale GMA de la Rivière 360, rue Galt Est, suite 102 Sherbrooke Qc J1G 1X9 Audiologists : 819 416-1503 Audioprosthetists: 819 416-1502 NEW CLINIC

Rock Forest 5035, boul. Bourque, suite 101 Sherbrooke Qc J1N 2K6 Audiologists : 873 639-0022 Audioprosthetists: 873 639-0023

LANAUDIÈRE Notre-Dame-des-Prairies

Centre professionnel des Prairies 449, route 131, suite 205 Notre-Dame-des-Prairies Qc J6E 0M1 Audiologists : 579 841-0051 Audioprosthetists: 579 841-0050

Mascouche

NEW CLINIC

2705, chemin Sainte-Marie, suite 102, Mascouche Qc J7K 1M8 Audiologists : 450 769-9221 Audioprosthetists: 450 769-9220

LAURENTIDES

GRAND NORD QUÉBÉCOIS

MONTRÉAL

Boisbriand

Tel.: 819 378-7477

Montréal • Angus

Polyclinique 640 2000, cours Le Corbusier, suite 105 Boisbriand Qc J7G 3E8 Audiologists : 450 437-2442 Audioprosthetists: 450 437-4343

Mirabel

Complexe Médical Cité Mirabel 11800, rue de Chaumont, suite 420 Mirabel Qc J7J 0T8 ENT specialists: 579 226-0216 Audiologists : 579 226-0215 Audioprosthetists: 579 226-0214

Saint-Jérôme Polyclinique Saint-Jérôme 200, rue Durand, suite 209 Saint-Jérôme Qc J7Z 7E2 ENT specialists: 450 565-9898 Audiologists : 450 592-0804 Audioprosthetists: 450 592-0801

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts Résidence des Laurentides 107, rue Principale Est Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts Qc J8C 1J9 Audiologists : 873 228-0082 Audioprosthetists: 873 228-0081

LAVAL Laval • Chomedey Cité de l’Avenir 1575, boul. de l’Avenir, suite 120 Laval Qc H7S 2N5 Audiologists : 450 934-8362 Audioprosthetists: 450 934-2614

Laval • Chomedey 440 Carrefour Santé 440 4650, Desserte Sud Autoroute 440, suite 370, Laval Qc H7T 2Z8 ENT specialists: 450 781-4556 Audiologists : 450 687-6897 Audioprosthetists: 450 687-0255

MAURICIE

MONTÉRÉGIE Châteauguay Complexe médical Châteauguay 288, boul. d’Anjou, suite 210 Châteauguay Qc J6K 1C6 ENT specialists: 450 844-6868 Audiologists : 450 844-6858 Audioprosthetists: 450 844-6848

Longueuil 1215, ch. Du Tremblay, suite 165 Longueuil Qc J4N 1R4 ENT specialists: 450 448-4244 Audiologists : 450 448-8090 Audioprosthetists: 450 448-4544

Saint-Hubert 4025, boul. Taschereau, suite 1200 Saint-Hubert Qc J4T 2G6 ENT specialists: 450 890-3788 Audiologists : 450 890-3784 Audioprosthetists: 450 890-3781

Saint-Hyacinthe Complexe médical M 1220, boul. Casavant Est, suite 104 Saint-Hyacinthe Qc J2S 0L6 Audiologists : 579 225-7265 Audioprosthetists: 579 225-7264

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 1055, boul. du Séminaire Nord, suite 202, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Qc J3A 1R7 ENT specialists: 579 296-0054 Audiologists : 579 296-0053 Audioprosthetists: 579 296-0052

Valleyfield 1020, boul. Monseigneur-Langlois, suite 200, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Qc J6S 0M2 Audiologists : 450 747-8651 Audioprosthetists: 450 747-8652

Vaudreuil-Dorion

Shawinigan 3222, boul. des Hêtres Shawinigan Qc G9N 3B6 Audioprosthetists: 819 539-8666

Trois-Rivières 1785, boul. du Carmel, suite 245 Trois-Rivières Qc G8Z 3R8 Audiologists : 819 415-2888 Audioprosthetists: 819 378-7477

Complexe Santé des Trois-Lacs 65, boul. de la Cité-des-Jeunes, suite 220, Vaudreuil Qc J7V 8C1 Audiologists : 579 217-1236 Audioprosthetists: 579 217-1235

OUTAOUAIS

Clinique médicale Angus 2815, rue Sherbrooke Est suite 250, Montréal Qc H2K 1H2 Audiologists : 438 844-8134 Audioprosthetists: 438 844-8133

Montréal • Lachine 2000, rue Notre-Dame, suite 203 Montréal Qc H8S 2G4 ENT specialists: 514 492-1345 Audiologists : 514 492-1344 Audioprosthetists: 514 492-1343

Montréal • Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Centre médical Brunswick Glen 5100, boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, suite 603, Montréal Qc H4A 3T2 ENT specialists: 438 844-5542 Audiologists ù : 438 844-5543 Audioprosthetists: 438 844-5544

Montréal • Rosemont— La-Petite-Patrie Polyclinique Maisonneuve-Rosemont 5345, boul. de l’Assomption, suite RC-20, Montréal Qc H1T 4B3 ENT specialists: 438 384-3014 Audiologists : 438 384-3013 Audioprosthetists: 438 384-3012

Montréal • Saint-Laurent Complexe médical Saint-Laurent 1605, boul. Marcel-Laurin, suite 120 Saint-Laurent Qc H4R 0B7 ENT specialists: 514 788-7753 Audiologists : 514 788-7752 Audioprosthetists: 514 788-7751

Montréal • Saint-Léonard Les Terrasses Langelier 6383, rue Jean-Talon Est Saint-Léonard Qc H1S 3E7 Audiologists : 514 788-3738 Audioprosthetists: 514 798-0915

Montréal • Villeray

NEW ADDRESS

Gatineau

Clinique Delta Santé 444, boul. de l’Hôpital, suite 110 Gatineau Qc J8T 7X6 ENT specialists: 819 243-5259 Audiologists : 819 205-7987 Audioprosthetists: 819 243-5258

Gatineau • Aylmer Carrefour Santé Aylmer 362, chemin d’Aylmer, suite 107 Gatineau Qc J9H 1A6 Audiologists : 819 557-3154 Audioprosthetists: 819 557-3153

Gatineau • Buckingham Coop Santé de la Basse-Lièvre 620, avenue de Buckingham Gatineau Qc J8L 2H5 Audioprosthetists: 819 243-5258

Gatineau • Hull Clinique Medigo 165, boul. Saint-Raymond, suite 213 Gatineau Qc J8Y 0A7 ENT specialists: 819 966-3280 Audiologists : 819 966-3281 Audioprosthetists: 819 966-3282

Saint-André-Avellin CLSC Petite-Nation 14, rue Saint-André Saint-André-Avellin Qc J0V 1W0 Audioprosthetists: 1 800 373-5844

HEAD OFFICE Complexe Vision 725, boul. Lebourgneuf, suite 303 Québec Qc G2J 0C4 Tel.: 418 877-7222 Fax : 581 814-6260 Email : courrier@lobe.ca

NEW CLINIC

Carrefour Santé Villeray 8560, rue Saint-Hubert, suite 100 Montréal Qc H2P 1Z7 ENT specialists: 438 943-0022 Audiologists : 438 943-0023 Audioprosthetists: 438 943-0024

Audiology services offered in the clinics: 0-99 years,

3-99 years,

5-99 years

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) Vertigo

Pointe-Claire Centre médical Brunswick 955, boul. Saint-Jean, suite 102 Pointe-Claire Qc H9R 5K3 ENT specialists: 514 782-0481 Audiologists : 514 782-0489 Audioprosthetists: 514 782-0482

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: 1 866 411-LOBE

Vestibular screening

YOU WORK OR YOU HAVE WORKED

IN A NOISY ENVIRONMENT You may not notice it anymore, but in the long run, the noise can damage your hearing. Help prevent damage by calling us for a free* hearing health consultation.

1-866-411-LOBE (5623) *Permanent offer.18 18ans andetover. *Offre permanente. plus.

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