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Volume 15, number 2, 2022

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Hearing Aids for All Tastes! The Evolution of Technology Over 20 Years

Working in Noisy Environments: How to Proceed with the CNESST?

Standing Out, Evolving, and Reinventing Ourselves!

Marie-Josée

Taillefer Getting Together: an Invaluable Communication Tool

Proud Quebec Company For 20 years!

Have You Heard the

Good News?

Wearing hearing aids of any kind is good for wearers’ mental and physical health! They make socialization easier, help keep the brain active and healthy through auditory stimulation, and reduce the psychological distress that hearing loss can cause.1 Several studies have also shown that wearing hearing aids tends to reduce the risk of falls and keeps users physically active for longer.2 Nevertheless, many patients are still uncertain or put off getting hearing aids because of the stigma they cause. The Digital Revolution Fortunately, the past decade has experienced a hearing health revolution thanks to digital advances, the miniaturization of electronic components, and the use of artificial intelligence. This new generation of hearing aids is no longer limited to compensating for hearing loss; instead, they are true communication tools. They’re compatible with smartphones and other devices thanks to Bluetooth®, and they come with a wide range of interesting features like phone calls, physical and brain health monitoring, sound localization, real-time adjustment to the auditory environment, and more.3 They come with a set of undeniable benefits that improve users’ quality of life in many different ways. People using these new state-of-the art devices reported a significant increase in their participation in social events.4 Previous generations of hearing aids struggled to remove barriers to communication in real time because they were supported by less powerful technologies. For example, it was difficult for these hearing aids to adequately differentiate human speech from ambient noise. But today, the automation of many functions and an improved capacity to recognize and process auditory information allow users to easily and flexibly navigate through various sound—and therefore social—environments. This is a major step forward, seeing as hearing loss is a major contributor to isolation in hearingimpaired people.5

How Technology Influences Perception In terms of hearing health, these new hearing aids allow audioprosthetists to connect with patients like never before. Audioprosthetists now have incredible insight into patients’ auditory preferences and the capacity to adjust the hearing aids and track progress remotely.4 Users have also reported improved overall hearing perception and a significant reduction in fatigue associated with listening and understanding speech.4 Lastly, these highly sophisticated hearing aids offer a solid alternative to the lingering prejudices about hearing health. Since they’re discreet but stylish; more versatile than ever; and supported by familiar, responsive, and modern technology, these small devices are completely breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions. In fact, they have enormous potential in this regard: by reducing fears and prejudices about wearing hearing aids, they can become important tools for changing our individual and collective perceptions. There’s no denying that we have accomplished much in the past 20 years, but the future looks even brighter for technological advances and quality of life of people with hearing loss. As we advance towards more multifunctional technological aids, we are confident that the hearing aids of tomorrow will further reduce the mental and social consequences of hearing loss, help hearing-impaired people fit in, and give them greater access to better healthcare. These advancements are something to celebrate for everyone who, like me, is working to eliminate the stigma around hearing loss for good! Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe clinics and of hearing health

References: 1. Starkey Canada, “Is cognitive decline linked to hearing loss?”, https://www.starkeycanada. ca/hearing-loss/reasons-to-get-help/hearing-loss-and-cognitive-decline 2. Arizona Hearing Specialists, “How Your Hearing Aids Improve Your Physical Health”, https://arizonahearing.com/hearing-aids-improve-physical-health/ 3. Starkey Canada, “What are some advances in hearing aid technology?”, https://www.starkeycanada.ca/hearing-aids/advances-in-hearing-aid-technology 4. Maidment, D.W. and Amlani, A.M., “Argumentum ad Ignorantiam: Smartphone-Connected Listening Devices”, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7744166/ 5. Statistics Canada, “Hearing difficulties and feelings of social isolation among Canadians aged 45 or older”, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2016011/ article/14671-eng.htm

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Table of Contents 04

A Vision of the Future Inspired by our Values A Word from the President

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 2, 2022

Getting Together: An Invaluable Communication Tool Marie-Josée Taillefer’s Column

Lobe Magazine: An Ever-Evolving Success Story

Hearing Aids for All Tastes!

The Decade’s Greatest Technological Revolutions

The Evolution of Technology Over 20 Years

Standing Out, Evolving, and Reinventing Ourselves!

Noise-Induced Deafness Over the Past 20 Years: How has Prevention Improved the Situation?

Hearing Aid Features in 2022

Working in Noisy Environments: How to Open a File with the CNESST

Current Trends in Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids Powered by Artificial Intelligence

Study on Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health

The Future of Hearing Aid Technology

Creation of an Audiology Fund

Publications Lobe 725, boulevard Lebourgneuf, suite 303 Québec (Québec) G2J 0C4 Tel.: 418 877-7222 Fax: 581 814-6260 Email: courrier@lobe.ca lobe.ca

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Printed in Canada

A Partnership is Born!

What’s New in the Lobe Clinics?

All trademarks are the property of Lobe Santé auditive inc./Bulletin produced by Publications Lobe.

Addresses of the Lobe Clinics

Editor Maëly Riondy 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. The opinions expressed in articles published by Publications Lobe are the responsibility of the author. Legal deposit ISSN 1913-0287 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, Montréal Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa

Did You Know ? Texto 9-1-1 is a service that allows deaf, hearing-impaired and speech-impaired people to communicate with emergency services via text message. To do so, you must first register for Texto 9-1-1 for free by contacting your mobile phone service provider. Once you have registered, you can dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone’s number pad in an emergency. The operator then receives a message telling them to communicate with you by text message. You can then send them a short, precise message explaining your emergency and whether you need the assistance of police officers, firefighters or paramedics. LOBE.CA | © LOBE MAGAZINE 2022

A Vision of the Future Inspired by our Values The path of the professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics has always been marked by its core values, especially creativity, novelty, and commitment. These values are reflected in our unique approach, but also in our constant efforts to recognize each patient as a person when providing care. From our very beginning, we took the gamble of completely rethinking the traditional approach to hearing health, and it’s safe to say it was a success! By bringing together all hearing health professionals (ENTs, audiologists, audioprosthetists, and speech-language pathologists) under one roof, we have developed our own distinctive model. In the past, people who needed hearing health care had to visit several different offices to be seen by professionals, but no more. This centralization that we offer has proven to be wonderful for patients. We are driven to find new ways to serve people better, so the services our clinics provide have expanded over time. For instance, we have added a new type of professional: the specialized educator. We have been working with them for several years now, since they reflect our constant concern for patients’ well-being and our desire to provide personalized care.

Throughout their careers, the professionals practicing at Lobe clinics make a point of seeing each patient as an individual and committing to providing treatment that is tailored to each person’s unique needs. Specialized educators are an important part of that mission; they provide a human touch to patients’ care and help make sure that they are getting all the help and support they need. By making hearing health care more accessible, collaborative, and person-centred, our unique model has consistently set us apart and made us a leader for more than 20 years.

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

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Naturally, we intend to continue our efforts to remain an essential resource for hearing health and communication, and that involves staying on the lookout for new technologies and opportunities. The lightning-quick digital transformation of our 60 clinics1 and the 2020 addition of virtual appointments in the wake of the pandemic both reflect our desire to constantly improve our network and find new ways to better serve and reach our patients. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it is our set of values that continues to guide our vision of the future. Through their commitment, optimism, networking, novelty, exactitude, creativity, and tenacity, professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics continue to C-O-N-N-E-C-T and improve people’s quality of life. In addition, our constant drive to innovate, the involvement of our partners and network, and above all, our incredibly passionate and hardworking team allow us to look towards this new chapter with optimism and determination. Like our past, our future will be driven by a constant desire to think outside the box and reinvent ourselves—for the benefit of everyone’s hearing health.

Martin Cousineau President and CEO of Lobe clinics

Reference: 1. Le Nouvelliste, “Lobe est prête pour l’avenir”, https://www.lenouvelliste.ca/2021/01/23/lobe-est-prete-pour-lavenir6fcf7dc828c074f3a077bf5b9c77f276

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Column | Marie-Josée Taillefer

Getting Together: an Invaluable Communication Tool

The Need for Human Contact in Communication

Normalizing hearing problems takes constant effort to correct misconceptions and reduce the impact of hearing loss on people’s quality of life. For instance, hearing loss often affects people’s self-image, leading to a loss of confidence and self-esteem. Many fear that they will be seen as less competent, less sharp, or that they will appear older1—prejudices that are no longer valid today.

In our experience, communication channels that allow for direct interaction are the most effective. As humans, we are all programmed to analyze an infinite number of signals aside from speech in a conversation—we consider facial expression, warmth and tone of voice, body language, gestures, and so much more. People with hearing loss generally rely more heavily on these contextual clues when they communicate.3

Awareness is a Communication Issue, Too

This became even more true during the pandemic. While we have all suffered from the lack of socialization, people with hearing loss have faced additional obstacles: beyond the documented challenges that come from everyone wearing masks,4 physical distancing has severely limited opportunities to communicate.

Good communication involves several factors. Communicators need to speak the same language as their audiences, and they also need to be able to reach those audiences using the channels or spaces they prefer. In other words, they need to meet our audience where it is. When it comes to hearing health, conveying messages effectively comes with a unique set of challenges since hearing loss, by its very nature, acts as a barrier to communication. Several studies have shown that deaf and hearing-impaired people have a harder time accessing adequate health information.2 For the past two decades, the professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics have applied a strategy that’s seemingly simple, but requires a great deal of thought and constant innovation to reach people with hearing loss: providing as many communication channels and points of contact as possible. By organizing events that bring people together, both locally and provincially, we have been able to minimize these barriers and help democratize access to hearing health information and care.

As the Lobe clinics and hearing health ambassador who has been involved since 2017, I have seen firsthand the importance of direct, in-person interaction in effectively communicating with hearing-impaired people. Conferences and information sessions, awareness days, booths, and other in-person activities are the most effective initiatives. Face-to-face contact is invaluable when it comes to understanding and being understood. Human contact, with its nuances, warmth, and complexity, remains the number one communication and awareness tool.

This photo was taken before the pandemic.

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Hitting the Ground Running We have high hopes of making a big comeback in 2022. We are cautiously optimistic and eager to reunite with our members and continue our mission while cultivating the openness and caring that have earned us the trust of hearing-impaired people in Quebec. We have always focused on the humans by giving each patient access to support from multiple professionals and making sure they feel heard and understood. In the same way, I hope that in the coming year we will be able to get together so we can understand each other and form a united front to raise awareness about hearing health.

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

References: 1. Healthy Hearing Clinics, “Stigma and hearing loss”, https://www.healthyhearing. com/report/52576-Seniors-worried-about-the-stigma-of-hearing-aids 2. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Def Education, “Health Care Access Among Deaf People”, https://academic.oup.com/jdsde/article/21/1/1/2404217?login=true 3. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, “Auditory-visual speech perception in normal-hearing and cochlear-implant listeners”, https://asa.scitation.org/ doi/10.1121/1.2816573 4. ORL, “Impact of Masks on Speech Recognition in Adult Patients with and without Hearing Loss”, https://www.karger.com/article/abstract/518944

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Lobe Magazine: an Ever-Evolving Success Story

Since its inception in 2006, Lobe Magazine’s primary goal has been to raise awareness about hearing health. As a society, it is essential that we grow and leave behind old stereotypes about hearing. With the proliferation of media sources, we’ve become overinformed and misinformed at the same time; it’s hard to know whether the information we’re receiving is reliable and true. Lobe Magazine features stories that come from authentic sources. It’s a Quebec magazine that’s been available free of charge for over 15 years. It has a circulation of over one million copies per year, with issues being published three times a year. Its short, easy-to-understand articles are meant for all readers. The professionals practicing in Lobe clinics write content and want to share their knowledge with the public through the magazine.

How Does the Magazine Allow the Professionals Practicing in Lobe Clinics to Share their Knowledge? By Raising Awareness: ª

Offering free* hearing health consultations and tests

Sharing the warning signs of hearing loss

Educating people about the possible causes of hearing loss *Permanent offer.18 and over.

Through Prevention: ª

Identifying the risks of noise exposure

Raising awareness about the consequences of noise exposure

Promoting hearing protectors

Educating people about ways to reduce noise in the classroom

Promoting early hearing screening

Through Information: ª

About various subjects like presbycusis, tinnitus, and ear infections

About the various hearing solutions and technological innovations on the market

About strategies for improving communication

A Changing Visual Identity In 2009, Lobe Magazine received a visual makeover, starting with its issue featuring the band Simple Plan. Since then, we’ve interviewed many notable figures like racing driver Alexandre Tagliani. Not to mention beloved Quebec personalities such as Émily Bégin, France d’Amour, and Ingrid Falaise. And of course, Marie-Josée Taillefer, ambassador for Lobe clinics and hearing health, adds her personal touch to the magazine with her editorials.

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ewed tervi n i e ure We'v e fig otabl n y man

Where Can You Find Lobe Magazine? The digital version is released in the Customer Account portal a few days before it’s made available to the public! Access your customer account directly on lobe.ca! 1 | Open the camera on your mobile device. 2 | Point the camera lens at the QR code above. 3 | Open the link that pops up. You can also find physical copies of the magazine at various partners and in all Lobe clinics. Finally, the annual subscription lets you receive the year’s three issues right at home. You just have to pay the postage. The professionals practicing in Lobe clinics want to share their knowledge and raise awareness in all aspects of hearing health. By contributing to Lobe Magazine, they want to make a difference in the lives of people affected by hearing loss. If you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment for a free* hearing health consultation. *Permanent offer. 18 and over. Annick Rousseau Specialized educator practising in Boisbriand

References: -

Lobe Magazine, Volume 14, Number 2, 2021, https://issuu.com/cliniques_ lobe/docs/en-magazine-v14n022 University of Montreal, “Papyrus: Institutional Repository”, https://papyrus.bib. umontreal.ca Online: https://novalux.ca>s=lobe

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Hearing Aids for all Tastes! Multiple Styles Electronic components are getting smaller and smaller and the hearing aid field is constantly evolving, which has made modern hearing aids very discreet.

New Appearance Over time, hearing aids have become more visually appealing. Some people mistakenly believe that they still look like the ones their grandparents wore. However, today’s hearing aids are much smaller and more discreet, so much so that in 2022 it can be hard to tell whether a person is wearing them. What’s more, there’s a whole rainbow of colours to choose from—do you want colored hearing aids? Pink? Blue? Red? Champagne? Silver? There’s something for every personality!

Improved Technology

During your audioprosthetist appointment, you will be presented with the full range of hearing aid models. It’s important to choose a model that suits your lifestyle, addresses your concerns, and meets your expectations in terms of appearance. Choose the model that best suits you and makes you proud to wear your hearing aids.

More Comfort The comfort of your hearing aids is also crucial if they are to be successful. That’s why your hearing aids are tailored to you and chosen to suit your needs. You may even have an ear impression taken depending on the shape of your ear canals and the degree of your hearing loss. If you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment for a free* hearing health consultation and learn more about the latest in hearing aid technology. *Permanent offer. 18 and over. Alexandra Cyr Audioprosthetist practising in Longueuil and in Saint-Hubert

Hearing aids have evolved significantly. Most now offer better sound quality, are smartphone compatible, and can even be customized through a mobile app!

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

References: -

Widex Pro, “Toutes les aides auditives seront comparées à celle-ci”, https://www.widexpro.com/fr-ca/products/moment/ Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec, “Types d’aides auditives”, https://www.ordreaudio.qc.ca/types-daides-auditives/

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The Decade’s Greatest Technological

Revolutions

Tools like this help users stay in constant contact with their loved ones,* who can help them if needed. They also motivate users to move, get out, socialize, and receive constant mental stimulation. The information from the app is very reassuring for friends and family, since it lets them know: How many steps were taken and when How many minutes of exercise were done and when How often the user moves How many hours the hearing aids were used

The last 20 years have been marked by significant advancements in hearing aid technology. Those advancements have come with a lot of potential for breaking the isolation of people with hearing loss and making a remarkable difference in their lives. After all, we all know that social relationships are crucial for all aspects of our health—not just our mental and emotional health, but our physical and cognitive health as well.

In Canada, 30% of seniors are at risk of isolation1 This can lead to major health concerns like depression, immune system compromise, and even a higher risk of dementia and death. Fortunately, one major advancement in hearing aid technology is helping with that: the addition of Bluetooth® technology. Thanks to Bluetooth®, people with hearing loss can keep track of their physical and brain health through a smartphone app. They can also share certain information with their loved ones if they want.

How long the user spent on telephone or faceto-face conversations, and the level of brain stimulation that they provided What kinds of environments the user is spending time in If the user has fallen It can even instantaneously translate conversations into multiple languages with a smartphone

The more places a person visits and the more stimulating those places are, the stronger their brain will be. Similarly, if someone is encouraged to move throughout the day, their physical health will improve. And the more they talk to others, the less lonely they will feel. The “translation” function also helps push back the barriers to communication in another language, which will encourage users to start conversations. This greatly reduces their risk of isolation and improves their overall health. Do you think this technology could help you or your loved ones? Talk to your audioprosthetist to learn more! * The patient must have access to a smartphone or tablet and an internet connection.

Marie-Ève Guay Specialized educator practising in Saint-Georges

References: 1. Little Brothers, “Social Isolation and the Elderly (75+)”, https://www.petitsfreres.ca/en/ elder-friends/social-isolation-and-the-elderly-75/ - Starkey Canada, “Thrive Care App”, https://www.starkeycanada.ca/hearing-aids/apps/ thrive-care/overview?sc_lang=en-CA - Starkey Canada, “Thrive Hearing Control App User Guide”, https://www.starkey.com//media/International/US/Files/Operations-Manuals/thrive-hearing-control-appuser-guide.pdf

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs. LOBE.CA | © LOBE MAGAZINE 2022

To start, the first fully digital hearing aids appeared on the market in 1996. They revolutionized the world of hearing health by allowing more precise adjustments and improving sound quality.

The Evolution of Technology

Over 20 Years

Dome

Like many other technologies, research and development of hearing aid technology is progressing rapidly. Indeed, increasingly miniaturized and sophisticated electronic circuits are helping to improve the lives of hearing-impaired people. Let’s take a look back at the major breakthroughs of the last two decades.

Michelle Fournier Audioprosthetist practising in Lévis

Karl Drouin Audioprosthetist practising in Beauce

Tube

Hearing aid

In 2004, the open-fit hearing aid was introduced. The electronic circuit, located behind the ear, amplifies and transmits the sound into the ear canal via a very thin tube. The tube is held in place by a dome. This type of hearing aid was designed for people with hearing loss that affects only high-pitched sounds, so it allows low-pitched sounds the user hears normally to pass through naturally. It reduces the “plugged” feeling (occlusion) caused by an earmold that is too tight for this type of hearing loss. Audioprosthetists now had a discreet, comfortable, and suitable solution to offer to patients affected by occupational deafness and other conditions. That was a first!

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

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Receiver Dome Receiver

Custom earmold

Hearing aids

Then, in 2006, a brand new model of hearing aid was launched on the market: a hearing aid with a receiver (speaker) that goes inside the ear. This model is still the most popular, as it can be recommended for mild to severe hearing loss, but is very discreet. The receiver can be held in the ear canal by a dome or custom earmold. Like other models, this one can be provided with rechargeable batteries, making it easier and simpler for the user. During the 2000s, we saw the arrival of various remote controls that allowed the user to adjust their hearing aids and revolutionized the hearing solution industry. These remote controls have taken different forms, from a simple remote to a watch with settings buttons. We even attended the launch of a remote control resembling a remote starter!

After that, many other features were added to remotes, turning them into interfaces to allow wireless compatibility between the hearing aids and a cell phone. Other Bluetooth® accessories have also been developed, such as systems for televisions or external microphones that allow sound to be transmitted to the hearing aids via the interface. There are now mobile apps that allow users to access a plethora of features via their smartphone or smartwatch.

What will the hearing aids of the future look like, and what new features will they bring? One thing is certain: technological advances will continue to surprise us!

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

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Standing Out, Evolving, and

Reinventing Ourselves! For the past 20 years, the professionals who practice at the Lobe clinics have always put patients at the heart of their treatments. Retaining many professionals under one roof allows us to respond to different patient needs more quickly and more efficiently. “Just one call. We Listen. We care.” is our commitment.

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Just one call. We listen. We care.

The Power of Teamwork From the very beginning, collaboration between audiologists, ENT specialists, and audioprosthetists has set the Lobe clinics apart. Over the years, specialized educators and hearing health consultants have joined our team of professionals to add support, follow-ups, and personalized assistance for each patient.

The Role of Specialized Educators and Communication Consultants Specialized educators joined the audioprosthetists in the Lobe clinics in the early years of the network. More recently, hearing health consultants have joined the team. Their mandate: support each patient through their process of readjusting to the world of sound with kindness. Specialized educators and hearing health consultants work in collaboration with audioprosthetists and are available to support the patient, teach them how to handle and maintain their hearing aids, answer their questions, and alleviate their concerns. This unique approach enables each patient to adapt more easily to their new hearing experience.

Free* Hearing Health Consultation The free* hearing health consultation is a value-added service offered at Lobe clinics. This service aims to make hearing health care even more accessible to residents of Quebec by allowing patients to obtain all the information they need to take charge of their hearing health, all during a free* consultation. Over the past 20 years, the professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics have consistently adapted and reinvented themself to improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired people. New technologies available today and various public awareness campaigns can only improve the future of people with hearing loss and their loved ones. To learn more, we invite you to consult your hearing health professional. *Permanent offer. 18 and over. Estelle Lamonde Specialized educator practising in Lévis

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

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Noise-Induced Deafness Over the Past 20 Years: How has Prevention Improved the Situation?

In 2015, Statistics Canada reported that just over 42% of workers work in a noisy environment, and that excludes people who are exposed to loud noises in their free time. Noise-induced deafness can cause temporary hearing loss that may become permanent in the long term if no preventive measures are taken. Prevention of noiseinduced deafness includes several elements that have evolved over the past 20 years. One of the most important elements in preventing noise-induced hearing loss is education, which must reach as many people as possible in order to be effective. Improved access to the internet and the growth and widespread use of social media have been key factors over the last two decades. Indeed, it is much easier nowadays to access information to expand our knowledge on many different subjects, including health problems. You may have noticed that for some years now, society has emphasized the value of good overall health. As a result, the number of magazines, news stories, and interviews promoting healthy lifestyles has increased, and ads that raise awareness about health issues like noise-induced hearing loss are more common. Methods of eliminating noise are also critical to preventing noise-induced hearing loss. This measure incorporates several elements, such as eliminating the noise source, using engineering controls to reduce noise intensity, replacing noisy equipment with quieter equipment, and administrative means like reducing the number of hours during which the noisy machinery is used. Developments in materials, processes, and technology have certainly led to changes in engineering controls to reduce noise intensity. Furthermore, the development of much quieter electrical energy sources over the last few years has made it possible to reduce the noise level* of various transportation sources. Finally, new knowledge on the impact of urban noise has also improved measures related to land-use planning and management to reduce environmental noise.

For workers in noisy environments, the fight to prevent noise-induced hearing loss has finally led to changes in the regulation of workplace noise levels in Quebec. As of June 16, 2023, the maximum steady noise level permitted during an 8-hour shift will be reduced from 90 dB(A)** with an exchange rate*** of 5 dB(A) to 85 dB(A) with an exchange rate of 3 dB(A). Finally, research has shown that it is important to tailor personal protective equipment to the user and train and educate people on the appropriateness of protective measures, when and where protective tools should be used, and how to maintain equipment, without which preventive measures are not taken. Remember that noise-related hearing loss is irreversible, but it can be prevented by using the appropriate hearing protection for your activity. For more information on each of these topics, please consult your audiologist.

*Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). **Environmental noise levels are measured in dB(A), which quantifies the relative intensity of sounds in the air as perceived by the human ear. *** The exchange rate means that when the sound level increases by X dB(A), the exposure time must be halved.

Julie-Catherine Ste-Marie Audiologist

References: -

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “Hearing Protectors”, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html Centre d’information sur le bruit, “Innovation technologique : quels gains possibles pour mieux réduire le bruit?”, https://www.bruit.fr/bruits-et-vibrations-recherche-etinnovations/innovation-technologique-quels-gains-possibles-pour-mieux-reduirele-bruit Centre patronal SST – Formation et expertise, “Changements réglementaires adoptés pour le bruit : il faut se préparer!”, https://www.centrepatronalsst.qc.ca/publications/ infos-sst-bonjour/prevention-et-securite/changements-reglementairesadoptes-pour-le-bruit/ Conseil du Patronat du Québec, “Les limites d’exposition – Au Québec, au Canada et dans les provinces canadiennes”, https://www.cpq.qc.ca/fr/landing/les-limites-d-expositionau-quebec-au-canada-et-dans-les-provinces-canadiennes Institut national de santé publique du Québec, “Best Spatial Planning Practices to Prevent the Effects of Environmental Noise on Health and Quality of Life”, https://www.inspq. qc.ca/en/publications/2731 Ramage-Morin, P. & Gosselin, M. (2018) “Canadians vulnerable to workplace noise”, Health Reports, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 10 to 19, Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82-003-X

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Hearing Aid Features in 2022 The advent of digital hearing aids has led to major advances in hearing solutions. Thus, the digital evolution that underpins our society now allows us to produce smaller and more powerful hearing aids.

Connectivity Until recently, hearing aids did not offer any Bluetooth® connectivity. What can Bluetooth® technology do for your hearing aids? It allows you to pair your hearing aids with your smartphone, so you can receive audio signals (phone calls, music, TV, etc.) directly in your hearing aids. In some cases, one or two accessories are required to enable this functionality.

Rechargeable

hearing aid and

s charging stand

Rechargeable Hearing Aids Before the new generation of rechargeable hearing aids arrived, users had to replace their batteries on a regular basis. To overcome this problem, hearing aid manufacturers have equipped hearing aids with rechargeable batteries like those used in smartphones. All you have to do is put your hearing aids in the provided charging case every night. The charging dock also allows you to charge your hearing aids without plugging them into an electrical outlet, as a rechargeable battery is built-in. The newest generation of rechargeable hearing aids makes handling easier and saves you money.

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

Technological innovations are constantly emerging in hearing health. Besides improving communication, modern hearing aids offer several features that enhance the user experience.

Faouzi Lucien

To learn more about rechargeable hearing aids, please contact your audioprosthetist.

Audioprosthetist practising in Saint-Léonard

References: -

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François Charron, “Batteries rechargeables, alcalines, non-rechargeables : lesquelles choisir?”, https://francoischarron.com/gadgets-techno/conseils-achat/batteriesrechargeables-alcalines-non-rechargeables-lesquelles-choisir/VEuNWYM39P/ Starkey Canada, “Hearing Aids for Hearing Loss”, https://www.starkeycanada.ca Signia, “Signia Hearing Aids | Be Brilliant”, https://www.signia.net/en-ca/ Phonak, “Phonak Paradise hearing aid”, https://www.phonakpro.com/ca/en/ about-phonak/technologies/multifunctionality.html Phonak, “Connectivité directe à Audéo B-Direct”, https://www.phonak.com/ca/ fr/a-propos/directe-connectivite.html

Working in Noisy Environments: How to Open a File with the CNESST ?

Did you know that the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST) can cover the cost to obtain, maintain, and repair your hearing aids? In order to receive these benefits, the CNESST must verify that your deafness was the result of noise exposure at your job. Self-employed workers must have contributed to the CNESST to be eligible. Since the administrative procedures can feel complex and tedious, the professionals who work at the Lobe clinics can help you.

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Follow these steps when dealing with the CNESST if you have concerns about the quality of your hearing following exposure to noise in the workplace.

Free* hearing health consultation

Schedule a free* hearing health consultation with a hearing health professional, which includes a hearing test.

See an audiologist

See the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist

If your hearing test confirms your suspected hearing loss, you will be referred to audiology. The audiologist will then perform a full hearing assessment that will confirm the link between reduced hearing and workplace noise exposure.

The ENT specialist will assess whether a request to open a file with the CNESST is suitable. If so, they will fill out a medical certificate in order to begin the process.

Send the documents

Wait for the eligibility decision

Receipt of eligibility decision

All documents must then be sent to your regional CNESST office. They can be sent by mail or via the CNESST online platform.

The waiting time to receive a response varies greatly, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

You will receive the decision regarding your claim by mail or via the CNESST online platform. If your hearing loss is recognized to be caused by your work environment, a second appointment with the ENT may be required so that the specialist can complete the medical evaluation report and the final report; these two CNESST forms will determine your eligibility to receive monetary compensation in addition to your hearing aids.

Make an appointment with an audioprosthetist

After your hearing problems are evaluated, the audioprosthetist will suggest the best hearing aids to meet your needs. He will then make the necessary adjustments and follow-ups to provide a good adaptation.

Don’t hesitate to contact the hearing healthcare professionals at the Lobe clinics for more information. Fill out the CNESST documents

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

The Worker’s Claim and appendix must be properly completed by the worker. A member of our team is always available to answer your questions about these forms.

Valérie Boucher Specialized educator practising in Saint-Léonard

Reference: -

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Commission des normes, de l’équité de la santé et de la sécurité du travail, “Occupational disease”, https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/procedures-and-forms/workers/ work-accident-or-occupational-disease/occupational-disease

Bluetooth connectivity ®

allow wearer to receive phone

call and li ten to mu ic

Current Trends in Hearing Aids

s s and television in their hearing aids.

Technological Factors According to World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, experience hearing loss. It is estimated that by 2050, over 700 million people, or one in 10, will have some hearing loss that will require the use of hearing aids to enjoy a better quality of life (WHO, March 2021). Reliance on hearing aids is low relative to the prevalence of hearing loss in the population. However, a US study found that in a nationally representative sample of adults over the age of 70, the proportion who reported owning and using their hearing aids increased by 23.3% between 2011 and 2018. Several factors appear to have contributed to this increase in hearing aid use.

Personal Factors With today’s easy and rapid access to information, people are more informed about their health than ever before. By finding information directly online, individuals with hearing loss and their family members often arrive better informed to their first appointment with their audioprosthetist. They are also more motivated to find solutions. According to research, family members and close friends play an important supportive role in encouraging a person with hearing loss to seek help. The more a person is aware of their hearing loss, the more likely they will want to quickly correct it with hearing aids.

Hearing aids have evolved significantly in the past few years. Their small size and seamless integration with other technologies, like Bluetooth®, make them much more attractive than they were in the past. Bluetooth® connectivity allows wearers to receive phone calls, listen to music and television (direct broadcast or through accessories) in their hearing aids. With the rapid evolution of technology, the hearing aid sector is constantly evolving. The development of complementary uses to provide services that go far beyond hearing loss will be central to future progress. Rare will be those who will want to go without! Consult your audioprosthetist to stay abreast of new technological developments.

Josée Guillemette Bilingual Audiology Support Specialist

Nathalie Saindon Bilingual Audiology Support Specialist

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

References: -

Jenstad, L. and Moon, J., “Systematic Review of Barriers and Facilitators to Hearing Aid Uptake in Older Adults”, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26557310/ McMahon, C.; Mosley, C.; Pichora-Fuller, M.K.; Davis, A.; Baylor, C; Yorkston, K.; and Tremblay, K., “Older adults’ perceptions of current and future hearing healthcare services in Australia, England, US and Canada”, https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/december-2021-volume-31-issue-5/older-adults-perceptions-of-hearing-healthcare/ Reed, N.S.; Garcia-Morales, E.; and Willink, A., “Trends in Hearing Aid Ownership Among Older Adults in the United States From 2011 to 2018”, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/ jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2773785

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Hearing Aids Powered by

Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more popular; it’s used in countless fields to improve information processing. And hearing is one of those fields. Hearing aid engineers have turned to this cutting-edge technology to bring wearers’ listening experience to new heights. In particular, our engineers have used it to develop something called a deep neural network, or DNN, to improve the way the sound signal is processed. DNNs are used to perform a wide array of everyday tasks, such as translation. They can even be useful for medical diagnosis. In fact, UCLA1 (University of California, Los Angeles) has actually created a DNN that can detect cancer cells! We use our DNN to analyze and balance the sounds that hearing aids process. But what are DNNs and how do they work, exactly?

The general idea behind DNNs is that they learn through repeated experiments on a collection of samples. For example, if the goal of the DNN is to recognize images of dogs, it is fed several million photos of dogs in various situations. After a while, it acquires enough experience to be able to recognize a dog in any situation. In other words, DNNs imitate the way the human brain works, through trial and error. Traditional hearing aids are based on theoretical models and strict rules to enhance speech sounds and reduce background noise. But this can lead to a lack of flexibility in complex or shifting sound environments, since the DNN can’t capture all the nuances and therefore makes mistakes. After training our DNN with 12 million sound scenes (like family dinners, restaurants, busy streets, and public transportation), we developed a new kind of hearing aid circuit that can mimic the way the brain balances and prioritizes sounds. With this revolutionary new approach, hearing aid wearers can access a full, accurate, and balanced sound scene while receiving more support for following conversations in difficult situations. An independent study showed that the user experienced 45% more foreground sound emergence and therefore more sound scene clarity with this technology.2 It supports the auditory system by giving the brain everything it needs to hear and understand effectively—and that benefits its overall health! Talk to your audioprosthetist to learn more about hearing aids.

Charles-Edouard Basile Director of Business Development and trainer for the adult and pediatric programs

Josée Guillemette Bilingual Audiology Support Specialist

References: 1. Jalali, B.; Lifan Chen, C.; and Mahjoubfar, A, “Cancer Diagnostics with Deep Learning and Photonic Time Stretch”, https://www.mathworks.com/company/ newsletters/articles/cancer-diagnostics-with-deep-learning-and-photonictime-stretch.html 2. Santurette, S.; Hoi Ning Ng, E.; Juul Jensen, J.; Man Kai Loong, B., “Oticon More™ clinical evidence”, https://wdh02.azureedge.net/-/media/oticon-us/main/ download-center---myoticon---product-literature/whitepapers/155000635---oticon-more-clinical-evidence-whitepaper.pdf?rev=59D5&la=en

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Study on Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health We have known about hearing loss for more than 3,500 years, but until recently, we were only treating it purely to improve sound detection and localization and improve speech recognition. While these are important, it is only in the last 20 years that medical research has unveiled the impact of hearing loss on overall health. When someone is hearing impaired, the increased effort required to communicate can cause them to withdraw from activities. It may also cause them to be rejected by those around them. The resulting social isolation and loneliness can translate into premature mortality: people experiencing isolation have a 29% greater risk of coronary heart disease, a 32% greater risk of stroke, and an approximately 50% greater risk of developing dementia. The link between loneliness and these chronic health conditions isn’t entirely clear, but scientists believe that loneliness triggers the nervous system to be in a continuous “fight or flight” state of alert. While a brief flood of adrenaline can be life-saving when humans face an immediate threat, a continuous flood of neurochemicals is damaging to the heart, brain, and other organs.

However, research published by Dr. Frank Lin at Johns Hopkins is poised to change the trajectory of hearing healthcare. In 2011, Lin published a landmark study showing that even mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia. Subsequent studies have shown that hearing loss triples the risk of falling and that brain scans of those with hearing loss show a faster rate of brain atrophy. Again, the underlying mechanisms haven’t been proven, but they can likely be attributed to “cognitive load”; the brain works so hard just to process sound and interpret language that there is little mental processing capacity left to learn. Without learning, humans don’t form new neural connections and their ability to multi-task—which is critical to performing activities like walking safely—starts to decline. Can hearing aids reduce these risks? The definitive answer will be available within a year. Lin leads the NIH-funded ACHIEVE (Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders) study, which is the first large randomized controlled trial to determine whether hearing aids alter a participant’s trajectory of cognitive decline. A small pilot for the trial was completed in 2017 and showed that hearing aids had a beneficial effect. If this is confirmed when the full ACHIEVE results are published in late 2022 or early 2023, it will substantially influence clinical care and public health over the next 20 years.

Dr. Archelle Georgiou Chief Health Officer

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The Future of Hearing Aid Technology Tremendous strides and advancements were made in hearing aid technology in the past decades to improve and optimize hearing. Although listening is an important aspect of conversation which hearing aids address, it is also essential for hearing aid users to engage, participate and socialize in their everyday life. Conversations in group settings or in noisy environments are still challenging for hearing aid wearers. We need to understand the dynamics of these settings specifically the effect of noise, the effect of hearing loss as well as the effect of amplification on communication to optimize and improve it.

AI in Hearing Aids Other aspects to consider are the individual’s needs, preferences, and intent in a specific situation. Among the many technological advancements is the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in hearing aids. Modern hearing aids offer the wearer the ability to adjust and optimize their listening experience in a given environment in real-time, to meet their individual preferences, needs, intent and listening goal. This functionality, often available in the form of a smartphone application, provides the user some level of control which contributes to improved satisfaction with the hearing aids. AI allows the hearing aid manufacturer to analyze this extensive informative data gathered from users from around the world to improve future hearing aid technologies and help hearing aid wearers hear better.

Looking to the Future

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

A recent study from Strauss and his colleagues on the activity of the muscles around the ear has shown that the pinna does in fact move subtly and that such movements are specific to sound direction. That is, the movement of the ear muscles were more significant on the side the subjects were paying attention to. Although we have evolved as a species and lost our ear mobility, the human brain appears to have preserved the ability to direct the pinna towards sound sources of interest. This finding is promising for future hearing aid technology and application. It could be used to design hearing aid technology able to control the directionality of the microphones according to the individual ear muscle activity, to amplify sounds the hearing aid wearer wants to hear, while minimizing other sounds, improving conversation in challenging environments and allowing the user to truly immerse themselves and enjoy every moment of their life. Talk to your audioprosthetist to learn more about hearing aid technology.

What does the future hold and what is to come? What if we could determine the hearing aid wearer’s intent without asking or having to resort to the AI data? Unlike other mammals, humans are not able to improve the ratio of the signal over noise, by effectively turning their ears towards an attended sound. Instead, we can choose to turn our entire head. However, in a dynamic sound scene, such as participating in a group conversation where you are switching from one attended speaker to the next, also needing to improve the ratio of the signal over the ambient noise by turning your head in the desired direction is very difficult and tiresome. If a hearing aid is to help in this situation, it would need to know the direction of the sound you are interested in. LOBE.CA | © LOBE MAGAZINE 2022

Janic Lauriault Audiologist

References: -

Balling, L.W.; Mølgaard, L.L.; Townend, O.; and Nielsen, J.B.B., “The Collaboration between Hearing Aid Users and Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Sound”, https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735135 Smeds, K.; Dahlquist, M.; Larsson, J.; Herrlin, P.; and Wolters, F., “LEAP, a new laboratory test for evaluating auditory preference”, http://pub.dega-akustik.de/ICA2019/data/ articles/000162.pdf Strauss, D.J.; Corona-Strauss, F.I.; Schroeer, A.; Flotho, P.; Hannemann, R.; and Hackley, S.A., “Vestigial auriculomotor activity indicates the direction of auditory attention in humans”, https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.54536

Creation of an

Audiology Fund In early December, Laval University’s Faculty of Medicine Foundation celebrated Lobe’s exceptional gift to its faculty. By being so actively involved, Lobe is enabling the creation of an audiology fund (the Fonds en audiologie), financially supporting not only teaching and training activities, but also cutting-edge research in hearing health. At a recognition ceremony held on December 9, in the Ferdinand-Vandry pavilion’s Jardin des décanats, faculty administrators paid tribute to the remarkable contribution of Francine Morrissette and Martin Cousineau, the President and CEO of Lobe. The ceremony, hosted by Geneviève Bhérer, Communications Advisor for the Faculty of Medicine, was attended by Francine Carmichael, spouse of the late Dr. Pierre Ferron, an ENT specialist and associate clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine; Sophie D’Amours, Rector of Laval University; Julien Poitras, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Alain Gilbert, President and CEO of the Fondation Université Laval; and Marie-Josée Taillefer, ambassador for Lobe clinics and hearing health. A plaque commemorating the inspirational journey of Dr. Ferron, a pioneer in cochlear implants, was also unveiled.

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Amazing Philanthropists Ms. Morrissette and Mr. Cousineau have been committed to the hearing health community for over 35 years, and they are proud to support and invest in future generations of audiologists. With the audiology fund, they hope to promote the future of training for new audiologists. In 2002, Mr. Cousineau developed the new multidisciplinary concept of the Lobe clinics. These clinics bring together all hearing health professionals under one roof. Today, there are nearly 60 Lobe clinics across the province, and the business continues to grow.

From left to right: Martin Cousineau, Francine Morrissette, Alain Gilbert, Julien Poitras, Marie-Josée Taillefer and Sophie D’Amours

As mentioned by Ms. D’Amours, Mr. Cousineau and Ms. Morrissette are generous and committed souls who are involved with the causes they care about on numerous levels. They both like to say that they don’t just take care of ears, they take care of people. Their mandate is to humanize hearing health care and services, and to always be attentive to the community’s needs while staying true to their values.

Supporting Education Changes the World The audiology program supported by Lobe helps perpetuate the company’s mission. The professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics have always wanted to improve access to hearing health care. Through our work and involvement, we break the isolation caused by hearing loss and improve the quality of life of thousands of people with hearing loss.

Recognition plate for Lobe

During his speech, Lobe’s President and CEO reminded us of the importance of education by quoting Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He concluded with a wish: “May our support help leave a wealth of meaning and knowledge for future generations to benefit as many people as possible!”

Francine Morrissette and Martin Cousineau

Lobe and Réseau FADOQ:

A Perfect Pair

Lobe clinics are turning 20 in 2022! What an accomplishment! Lobe completed the second half of this amazing journey with Réseau FADOQ at its side. These two organizations are a match made in heaven! The professionals practicing in the Lobe clinics and Réseau FADOQ have been working together since September 1, 2011. At that time, Réseau FADOQ was chaired by Mr. Jean-Claude Grondin. It is only natural that Réseau FADOQ and the Lobe clinics joined forces, since both organizations share the same human values and always put the client first. That was true a decade ago, and it’s still true to this day. The Lobe team is committed to Réseau FADOQ’s mission, and shows it in many ways. Since the beginning, Lobe clinics have been major partners of several FADOQ events, like the annual golf tournament, the provincial Jeux FADOQ, the annual convention, and more. It was also a partner for the provincial tennis tournament held by the network for many years, as well as several editions of the Salon FADOQ. Individual Lobe clinics also stand out thanks to their active partnerships with several regional FADOQ groups, and they’re all equally enthusiastic. What a strong partnership! Réseau FADOQ has nearly 550,000 members, making it the largest organization of people aged 50 and over in the country. Its members benefit from the Peace of Mind Program+, which offers several protections and benefits for a four-year period (learn more at your local Lobe clinic or by calling 1-866-411-LOBE).

FADOQ’s Winter Games

1,000 rebates with the Réseau FADOQ FADOQ cardholders can save hundreds of dollars a year thanks to 1,000 discounts and privileges offered by just as many businesses across Quebec. Recently, it’s become easier than ever to take advantage of those discounts thanks to the new FADOQ smartphone app. Among other things, this tool allows members to discover and locate businesses that offer discounts to FADOQ members, so that they can make the most of all the opportunities to save. In addition, the FADOQ app means that members always have their FADOQ cards with them and can renew them with just a few taps. What a practical and beneficial innovation!

Sophie Gagnon Réseau FADOQ

Become a member of the Réseau FADOQ: fadoq.ca | 1 800 828-3344

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.

A Partnership is Born! Lobe is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and so is our school, the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds! Our history with them begins with our foundation, the Fondation Sourdine, which turns 30 on September 21, 2022. In 2007, the first Lobe representatives attended our flagship event, “Les Saveurs du Théâtre”. They found out about us and instantly fell head over heels for our mission. A wonderful partnership was born, and it continues to this day. They have been involved for more than 15 years, and quickly became major partners for our foundation. What’s more, they are always there at our events to support our students. In addition, it is thanks to the mobilization of incredible donors and partners like Lobe that in July 2012, the Fondation Sourdine was able to get to work and acquire a stable place for École oraliste students to learn. For almost 10 years, we have been located at 1090 René-Lévesque Boulevard West in Quebec City! Since we joined forces in 2007, thanks to Lobe’s invaluable and unconditional generosity, its attendance at so many benefit events, its many initiatives within its network, and its support for the success of our mission, the Fondation Sourdine has been able to raise more than half a million dollars.

And of course, behind Lobe, there are people. People who are generous with their finances, generous with their time, but above all generous with their hearts. Their president and CEO, Martin Cousineau, furthered his involvement by joining the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2011, becoming the chair in 2018. Mr. Cousineau and his team are people who truly make a difference when they take up a cause. The most important thing for them is—and will always be—children’s well-being. We want them to pursue their dreams, because there is no limit to dreaming… We sincerely thank them for their commitment to us, but most of all, for allowing us to shine! Congratulations and happy 20th!

Isabelle Savage Principal at École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds

DE QUÉBEC POUR ENFANTS SOURDS

Sandra Ferguson Executive Director at the Fondation Sourdine

Proud partner of Lobe Axion 50 plus is a social environment that focuses on the fulfilment, commitment to the community and sense of belonging of people aged 50 and over. It offers a sociocultural and sporting programme that is both accessible and diverse, and activities that respond to the needs of semi-retired and retired people.

Axion50plus.org 450 978-5555, ext. 2

DON’T STAY ALONE JOIN US!

Proud partner of Lobe

aqrp.ca

Why become an AQRP member? • Enjoy social and physical activities • Have access to conferences, training, Web conferences, contests and blog • Benefit from a host of savings and advantages at Lobe, La Capitale insurances and many important partners (health, leisure, culture, travel, etc.)

1 800 653-2747 www.aqrp.ca

• Promote your rights and have access to a free telephone help service! AQRP members receive a 20%* discount on a complete hearing assessment performed at a Lobe clinic. *Valid only on complete hearing assessment performed at 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 valid until March 31, 2023. Some conditions apply. Visit a clinic for details.

What’s New in the

Clinics? Subscribe Now! Lobe Magazine, the reference in hearing health!

Our involvement with the Fondation IUCPQ Martin Cousineau, President and CEO of the Lobe clinic network, will return as honorary co-chair for the 19th edition of the annual Fondation Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec (Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Foundation) benefit, Au cœur de vos passions, on Friday, June 3, 2022.

ways to get Lobe Magazine: 1 | Online, free of charge, on the Customer Account of boutique.lobe.ca/en. Available just a few days before it’s released! 2 | Print subscription for 3 issues per year. Available on boutique.lobe.ca. Some conditions apply.

Expansion of the Lac-Etchemin Lobe clinic In the next few months, the Lac-Etchemin Lobe clinic will be expanding to better serve its community. Stop by and see the results at 301 Du Sanatorium St., suite 121 .

3 | Free of charge, in all Lobe clinics and at our different partners.

581 820-3220

Questions or comments? Email us: courrier@lobe.ca

Opening of the Granby Lobe clinic There’s a new clinic in the Lobe network! The Granby Lobe clinic will be opening its doors in the summer of 2022. Address: Lobe, 215 Montcalm Blvd., suite 130 Granby, QC J2G 5C2 1 866 411-5623 LOBE.CA | © LOBE MAGAZINE 2022

ADRESSES DES CLINIQUES ADDRESSES OF THE CAPITALE-NATIONALE Donnacona Complexe Santé Donnacona 499, route 138, suite 200 Donnacona Qc G3M 0A9 Audiologists : 581 821-2435 Audioprosthetists: 581 821-2434 NEW ADDRESS

Pont-Rouge 20, route de la Pinière, suite 101 Pont-Rouge Qc G3H 0M6 : 581 318-3505 ENT specialists Audiologists : 581 329-8476 Audioprosthetists: 581 329-8401 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

CLINICS

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

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

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

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

CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC

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

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

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

CHAUDIÈRE-APPALACHES

Québec • Limoilou Complexe Santé Synase 1825, boul. Henri-Bourassa suite 302, Québec Qc G1J 0H4 : 581 814-8901 ENT specialists Audiologists : 581 814-8900 Audioprosthetists: 581 814-8899 Speech-language pathologists: 581 814-8902 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 : 418 781-1735 ENT specialists Audiologists : 418 781-1734 Audioprosthetists: 418 781-1733 Free parking, coupon given at the exit

Beauceville Coop santé Robert-Cliche 463-B, boul. Renault Beauceville Qc G5X 1N5 Audiologists : 581 813-3015 Audioprosthetists: 581 813-3013 Disraeli 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 418 830-5622 ENT specialists Audiologists : 418 830-0987 Audioprosthetists: 418 830-5623 Lévis • Lauzon Complexe Santé Lévis-Lauzon 6750, boul. 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 : 418 903-8102 ENT specialists Audiologists : 418 903-8101 Audioprosthetists: 418 903-8100

Sainte-Marie 340, boul. Vachon Sud Sainte-Marie Qc G6E 1X8 : 418 386-3643 ENT specialists 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 : 418 755-0176 ENT specialists 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 : 819 780-9747 ENT specialists Audiologists : 819 780-9746 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 2705, chemin Sainte-Marie, suite 102, Mascouche Qc J7K 1M8 Audiologists : 450 769-9221 Audioprosthetists: 450 769-9220

LAURENTIDES Boisbriand 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 : 579 226-0216 ENT specialists Audiologists : 579 226-0215 Audioprosthetists: 579 226-0214 Saint-Jérôme Polyclinique Saint-Jérôme 200, rue Durand, suite 209 Saint-Jérôme Qc J7Z 7E2 : 450 565-9898 ENT specialists 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 : 450 781-4556 ENT specialists Audiologists : 450 687-6897 Audioprosthetists: 450 687-0255

MAURICIE 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

GRAND NORD QUÉBÉCOIS Tel.: 819 378-7477

MONTÉRÉGIE

MONTRÉAL

OUTAOUAIS

HEAD OFFICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audiology services offered in the clinics:

OPENING SUMMER 2022

Granby 215, boul. Montcalm, suite 130 Granby Qc J2G 5C2 Audiologists: 1 866 411-5623 Audioprosthetists: 1 866 411-5623 Longueuil 1215, ch. Du Tremblay, door 165 Longueuil Qc J4N 1R4 : 450 448-4244 ENT specialists Audiologists : 450 448-8090 Audioprosthetists: 450 448-4544 Saint-Hubert 4025, boul. Taschereau, suite 1200 Saint-Hubert Qc J4T 2G6 : 450 890-3788 ENT specialists 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 : 579 296-0054 ENT specialists 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 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

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

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

0-99 years,

3-99 years, 5-99 years

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

Vertigo

Vestibular screening

Metro station Service covered by the RAMQ

Gatineau • Hull Clinique Medigo 165, boul. Saint-Raymond, suite 213 Gatineau Qc J8Y 0A7 : 819 966-3280 ENT specialists 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: 819 243-5258

Montréal • Saint-Laurent Complexe médical Saint-Laurent 1605, boul. Marcel-Laurin, suite 120 Montréal Qc H4R 0B7 : 514 788-7753 ENT specialists Audiologists : 514 788-7752 Audioprosthetists: 514 788-7751 Côte-Vertu Montréal • Saint-Léonard Les Terrasses Langelier 6383, rue Jean-Talon Est Montréal Qc H1S 3E7 Audiologists : 514 788-3738 Audioprosthetists: 514 798-0915 Montréal • Villeray 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 Crémazie

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

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