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Volume 19, number 3, 2026

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Noise at Work

It's Often Unexpected

Seven Signs Not to Ignore

When Working in a Noisy Environment

Understanding

Understanding Speech, Beyond Volume

Marie-Josée Taillefer's Column Rediscovering the Simplicity of Conversation

Tinnitus

INTERVIEW

MARTINE FRANCKE Listening Beyond Words © Photo Credit: Salon des aînés de Saint-Jérôme / Julien Faugère

EDITORIAL

What We Hear, Without Always Listening As summer comes to an end, the rhythm of our days slowly begins to shift. We start moving a little faster again, schedules become more structured, and routines gradually take shape. We leave behind the slow pace of vacation, without yet fully settling into the established rhythm of fall. In these moments, we rarely notice how many things compete for our attention at once. A conversation continues while another begins nearby. A voice we are following slips away for a moment. We catch up again almost automatically. It is always fascinating to realize just how much our ears can take in. Hearing is truly a remarkable ally! Sometimes, subtle hearing difficulties can gradually develop without us realizing it. Not significant enough to raise concern, not enough to make us stop, but just enough for us to adapt. We move a little closer. We rely more on context. We let a word or two pass. And we continue the conversation. What is particular about hearing is that it does not always send a clear signal. Changes can appear slowly, while life continues as usual. And because we adapt so well, we do not always realize how much these adjustments shape the way we interact.

Let’s take the time to listen to what is happening… even to what we don’t always notice.

And yet, these nuances influence how we take part in conversations, how comfortable we feel in groups, and how we may, sometimes without noticing, choose to engage or slightly withdraw from an exchange. It can also be as simple as paying attention to what changes in everyday life. These observations, even subtle ones, can become valuable cues for better understanding one’s hearing and recognizing when it may be helpful to seek support.

In this new edition of Lobe Magazine, we wanted to focus on these everyday realities that we experience without always naming them: the environments, habits, and contexts in which sound, in all its forms, is part of the backdrop. You will discover concrete situations and helpful reference points to better understand what may be happening in daily life. Hearing health professionals affiliated with Lobe clinics share their perspective, along with simple and accessible tools. Happy reading! Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe Clinics and Hearing Health

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Table of Contents 04 Listening Beyond Words

Interview with Martine Francke

06 Rediscovering the Simplicity of Conversation Marie-Josée Taillefer's Column

08 Understanding Speech, Beyond Volume

Volume 19, number 3, 2026

Noise at Work: It's Often Unexpected

Editor Maëly Riondy

Seven Signs Not to Ignore When Working in a Noisy Environment

Graphic designer Andrée-Anne Michel

Understanding Tinnitus: When Sounds Persist in Silence

Printing house TC Imprimeries Transcontinental

Why Do We Hesitate Before Seeking Hearing Care?

Enjoying Summer While Taking Care of Your Hearing

Smarter, More Connected, and Easier-to-Use Hearing Aids

Promoting Hearing Health Through Community Outreach

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.

What Does a Hearing-Friendly Environment Look Like?

20 When Hearing Is No Longer Enough to Fully Participate 22 Self-Assessment Questionnaire 23 Personalized Hearing Health Services 24 Learning, Communicating, Thriving 25 When Hearing Technology Becomes Part of Everyday Life 26 When Technology Adapts to Everyday Hearing 28 What’s New at Lobe Clinics? 30 Lobe Clinics’ Locations

The opinions expressed in articles published by Publications Lobe are the responsibility of the author. Legal deposit ISSN 1911–5660 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, Montréal Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa Publications Lobe 725, boulevard Lebourgneuf, suite 303 Québec QC G2J 0C4 Tel.: 418 877-7222 Fax: 581 814-6260 Email: centreappel@lobe.ca Printed in Canada All trademarks are the property of Lobe Santé auditive Inc./Bulletin produced by Publications Lobe.

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that listening to birdsong may help your brain recharge? According to certain studies, these natural sounds may help reduce anxiety and enhance attention. They have also been associated with a sense of recovery after periods of stress or mental fatigue. Much like a cognitive pause, the sound of singing birds can create a gentle environment that may help the mind settle without completely switching off. These sounds can also evoke memories of nature, calmness, and time spent outdoors, which may further enhance this feeling of relaxation.

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The next time you hear a blackbird, a chickadee, or a cardinal, take a few moments to listen; your brain may benefit from the pause. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Birdsongs alleviate anxiety and paranoia in healthy participants (n.d.). https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36229489/ Ratcliffe, E., Gatersleben, B., & Sowden, P. T. (2013). Bird sounds and their contributions to perceived attention restoration and stress recovery. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 36, 221–228. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.08.004 Hrustic, A. (2025, May 14). Listening to birds sing really does soothe your brain. Here’s why. Health. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ health/article/birds-sing-brain-mental-health

T E RV I E W

MARTINE FRANCKE Listening Beyond Words

C LU S I V E EX

A versatile actress and a familiar face for Quebec audiences, Martine Francke has built a career where every role becomes an opportunity to explore the human experience. Whether in theatre, television, film, or voice-over work, her profession constantly invites her to adapt, observe, and connect with a wide variety of teams, characters, and audiences. Viewers notably saw her in the television series STAT, where she played Camille Arsenault. Attentiveness to others doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling or the curtain falls. It also shapes the way she moves through everyday life, such as her simple encounters with others, or spontaneous moments that arise. For Martine Francke, these moments are never insignificant. Several times a day, she walks through the streets of Montreal, crossing paths with children, older adults, people in a hurry, curious passers-by, or even people who seem slightly intimidated by the presence of her dog.

“Just saying hello or sharing a glance can make my day feel brighter,” she says. Whether at the Jean-Talon Market, the pharmacy, or during a phone call, she enjoys creating small moments of connection. Even brief exchanges, sometimes lasting only a few seconds, can be meaningful enough to change the tone of her entire day.

Tuning in to Your Emotions For the actress, listening is about more than simply hearing. It also means noticing, feeling, and adapting to others. “Listening isn’t just done with your ears, it’s understanding what people are feeling,” she explains. This sensitivity shows itself in many different settings. For example, in a silent yoga class, a simple glance or a shared breath can be enough to create a connection. In more emotional situations, such as buying a first home, recognizing someone else's emotions and responding with a spontaneous act of kindness can completely transform the experience. Martine experienced this herself. She had just purchased a home on her own, which was an important milestone for her. In a very formal environment, at her financial institution, the person helping her sensed that she was emotional and gave her a hug. In that moment, Martine Francke allowed herself to be genuine, without apologizing for her emotions. These examples highlight something we often underestimate; communication relies on much more than words. It is rooted in being present for someone, sometimes subtly, but in a way that can comfort, reassure, or simply make someone feel better.

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A Key to Connection Acting: A Lesson in Humanity In her work, this ability to listen is essential. Whether on stage, on set, or in a recording studio, every interaction depends on a genuine connection with others.

“Whether I’m in front of a microphone or standing on a stage, there has to be a human connection,” she says. Her profession often requires her to move quickly between entirely different worlds. One day, she may be recording a commercial with people she barely knows. The next, she may spend long hours filming in a kitchen with a completely new team. In those moments, she must find her place, build connections, and adapt to the group’s energy. Understanding someone's intentions, a tone, or an emotion can completely change a scene. She recalls her role in 5e rang, where she had to portray a woman very different from herself. Her character’s words and reactions sometimes made her uncomfortable. To step into that role, she searched for the character’s vulnerability. In seeking to understand her characters, she also learns to better understand other people through their reactions and their vulnerabilities. That perspective helps her create distance from certain situations in everyday life. “Often, it doesn’t belong to us,” she says, speaking about other people’s reactions. This mindset can ease tensions and help maintain more peaceful relationships.

When Communication Takes More Effort Despite this natural ease, Martine acknowledges that some moments can feel more demanding. Being deeply attentive to others can also be exhausting. “There are times when I need silence,” she shares. © Photo Credit: Salon des aînés de Saint-Jérôme / Julien Faugère

During those periods, she chooses to slow down: walking, spending time in nature, practicing yoga, swimming, or simply caring for her plants. Nature reconnects her with a sense of gentleness. Mount Royal, the countryside, or even her small garden become places where she finds balance. She also finds joy in family life. With her children and grandchildren, she rediscovers playfulness, simplicity, and the joy of simply being together. These quieter moments help balance the intensity of a profession that constantly requires her to be ready, resilient, and fully present. In livelier settings such as dinner parties with friends or festive evenings gathered around a piano, she lets herself be carried by the joy of the moment. This natural rhythm between engagement and retreat reflects a reality many people experience: communication is a continual process of adjustment.

Throughout our conversation, one idea kept coming back: listening is at the heart of everything. It helps us better understand one another, build meaningful connections, and nurture more peaceful relationships. “Listening is a key part of our humanity,” Martine says.

COMING UP! In September 2026, Martine Francke will be a guest artist for the Salon des aînés de Saint-Jérôme, alongside spokesperson Anne-Marie Cadieux. Details : Salondesaines.ca

Learning to Listen Differently Over time, her way of listening has evolved. “Today, I truly listen,” she says. Rather than preparing her response, she creates more space for others. She admits that in the past, she tended to assert her own ideas more strongly. Today, she says she has learned to be “sure of nothing,” a phrase that perfectly captures her openness to life’s surprises. This transformation also involves learning to listen to herself. In her view, the quality of our relationships often depends on how connected we are to our own needs. “We can’t truly be there for others if we’re not well within ourselves,” she explains. Sometimes, a simple gesture can make all the difference: being fully present in the moment. Smiling, listening without interrupting, resisting the urge to offer advice when it hasn’t been asked for. For her, these small gestures can transform the quality of our relationships.

Anne-Marie Cadieux Martine Francke

This opportunity to connect with the public feels like a natural extension of everything she described: the importance of staying connected to one another. As she so simply puts it, human beings will always need one another. A heartfelt thank you to Martine Francke for these meaningful reflections and for generously sharing her inspiring perspective. Maria Fernanda Bially Communications Advisor

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COLUMN

Rediscovering the Simplicity of Conversation By Marie-Josée Taillefer

When Everything Still Seems the Same There are moments when everything feels simple and natural. Around the table, during lively conversations, at dinner with friends or on a family outing, exchanges flow effortlessly. We laugh, share stories, and build on one another’s thoughts, carried by the spontaneity of the moment and the joy of being together. And yet, without really knowing when it began, some situations may begin to require a little more energy than before. We lean in a little closer, pay better attention, and try to keep up with conversations when several people are speaking at once or when background noise becomes more noticeable.

This change does not happen suddenly. It settles in gradually, almost quietly, to the point where it can go unnoticed.

The Invisible Effort of Everyday Life In a restaurant, even a simple question may take an extra moment to understand. In the car, road noise or the sound of the ventilation system can sometimes blur conversations. At home, the television volume gradually increases, without it ever feeling like a conscious choice.

Maintaining Balance, One Conversation at a Time

Taken separately, these adjustments may seem insignificant. But when viewed together, they reveal a more subtle reality: a constant, often invisible effort that accompanies certain everyday situations in order to better understand what is being said.

It can feel as though every conversation requires maintaining balance, as if standing on a small stepladder, trying to remain steady, attentive, and focused. It is possible, of course, but it comes with a quiet effort, constant vigilance, and a slight tension in the background.

In those moments, the brain does remarkable work. It anticipates, guesses, and fills in the missing pieces. This ability to adapt allows people to continue participating in conversations, remain engaged in discussions, and maintain meaningful connections with others.

Over time, repeating this effort can lead to fatigue. It does not come from one specific moment, but rather from the accumulation of all those situations where extra mental compensation, adjustment, or alertness was needed in order to understand clearly.

But even when subtle, that effort requires energy.

Gradually, this fatigue can begin to influence the way we interact with others.

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We hesitate before asking someone to repeat themselves. We let small details slip by. We contribute a little less spontaneously to conversations. Not because of disinterest, but simply because it requires more energy or because a certain discomfort may begin to settle in. That is what makes these changes so subtle: they happen gradually, without necessarily drawing attention. Then, with hindsight, we realize that certain situations no longer feel quite the same. We choose quieter environments, avoid noisier settings, or adapt the way we communicate without even thinking about it.

Rediscovering the Simplicity of Conversation

These choices often feel logical or natural, commonly attributed to fatigue, noise, or the situation itself. Yet hearing loss may also be part of the equation.

Hearing is not only about perceiving sounds. It is about following an idea to the end, catching a nuance, or hearing emotion in someone’s voice. It is about feeling confident in conversation and being fully present in the exchange.

The Valuable Role of Loved Ones

When that balance becomes more fragile, even slightly, it can affect far more than we imagine. Not dramatically, but enough to gradually change everyday life.

In this context, loved ones play an essential role. Very often, without even realizing it, they become valuable allies who help make conversations smoother and more comfortable. A few simple actions can significantly reduce listening effort and support communication in everyday life: Facing the person before speaking, so that facial expressions and visual cues support understanding. Speaking at a calm, natural pace without raising the voice, since speaking louder does not necessarily improve comprehension. Rephrasing something that was not understood, rather than repeating it exactly the same way. Reducing background noise whenever possible, such as lowering the television volume or choosing a quieter environment. Writing down important information, especially when details matter. Gently checking for understanding with a simple question, without creating discomfort. Although these simple actions may seem small, they have a meaningful impact. They reduce pressure, ease fatigue, and help conversations regain their natural flow.

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Awareness often begins with small signs. A feeling that certain situations require more effort than before. Fatigue after conversations. A comment from a loved one that suddenly resonates differently.

Without worry. Without judgment. Simply an observation. From there, it becomes possible to take the next step, at one’s own pace. In some cases, that may simply mean talking about it with a loved one, asking questions, or paying closer attention to everyday listening situations. In others, it may become an opportunity to better understand one’s hearing, just as we would for vision or any other aspect of our health. Today, there are many ways to access support, whether through simple strategies, environmental adjustments, or tailored solutions such as hearing aids that can reduce listening effort and restore greater comfort in conversations. Ultimately, it is not only about hearing better. It is about rediscovering ease in conversations, spontaneity in shared moments, and the feeling of being fully present without constantly compensating. Paying attention to hearing health is also about paying attention to quality of life, energy, and the way we connect with others. Sometimes, all it takes is one small first step to move a little closer to everything that deserves to be heard. Marie-Josée Taillefer Ambassador of Lobe Clinics and Hearing Health

Understanding Speech, Beyond Volume

The server approaches, conversations overlap, and music plays in the background. Around the table, everyone is speaking at once. You can hear the voices, but the words seem to blend together.

“I hear, but I don’t understand.” “I can’t understand them when more than two or three are talking.”

These are phrases often heard during clinical consultations. They can come as a surprise, especially when hearing still feels “fine.” Yet these situations are common and often develop gradually, without being immediately noticed.

Why Certain Environments Make Listening More Difficult Restaurants, group dinners, community halls, or even cars share a common feature: they are acoustically complex environments. Multiple sound sources are present at the same time such as conversations, dishes, or music, all overlapping and competing for attention. The brain must constantly sort through them. Reverberation can also play a role. In spaces with hard surfaces such as glass, concrete, or ceramic, sound reflects and lingers. Unlike an echo, reverberation creates a blurring effect: speech overlaps and becomes less clear. In these conditions, certain elements of speech become harder to perceive, especially consonants. These sounds are essential for distinguishing words. When consonants are less clear, speech may feel incomplete, making speech more difficult to understand.

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Hearing, Listening, and Understanding

Subtle Signs and Possible Adjustments

A More Common Reality Than We Think

Hearing is often thought of as a single ability. In reality, it involves three distinct steps: hearing, listening, and understanding. “Hearing” is the ability to detect sound. “Listening” is paying attention to it. “Understanding” is making sense of it.

These changes often happen gradually. The brain develops compensatory strategies, such as reading facial expressions or guessing words from context.

Difficulty understanding speech in noise is an experience shared by many people. It can vary depending on context and does not necessarily indicate a significant problem.

Other signs may also include needing others to repeat themselves in group settings, turning up the television volume when there is background noise, or feeling mentally drained after conversations.

What matters is staying attentive. If these situations become more frequent or begin to affect participation in conversations, it may be helpful to speak with an audiologist.

In a quiet environment, these steps happen almost automatically. But in noisy settings, the brain must work harder to interpret speech. It filters sounds, selects one voice among many, and maintains attention. This process can become more demanding depending on the situation. Fatigue, stress, or the end of the day can reduce this ability. It is often during these moments that people notice that understanding requires more effort than before. Understanding speech in noise depends on how the brain processes sound. In some cases, this processing may be less efficient. This can create the impression of hearing without fully understanding. The person then needs to further concentrate, follow conversations more closely, and invest more mental energy to achieve the same result.

These signs are sometimes attributed to factors such as a noisy environment or a tiring day. However, when they become frequent, they may deserve closer attention. Even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Facing the speaker, reducing background noise, or choosing quieter moments can help. Moving away from noisy sources or letting others know about listening difficulties are also practical everyday strategies.

Because beyond hearing, understanding is what allows us to stay fully connected to meaningful moments.

If you have any doubts about your hearing, book a complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist. Pénélope Lachaine Audiologist

A complete hearing evaluation conducted by an audiologist is recommended to help better understand the situation and guide appropriate solutions related to hearing loss.

The Effort of Listening and Its Effects This is referred to as listening effort, which is the mental energy required to understand what we hear. For example, after a family dinner, some people feel the need to withdraw quickly because following conversations has required significant effort. Over time, certain habits may change, such as avoiding noisy environments, participating less in group discussions, or preferring quieter settings.

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Noise at Work

It's Often Unexpected When people think about workplace noise, certain images immediately come to mind: construction sites, factories, or heavy machinery. These environments are widely recognized for their high noise levels. However, the reality is often more nuanced. Many everyday work environments that are not typically associated with noise can also place ongoing strain on hearing, sometimes without people being fully aware of it.

Real-Life Environments That Are Less Obvious Beyond industrial settings, noise can be present in a wide variety of professional environments. In the restaurant industry, for example, an active kitchen often combines several sound sources: constant ventilation noise, operating equipment, and dishes clattering. Depending on the layout of the space, these sounds may bounce off surfaces and become amplified, making the environment more demanding for hearing. Other workplaces may also be affected, including schools, garages, and cultural or event environments. It is important to remember that a workplace not officially identified as “noisy” does not necessarily mean there is no risk of hearing loss. Repeated exposure, even to sound levels considered tolerable, may still contribute over time to auditory fatigue and possible hearing loss.

Understanding where noise is truly present can help people look at their own environment differently.

Different Types of Noise, but Equally Demanding Noise is not limited to a single type. In many workplaces, different types of sounds coexist. There are continuous noises, such as ventilation systems or engines running in the background. These are often combined with intermittent noises that stop and start again, as well as more sudden sounds that are very brief but intense and involve a rapid release of a large amount of energy. Examples include a tool striking a metal part or the sound of a firearm. Even though they can be brief, these sounds can place significant strain on the ears, especially when repeated throughout the day.

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This means that it is not only the intensity of noise that matters, but also the combination of different sound sources within the same environment and the duration of exposure.

Signs That Develop Gradually The effects of noise on hearing are not always immediate. In many cases, they develop gradually over time. Some people notice that they can still hear sounds, but have more difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

Other signs may include:

Being more easily bothered by household noises upon returning home from work, such as the sound of the dishwasher; Increasing the television volume; Feeling auditory fatigue at the end of the day; Hearing sounds such as ringing or buzzing (tinnitus). These experiences can vary from person to person.

Exposure That Builds Up Over Time Noise exposure generally has a cumulative effect. The first years of exposure are particularly significant, since this is when hearing changes tend to occur most rapidly. Over time, this exposure combines with the natural aging of hearing. Both factors can coexist and influence the progression of hearing loss. It is also important to consider all sources of exposure, including those outside of work, such as recreational activities. Hearing is challenged in many different settings, and these exposures add up.

Better Understanding for Better Action In many situations, noise exposure can be managed or reduced. Simple measures may help, the most important being to reduce noise at the source, for example by ensuring that equipment is properly maintained. Exposure time can also be reduced, particularly by taking breaks in a quieter environment or turning off equipment that is not in use. Choosing comfortable, properly fitted protection such as standard hearing protection or custom hearing protection can encourage more consistent use. On the other hand, protection that is frequently removed or poorly fitted loses effectiveness.

Taking the Time to Talk About It A complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist provides a clear picture of a person's hearing health and helps guide the next steps according to individual needs. It also provides an opportunity to discuss the various preventive measures that may be appropriate for the person’s environment. When hearing loss is identified, different approaches may be suggested, including listening and communication strategies, wearing hearing aids, and filing a claim with the CNESST for occupational hearing loss. Taking a moment to reflect on one’s sound environment, recognizing certain everyday situations, and discussing them with an audiologist may help support long-term listening comfort.

If you have concerns about the quality of your hearing, book a complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist. Lauriane Bertrand Audiologist practicing in Québec City and Lévis

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Seven Signs

Not to Ignore When Working in a Noisy Environment Working in an environment where noise levels are so high that holding a conversation a few feet away becomes difficult, even while shouting, is part of everyday life for nearly 350,000 people in Québec1. This type of exposure typically involves sound levels of at least 85 dB. However, repeated exposure to noise levels above 75 dB can generally affect hearing over time. This means that the number of people whose hearing is affected by workplace noise may be higher than many realize. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to subtle changes in hearing. People adapt, compensate, and these adjustments can gradually become part of everyday life.

Sounds That Persist Even After Work

Fatigue That Is Not Always Easy to Explain

After a noisy workday, some people notice ringing or buzzing in their ears. This is known as tinnitus: the perception of sound without an external sound source. In some cases, these sensations disappear after a few hours. But when they occur repeatedly, they may become more persistent over time.

At the end of the day, some people experience a deeper sense of fatigue that goes beyond physical effort. This cognitive fatigue, linked to listening effort, can affect concentration and energy levels.

Understanding, but With More Effort Some people notice that they can hear words without always fully understanding them. In these types of cases, they may require others to repeat themselves more often, whether outside the workplace or especially in lively environments.

Turning Up the Volume Without Realizing It After a day at work, it may become natural to increase the volume of the car radio or the television at home. The next day, that same volume may suddenly seem too loud. This phenomenon is linked to auditory fatigue. After prolonged noise exposure, the ear may require recovery time and temporarily perceive sounds with less sensitivity. With repeated exposure, recovery may become incomplete, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss.

Conversations Becoming More Difficult in Noise Some people find it increasingly difficult to follow conversations in noisy settings, such as a restaurant or a group dinner. Voices may seem to blend together, making exchanges more demanding.

Less Inclined to Participate Certain social situations may become less enjoyable, to the point where group activities are avoided altogether. This social isolation can influence relationships and overall well-being.

Taking a Simple First Step To help you better understand your situation and take the first step, don't hesitate to book a complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening. Hearing health professionals can support you based on your individual needs. *Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Marianne Brabant Audioprosthetist practicing in Montréal – Angus

Difficulty Understanding Instructions at Work In noisy environments, verbal instructions may become harder to follow clearly. As a reflex, people may begin guessing what was said, which can lead to misunderstandings or mistakes.

References: 1. Martin, R., Tissot, F., & Sassine, M.-P. (2025). Exposition des travailleuses et travailleurs québécois au bruit intense en milieu de travail : résultats de l’Enquête québécoise sur la santé de la population, 2020-2021. Institut national de santé publique du Québec. https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/ publications/3699-exposition-travailleurs-qc-bruitintense-travail-2020-2021.pdf - Mesure du bruit - Effets du bruit environnemental sur la santé. (n.d.). Gouvernement du Québec. https:// www.quebec.ca/sante/conseils-et-prevention/santeet-environnement/effets-du-bruit-environnementalsur-la-sante/mesure-du-bruit?

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What Can Make Tinnitus Worse Tinnitus is often influenced by overall well-being. When someone is tired, ill, or stressed, it may become more difficult to tolerate. The same sound can suddenly feel more present simply because there is less mental energy available to cope with it. Exposure to loud noises can also temporarily intensify tinnitus. This is why it can be helpful to identify noisy environments such as concerts, areas with motorized tools, or very lively spaces. In these situations, wearing hearing protection such as earmuffs or custom hearing protection can help reduce sound exposure, while still allowing people to enjoy their activities more comfortably.

Ways to Better Manage Tinnitus

Understanding Tinnitus: When Sounds Persist in Silence

Sometimes, when lying in bed at night or sitting in a quiet room, a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound may appear without any obvious source. The sound may be subtle, occasional, or more noticeable depending on the moment. For some people, it is barely noticeable. For others, it can become disruptive in everyday life. This is known as tinnitus: the perception of sound without an external sound source, lasting at least five consecutive minutes and occurring several times a week. It may be experienced in one ear, both ears, or even in the head.

When the Sound Takes Up More Space Tinnitus can sometimes interfere with sleep. Since it is often more noticeable in silence, it may make falling asleep more difficult or cause nighttime awakenings. It can also affect concentration while reading, watching television, or having conversations. In some cases, tinnitus may also influence someone’s mood. A person may feel more irritable, stressed, or anxious, particularly when the sound feels more intense. Lobe.ca | © Lobe Magazine 2026

Several approaches may help make tinnitus easier to manage. One commonly used strategy is sound masking. This involves introducing background sounds such as a fan, soft music, a sound app, or a tabletop sound generator to reduce the contrast between silence and the tinnitus itself. To support sleep, some people use headbands or pillows that play soothing sounds. When tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, hearing aids may also be considered. By making environmental sounds easier to hear, hearing aids can help reduce the perception of tinnitus. Some hearing aids can also produce low-level white noise intended to help lessen tinnitus symptoms. Relaxation exercises, meditation, or cognitive behavioural therapy may also help reduce the emotional response associated with tinnitus.

Tinnitus is experienced differently from one person to another. If symptoms persist or become bothersome, do not hesitate to consult an audiologist to explore the approaches best suited to your needs.

Roxanne Fex-Charron Audiologist practicing in Gatineau

Why Do We Hesitate Before

Seeking Hearing Care? Doubts That Hold Us Back, Even When We Adapt

“I’m not sure it’s serious enough to see a hearing professional.” “I don’t have the time.” “I don’t want to bother a healthcare professional.” These are phrases hearing health professionals often hear. They reflect a very real hesitation when it comes to taking the first step, even when certain signs of possible hearing loss are already present.

Over time, certain situations begin to feel familiar. Asking others to repeat themselves more often, turning up the television volume, or feeling tired after group conversations can gradually become part of everyday life. In many cases, these adjustments go almost unnoticed, and it is often loved ones who point them out first. People adapt, compensate, and postpone the idea of consulting. It can then become difficult to know when it is time to act.

A First Step Simpler Than Many Imagine Contrary to common perceptions, beginning a hearing health journey is simple and accessible. It all starts with a phone call to a clinic coordinator. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and feel welcomed without judgment. This first conversation is meant to be reassuring, simply because someone takes the time to listen, understand, and explain the process with care. After that, a complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening, can help provide a clearer understanding of the situation. Whatever the outcome or recommended next step, the situation is clarified and any questions are answered. The role of hearing health professionals and clinic coordinators is to provide attentive, human support, from the first call to every step that follows.

Depending on individual needs, different steps may be suggested through a gradual and personalized approach. The goal is to support each person from beginning to end with attentiveness, care, and without rushing decisions.

IT IS PART OF OUR PROMISE:

Just one call. We listen. We care.

Taking Care of Your Hearing, at Your Own Pace Taking the time to seek information is already a meaningful first step. This helps people better understand what they are experiencing and prevent certain listening difficul ties from becoming more significant over time. If you have questions or concerns, simply calling a clinic will provide you with reassurance. That first conversation opens the door to a process that is clear, accessible, and adapted to each individual’s pace. Sometimes, a single call is enough to feel better guided. And when someone chooses to take that first step, they can count on attentive professionals who are ready to support them with respect, expertise, and compassion. *Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Jennyfer Lapointe Dorman Front Desk Agent practicing in Lac-Mégantic

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Enjoying Summer While Taking Care of Your Hearing As summer draws to a close, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Festivals, sporting events, motorcycle rides, and home projects easily fill the days. These moments are part of an active and enjoyable lifestyle. In some cases, however, they can expose hearing to higher noise levels for several minutes or even several hours. Because the effects of noise are not always felt immediately, they can be easy to underestimate. It is possible to reduce this exposure without giving up the activities you enjoy. A few simple habits can help protect your hearing while still allowing you to make the most of the end of summer.

Protecting Your Hearing Based on Your Needs Wearing hearing protection is a simple first step during noisy activities. Whether using standard hearing protection or custom hearing protection, these solutions help reduce noise exposure. Custom hearing protection is made specifically to fit the shape of an individual’s ear canal. The type of protection recommended depends on the activity, the desired level of comfort, and the amount of sound reduction needed. A hearing healthcare professional can help guide this choice.

Adjusting Your Position and Taking Breaks In noisy environments, distance plays an important role. The closer you are to a sound source, such as a speaker, the greater the sound intensity. Simply moving a few metres away helps reduce exposure. As a general guideline, maintaining a distance of approximately three metres is recommended whenever possible.

Making Time for Sound Recovery After a noisy activity, giving your ears time should be part of the balance. This refers to periods when hearing is exposed to lower noise levels, generally below 75 dB. In practical terms, after a long motorcycle ride or a lively day out, choosing a quieter activity the next day, such as reading in the sun or relaxing by the pool, can help reduce the effects of noise exposure.

Continuing to Enjoy Life, Simply Protecting your hearing does not mean changing your lifestyle. It is more about adjusting certain habits to better support everyday activities. As with many aspects of health, maintaining good hearing health helps us fully enjoy the moments that matter. If certain situations raise questions, or if you would like to learn more about your hearing health, a complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening, can provide helpful guidance. *Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Sabrina Côté Assistant Audioprosthetist practicing in Thetford Mines and Disraeli

References: -

Organisation mondiale de la Santé. (2022). Norme mondiale de l’OMS pour une écoute sans risque dans les lieux et les manifestations de divertissement [Report]. https ://apps.who.int/iris/ ?locale-attribute=fr& M. Fortin (n.d.). Le repos sonore. Les cliniques Lobe. https ://www.lobe.ca/fr/blogue/ protege-mon-audition/Repos-sonore Surdité et déficience auditive : écoute sans risque. (n.d.). https ://www.who.int/fr/ news-room/questions-and-answers/item/deafness-and-hearing-loss-safe-listening

It can also be helpful to take short breaks in quieter areas. For example, giving your ears a 10-minute break every hour of exposure to loud noise can help limit the effects of noise on your hearing.

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Smarter, More Connected, and

Easier-to-Use Hearing Aids Over the past few years, hearing aids have undergone major technological advances. Far from the devices of the past, today’s models are more discreet, smarter, more connected, and above all, much easier to integrate into everyday life.

These innovations are not only designed to improve the hearing of individuals with hearing loss, but also to simplify daily use by creating a more natural and intuitive experience in real-life situations.

Technology That Adapts to Your Environment One of the most significant advancements lies in the intelligence of hearing aids. Thanks to advanced sound processing technology, sound settings adjust automatically based on the listening environment. Whether in a busy restaurant, on an outdoor walk, or in a quiet setting, hearing aids adapt their settings to optimize speech understanding while reducing unwanted background noise. In moments where multiple sounds overlap, this automatic adjustment makes a real difference. It also reduces the need for manual adjustments, allowing the user to focus on conversations rather than constantly managing their devices.

Connectivity That Simplifies Communication Bluetooth® connectivity is another major benefit. Many hearing aids now connect wirelessly to electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, as well as to televisions through an accessory connected to the TV. With this technology, phone calls can be streamed directly into the hearing aids, offering improved clarity and comfort while also making conversations easier and requiring less effort. It is also possible to listen to music, follow video calls, or watch movies, as sound is transmitted directly into the devices. In many cases, hearing aids can replace wireless headphones. This Bluetooth® connectivity supports smoother communication and helps maintain active connections with loved ones, even at a distance.

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Simpler Charging Solutions Another important advancement is rechargeable technology. Rechargeable hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular, as they eliminate the need to handle disposable batteries. Simply placing the hearing aids in a charging station overnight ensures they are ready to use throughout the day. This advancement makes daily use more accessible to everyone, especially for individuals with dexterity challenges, while also helping reduce battery waste and environmental impact.

Mobile Apps for Greater Control

A Discreet, Comfortable, and Durable Design

Easier Integration Into Daily Life

The increasingly discreet and ergonomic design of modern hearing aids is another factor that simplifies their use. They are designed to be comfortable throughout the day and easy to handle.

As a result, hearing aids are becoming much easier to integrate into daily routines. Their use is more intuitive, more discreet, and less restrictive.

Their compact size and sleek design allow for a better fit in the ear while remaining barely visible. This discretion can help boost confidence for individuals with hearing loss, reducing concerns about wearing hearing aids in social situations. In addition, the materials used are designed to be durable and resistant to everyday conditions such as moisture and dust*. This reduces maintenance concerns and contributes to greater longevity and peace of mind.

More Personalized, More Precise Adjustments Personalized adjustments are also becoming increasingly precise. Audioprosthetists fine-tune settings based not only on an individual’s hearing profile, but also on their preferences and lifestyle. This approach helps optimize comfort and performance over time, taking into account continuously changing needs.

Over time, these features naturally become part of everyday habits, whether at home, during outings, or in conversations with loved ones. By simplifying handling and offering solutions adapted to individual lifestyles, these technologies encourage greater adoption and more consistent use.

Technology That Supports Everyday Living Today’s hearing aids do more than amplify sound. They have become valuable everyday companions, designed to adapt to each person's listening needs. By being more advanced and easier to use, they not only improve hearing, but also make daily life simpler and support fuller participation in social interactions.

To learn more about hearing aid features, do not hesitate to consult your audioprosthetist. Tanya Daigle Audioprosthetist practicing in Châteauguay *When hearing aids are used in normal conditions.

Mobile applications also play a key role in this evolution. They allow users to easily adjust certain hearing aid settings directly from their smartphone. Adjusting volume, changing listening programs, or even locating misplaced hearing aids can now be done quickly and easily. In challenging listening environments, such as noisy spaces, these adjustments can be made within seconds. Some apps also provide personalized tips and usage tracking, helping users better understand their hearing needs over time.

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

It is with this goal in mind that concrete initiatives have been developed to meet people where they already are. Whether through awareness events, community activities, workplaces, or local organizations, these spaces become opportunities for dialogue and education. The goal is simple: to help people better understand their situation, know which hearing health professionals to consult, and develop informed habits when it comes to their hearing health.

Promoting Hearing Health

Through Community Outreach Prevention Rooted in Our DNA When it comes to hearing health, it is not always easy to know where to turn. With the many professionals involved, the different care pathways, and the information available online, many people hesitate, postpone seeking help, or simply do not know where to begin. This difficulty navigating the system is a real issue that directly affects how quickly and effectively care is received. In this context, access to clear and reliable information becomes essential. However, finding that information can often be a challenge in itself. This situation led to broader reflections on how to make hearing health more accessible, both for the public and for professionals supporting their patients.

Reaching People to Reduce Barriers In the field, prevention begins with listening. Taking the time to answer questions, explain, and reassure. Many people hesitate to seek help because of uncertainty, embarrassment, or concern about complicated processes. Meeting people where they are helps gently reduce these barriers. Hearing health then becomes a current, understandable, and far less intimidating topic.

Actions Adapted to Real-Life Contexts The initiatives carried out in different settings are tailored to the needs of each environment. In noisy workplaces, discussions focus on hearing protection and preventive habits. During community events, the emphasis is placed on recognizing the early signs of hearing loss and understanding the importance of consulting early. At family festivals, awareness includes protecting children’s hearing, which is a simple action that helps establish long-term healthy habits.

Building Relationships Based on Trust This variety of outreach efforts helps build trust. People recognize consistency and a genuine desire to support rather than try to persuade. Awareness is not created through urgency, but through continuity. It grows through repeated encounters, sometimes brief, sometimes longer, that gradually build meaningful relationships. An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient's needs.

Certain public figures who care deeply about the cause also contribute to this approach by making the conversation even more accessible and reassuring. Their presence helps encourage dialogue and strengthens the impact of the message without ever imposing it. These voices complement the strong community work already being carried out by professionals who are deeply experienced in building human connections.

When Awareness Becomes a Driver of Change Over time, these efforts lead to tangible changes: people begin asking more specific questions, hesitation decreases, and people seek consultations earlier. Hearing health gradually becomes part of everyday preventive care. Raising awareness through community outreach means choosing proximity. It means recognizing that trust is built through simple, repeated, and accessible conversations. And it is through this approach that hearing loss prevention becomes a true driver of change within the community.

To learn more or to discuss a hearing health awareness activity tailored to your community, do not hesitate to contact us. Caroll-Ann Marois-Lowe Specialized Educator practicing in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures

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What Does a Hearing-Friendly Environment Look Like? Accessibility extends beyond hearing healthcare in a medical setting. It also means ensuring that everyday spaces are accessible to people with hearing loss. Having the proper accessibility infrastructure at a reception desk, a community hall, a cultural venue, or any organized event can all influence the quality of communication and interaction. An inclusive environment aims to offer a fair experience for everyone, regardless of their abilities. In some cases, communication barriers can limit participation, even when a space appears well designed at first glance.

Multiple Levers for Better Communication Effective communication relies on several complementary elements. It can involve adapting communication tools, raising awareness among staff, and designing spaces more thoughtfully. A truly inclusive setting aims to provide a clearer, more comfortable, and more accessible sound environment for everyone, including individuals with hearing loss. Today, some adapted technologies are already present in a variety of settings, such as performance halls, conference rooms, places of worship, and reception counters.

Supporting Understanding in Multiple Ways In some contexts, it can be helpful to adopt a multimodal approach to communication, where information is conveyed through multiple channels simultaneously. Visual displays, subtitles, and sign language interpretation can all improve comprehension. This approach can benefit individuals with hearing loss, as well as anyone navigating a noisy or complex environment.

Designing Accessibility From the Start In Quebec, planning guides recommend integrating accessibility considerations from the earliest stages of building and event planning. Optimized acoustics, clear signage, and staff trained in listening and communication strategies can all help reduce barriers for the hearing impaired.

For example, some public venues are equipped with hearing loop systems. These systems transmit speech directly to compatible hearing aids, reducing the impact of background noise.

An Approach That Benefits Everyone Designing hearing-friendly environments helps make everyday experiences simpler and more enjoyable for a wide range of people. This approach reflects both a human and functional vision of accessibility.

If you have difficulty hearing or understanding conversations, it may be helpful to speak with a hearing health professional. A complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening, can help better understand your hearing needs and explore appropriate solutions. *Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Floria Massot Audioprosthetist practicing in Pointe-Claire

Hearing loop systems

References:

A Universal Accessibility Guide has also been developed in Quebec City to consolidate standards related to the design of public spaces based on diverse needs. More recently, technologies such as Auracast ® have further expanded accessibility, allowing audio to be streamed directly to a mobile phone or compatible hearing device. Lobe.ca | © Lobe Magazine 2026

Across the province, various initiatives led by organizations are also helping reimagine spaces to make them more accessible, equitable, and welcoming for all.

1. Guide pratique d’accessibilité universelle. (n.d.). Ville de Québec. https ://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/ citoyens/accessibilite/guide_normes.aspx - AQEPA. (2024, October 1). Associations et ressources au Québec - AQEPA Provinciale. AQEPA Provincial. https ://aqepa.org/associations-et-ressources/ - Savard, C. (2025, May 26). Ressources utiles | Réseau québécois pour l’inclusion sociale des personnes sourdes et malentendantes (ReQIS). REQIS. https ://reqis.org/ressources-utiles/ - Bélanger, A. (2026, January 28). Services aux personnes sourdes - Fondation des Sourds du Québec. Fondation des Sourds du Québec. https ://www.fondationdessourds.net/services/ services-aux-personnes-sourdes/ An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient's needs.

When Hearing

Is No Longer Enough to Fully Participate In everyday conversations, some may notice subtle changes in their ability to understand others without immediately thinking of their hearing. For example, they may have the impression that others are speaking less clearly than they used to or that they are mumbling. Whether while watching television programs, during family dinners, or in casual conversations, some people may feel that others are not articulating as well as they used to or are speaking too quickly. In some cases, this perception is related to changes in hearing, which affect not only understanding, but also the ability to fully participate in conversations.

Understanding, but With More Effort When hearing loss develops, the difficulty is not always that sounds seem softer. It may also involve partial understanding of messages, even when sounds are still heard. Some people describe this experience as hearing only fragments of what is being said, where the brain must constantly fill in missing information to make sense of what is being said. This interpretive work often happens unconsciously. However, it can require constant effort, especially in environments with multiple competing sound sources. Over time, this effort can accumulate and lead to greater fatigue at the end of the day, similar to a headache that develops after prolonged visual strain without proper correction.

Being Present Without Always Participating

When Confidence in Communication Is Affected As these experiences occur more frequently, a sense of hesitation may emerge in interactions. Some people begin to speak less and gradually withdraw, out of concern about misunderstanding or responding incorrectly. This restraint does not reflect a lack of interest, but rather an adaptation strategy in response to increased listening effort. In some cases, this dynamic can affect confidence in communication. The enjoyment of conversation remains, but it may be accompanied by heightened vigilance. This subtle reality may go unnoticed by others, who may interpret these changes as personality traits or a preference for silence.

A Gradual Shift in Balance Listening effort, fatigue, and hesitation to engage can, over time, gradually change certain habits. Activities that were once enjoyable, such as lively family dinners, social gatherings, or outings in noisy environments, may gradually become more demanding. As a result, some people may choose to avoid them, without necessarily linking this change to their hearing. These adjustments typically happen gradually and eventually become part of daily life, often without the person being fully aware of the change. In this context, those around the person with hearing loss can play an important role by offering an outside perspective and sometimes helping to initiate reflection on these lifestyle changes.

This listening effort can gradually influence how people take part in conversations. Some notice that they continue to listen attentively, but contribute less spontaneously to conversations. They follow discussions, but more often choose to stay in the background, particularly in group settings or fast-paced conversations. It may also happen that responses do not fully match the questions asked, simply because part of the message was not clearly understood. These situations, even if occasional, can create discomfort and lead to more hesitation before speaking. Over time, participation may gradually decrease or become less frequent. 20

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This listening effort can gradually influence how people take part in conversations.

Better Understanding for Fuller Participation The primary goal of a hearing evaluation is to help a patient better understand everyday experiences. A complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist goes beyond test results. It connects hearing abilities with the real-life needs of the person, taking into account their environment and lifestyle. Depending on the results of the hearing evaluation, different options may be suggested. In some cases, hearing aids can help improve understanding and reduce listening effort. While outcomes vary from person to person, this type of care can support more confident participation in daily conversations.

A First Step Toward Clarity Having your hearing evaluated does not necessarily mean making an immediate decision on how to correct a hearing loss. It is often a reference point or a way to better understand one’s situation and monitor changes over time. Like vision or general health, it is part of a broader approach to well-being. If conversations require more effort than before, if fatigue is more noticeable, or if certain situations feel less comfortable, it may be helpful to speak with an audiologist. Better understanding what we hear helps us participate, connect, and remain fully present in the moments that matter.

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If you have any doubts about your hearing, book a complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist.

Laurie Cormier Audiologist practicing in Québec City

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

Screening for Hearing and Listening Difficulties Do you have any concerns about your hearing? Have you ever worked or do you currently work in a noisy environment? Please select only one response for each question and answer all of the questions. Never 0 points

Questions 1.

I have difficulty understanding conversations when talking to someone in a noisy environment (e.g., at the mall, at a restaurant, in a car).

I have to turn up the volume on the television or radio to understand what is being said.

I have difficulty understanding conversations when several people are talking at the same time.

I have difficulty hearing someone knocking at the door or ringing the doorbell.

I have difficulty hearing the phone ring when I’m in another room.

I have difficulty understanding what someone is saying to me if I can’t see their face.

I have difficulty understanding people when they talk too fast.

I have difficulty understanding someone over the phone.

I have difficulty identifying where sounds are coming from.

10.

I have difficulty understanding someone who is talking to me from another room.

Enter your total score

Add:

Sometimes 2 points

03 TOTAL:

0 points: under 60 years old 6 points: 60 to 64 years old 12 points: 65+ years old

Often 4 points

Always 6 points

To find the nearest Lobe clinic:

1 866 411-5623 lobe.ca

If you scored 24 or higher, here’s what we recommend:

Book a complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening. *Permanent offer. 18 and over.

If hearing loss is suspected, you’ll be referred to an audiologist or an ENT specialist.

Hearing and Listening Problems Screening self-assessment test created and scientifically validated by Martin Fortin, MOA, Audiologist, in collaboration with Lobe clinics Network. Reproduced with written permission from Lobe clinics Network.

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Every Moment Deserves to Be Heard! PERSONALIZED HEARING HEALTH SERVICES

Hearing health professionals can offer you a variety of personalized services to help you reconnect with the sounds that make up your world.

Do you have concerns about your hearing? Begin by booking a complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening. If hearing loss is detected, you will be referred to an audiologist who will perform a complete hearing evaluation. The audioprosthetist is available to provide hearing solutions that suit your listening needs and lifestyle, such as hearing aids that connect directly to your cellphone or television via a Bluetooth® device. * Permanent offer. 18 and over. An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

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Learning, Communicating, Thriving

Supporting Young People Living with Hearing or Language Impairment Supporting a child living with a hearing or language impairment goes far beyond academic learning. It is about fostering their ability to communicate, to take part in conversations, and to fully engage in everyday activities. In some contexts, this may mean feeling confident enough to answer in class, follow a group conversation, or simply feel comfortable interacting with others.

A Partnership Built from the Start At the École oraliste de Québec, this support is based on close collaboration between the child, their family, and the school. This relationship begins at the start of the school year, when an initial meeting brings together parents, teachers, and support staff. This moment helps clarify everyone’s roles, better understand the child’s needs, and establish a foundation of trust. It sets the stage for a partnership where each person feels heard and supported. Over the academic year, this collaboration continues and adapts to each family's situation. Parents are encouraged to stay involved through meetings with teachers and participation in school activities such as educational outings, performances, or shared moments at school. Even informal exchanges can help strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging. They also offer opportunities to meet other families facing similar situations, which can sometimes help reduce feelings of isolation.

Guidance for Daily Life Support also includes preventive and day-to-day guidance. Tools such as newsletters help address practical topics like screen time management, homework routines, sleep, and overall well-being. These simple reference points are designed to support parents in their role and promote continuity between home and school, which can be beneficial for the child. By placing parents’ perspectives at the centre of the approach, it becomes possible to recognize their expertise and take their lived experience into account. This collaboration makes it possible to build coherent, tailored interventions that reflect each child's individual needs. As every journey is unique, this support evolves over time, always with the goal of fostering development, confidence, and participation in daily life. Jeanne Chouinard Psycho-pedagogical consultant at École oraliste de Québec

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Adapting to the Sounds of Daily Life At work in the morning, while commuting, while on the phone, or during a family dinner, listening situations are constantly changing. A one-on-one conversation does not require the same effort as following discussions in a lively restaurant or on public transit.

When Hearing Technology Becomes Part of Everyday Life

Certain advanced hearing aid features, such as adaptive directional microphones, help people better focus on speech coming from a specific direction. Advanced noise management also helps reduce certain background sounds, making listening more comfortable in more complex environments.

More Connected Hearing Aids Listening Support Adapted to Everyday Life There are moments we want to hear fully: a burst of laughter, a heartfelt conversation, a familiar voice calling our name. When hearing changes, it is not only the sounds that may begin to feel more distant. It is the everyday conversations, emotions, and connections that require more effort. Today’s hearing aids are designed to support people with hearing loss in many different life situations. Thanks to increasingly advanced sound processing technologies, they help provide a more personalized listening experience, adapted to both the environment and everyone’s needs.

Hearing aids can also connect directly to smartphones. This connectivity makes phone calls easier, improves access to audio content, and simplifies certain adjustments for more convenient day-to-day use. This integration creates a more natural experience, especially when moving from one environment to another throughout the day. It also helps reduce listening effort, particularly when fatigue becomes more noticeable later in the day.

Support That Goes Beyond Technology Hearing technologies do not replace professional follow-up care. Rather, they are part of a personalized approach in which listening needs, habits, and environments are carefully considered. To better understand the options available, it is always recommended to consult an audioprosthetist. They can help guide the selection, fitting, and use of hearing aids according to each person's daily life.

Auracast : A New Way to Access Sound TM

In public places such as airports, convention centres, theatres, or places of worship, sound accessibility can sometimes present challenges. Hearing loops remain useful in certain settings, but they may also have limitations related to sound quality, installation, or privacy. Lobe.ca | © Lobe Magazine 2026

Auracast , a new Bluetooth® Low Energy audio broadcasting technology, is opening new possibilities. Wherever this technology is available, it allows audio signals to be transmitted directly to compatible devices such as hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones. This approach contributes to smoother audio streaming, simplified pairing, and more direct access to sound in certain public environments.

Discover the latest innovations in hearing technology. Consult your audioprosthetist to find the hearing solution that’s right for you. Rizlane Bellamlih-Mamou Senior Territory Manager

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

When Technology Adapts to Everyday Hearing

Today, better hearing is about more than simply making sounds louder. It is above all about feeling comfortable in the moments that matter: a lively conversation around the table, laughter at a restaurant, or a conversation that flows naturally from one person to another. In everyday life, listening rarely happens in silence. It takes place in dynamic environments that are sometimes unpredictable and often noisy. In these contexts, what many people are looking for in hearing aids is not just technical performance, but a feeling: the ability to stay connected and present, without having to constantly think about it.

When Conversations Come to Life A dinner with friends is a good example of this reality. Voices overlap, conversations evolve quickly, and the surrounding sound environment becomes part of the experience. Hearing aids are designed to adapt to these complex situations. They help users transition more naturally from one voice to another, following the flow of conversation¹. This creates a sense of continuity, making it easier to keep up with discussions even as attention shifts between speakers. 26

Understanding Without Isolation

When Technology Becomes Invisible

Another important aspect is speech enhancement. Some technologies aim to highlight key elements such as voices and speech while maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment.

Ultimately, progress is often measured by discretion. When technology integrates seamlessly into daily life, it leaves more room for what truly matters: conversations, relationships, and shared moments.

In many situations, this can support a more comfortable listening experience, particularly in lively places such as restaurants or group gatherings. It allows users to follow conversations more easily while still remaining aware of what is happening around them, supporting more natural participation in social conversations¹.

More natural listening can make it easier to enjoy these experiences without constantly focusing on hearing or understanding.

A More Balanced Listening Experience The sound environment itself plays an important role in how we experience listening. The clinking of glasses, background café noise, or the acoustics of a room all provide context and cues. Certain hearing aid technologies therefore aim for balance: rather than eliminating these sounds entirely, they are designed to soften and integrate them more naturally². Combined with higher sound quality and personalized adjustments, this approach helps reduce listening effort and make interactions more comfortable³. Over time, this supports more spontaneous participation in everyday conversations and greater ease in social situations⁴.

If listening situations are becoming more challenging than before, it may be helpful to speak with a hearing health professional. A simple hearing assessment can often help clarify needs and explore solutions adapted to individual needs. Because in everyday life, more natural listening makes all the difference.

To learn more about hearing aid features, consult your audioprosthetist. Michèle Dostaler Audiologist and Clinical Training Lead References: 1. Jensen, N. S., Samra, B., Kamkar Parsi, H., Bilert, S., & Taylor, B. (2023). Power the conversation with Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement. Signia White Paper. 2. Balling, L. W., Vormann, M., & Mansour, N. (2025). Widex Allure : A better speech‑in‑noise experience with balanced focus and awareness. Widex White Paper. 3. Balling, L. W., Vormann, M., Hau, O., & Rose, S. (2025). The superior sound quality of Widex Allure. Widex White Paper. 4. Taghvaei, N., Jensen, N. S., Samra, B., & Taylor, B. (2024). Real‑world assessment of Integrated Xperience with RealTime Conversation Enhancement. Signia White Paper. An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient's needs.

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Come Make a Difference! Listen to Your Calling! Several Open Positions within Lobe Clinics

Join the Lobe clinics network, where under one roof you will find: ENT specialists, audiologists, audioprosthetists, and specialized educators. To learn more, visit carrieres.lobe.ca or call us at 1 866 411-5623. If you would like to apply, please send your résumé by email to agencerecrutement@lobe.ca.

Changing Lives?

I HEAR THAT!!!

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What's New at Lobe Clinics? A New Player is Entering the Hearing Health Sector Created to connect with both children and adults, the Lobe mascot brings a lighthearted touch to conversations and hearing healthcare awareness activities. Whether in clinic or at community events, the Lobe mascot may cross your path and help, in its own way, make hearing health more approachable and welcoming.

Meeting the Public This Fall This fall, Lobe is proud to be the presenting partner of several major events across Quebec. These events will provide an opportunity to connect with hearing health professionals affiliated with Lobe clinics, access information and benefit from a complimentary* hearing consultation, including a hearing screening offered on site.

Visit the Lobe booth at the following events: { Seniors’ Expo of Saint-Jérôme Saturday, September 12, 2026 { FADOQ 50+ Lanaudière Expo Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, 2026 { FADOQ 50+ Quebec Expo Friday to Sunday, October 16 to 18, 2026 { Vitalité 50+ Expo of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, 2026 { FADOQ 50+ Outaouais Expo Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2026 { FADOQ 50+ Estrie Expo Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2026 *Permanent offer. 18 and over.

A New Service for Noisy Work Environments A new hearing health service is now available for companies operating in noisy environments, such as factories, construction sites, garages and similar workplaces. Within the clinic, workers can receive a brief hearing evaluation by an audiologist or, when needed, a complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist. These services help support prevention initiatives and contribute to better hearing health for workers in noisy environments. 28

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The Lévis • Saint-Romuald Clinic Has Relocated

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To better serve the community, the Lobe clinic in Lévis • Saint-Romuald has moved to a larger and more modern space. To book an appointment, call 581 500-2711.

New clinic address:

Medway Faro 1015, Chemin du Sault, suite 407 Lévis, QC G6W 0Y3

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A New Clinic in Boisbriand Since spring 2026, a new Lobe clinic has opened in Boisbriand, located across from the Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau. This new location helps better serve the region by bringing ENT specialists, audiologists, audioprosthetists and specialized educators together under one roof in a modern environment.

To book an appointment, call 450 437-8779.

New clinic address:

3655, boulevard de la Grande-Allée Boisbriand, QC J7H 1H5

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Lobe Clinic Locations Capitale-Nationale Donnacona

Complexe Santé Donnacona 499, route 138, suite 200 Donnacona, QC G3M 0A9 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 622-9362

Québec • Sainte-Foy

Clinique médicale Saint-Louis 3165, chemin Saint-Louis, suite 420 Québec, QC G1W 4R4 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 418 833-8066

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Pont-Rouge

20, route de la Pinière, suite 101 Pont-Rouge, QC G3H 0M6 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 688-7449

Québec • Beauport

Clinique médicale des Promenades Les Promenades Beauport, door 4 3333, rue du Carrefour, suite A222 Québec, QC G1C 5R9 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 780-2343

Québec • Charlesbourg

La Cité Médicale de Charlesbourg Carrefour Charlesbourg 8500, boul. Henri-Bourassa, suite 250 Québec, QC G1G 5X1 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 780-2343

Québec • Lebourgneuf

Complexe Vision 725, boul. Lebourgneuf, suite 315 Québec, QC G2J 0C4 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 780-2343

Québec • Limoilou

Complexe Santé Synase 1825, boul. Henri-Bourassa, suite 302 Québec, QC G1J 0H4 ENT specialists , audiologists, audioprosthetists, speech-language pathologists Tel.: 581 814-8904 Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Québec • Neufchâtel

Clinique médicale DuChatel 9465, boul. de l’Ormière, suite 102 Québec, QC G2B 3K7 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 845-8608

Québec • Saint-Sacrement

Complexe La Cité Verte 1200, rue des Sœurs-du-Bon-Pasteur Suite 310, Québec, QC G1S 0B1 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 476-3660

OPENING SOON

Québec • Sainte-Foy Jules-Verne

Avenue Le Gendre exit, right next to Ashton restaurant Complexe Santé Sainte-Foy 1620 avenue Jules-Verne, suite 206 Québec, QC G2G 2R1 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 1 866 411-5623

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Québec • Val-Bélair

Polyclinique médicale Val-Bélair 1147, boul. Pie-XI Nord, suite 205 Québec, QC G3K 2P8 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 476-6680

Québec • Vanier

Complexe Medway Wil 1101, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel Suite 100, Québec, QC G1M 0E8 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 418 476-4747

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures

Complexe médical l’Hêtrière 3520, rue de l’Hêtrière, suite 103 Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC G3A 0B4 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 418 476-6683

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Complexe Santé Côte-de-Beaupré 9745, boul. Sainte-Anne, suite 103 Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, QC G0A 3C0 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 581 540-3025 Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Centre-du-Québec Drummondville

110, rue Saint-Jean, suite 300 Drummondville, QC J2B 7T1 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 253-0118

Chaudière-Appalaches Beauceville

Coop santé Robert-Cliche 463-B, boul. Renault Beauceville, QC G5X 1N5 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 581 813-3014

Disraeli

1244, avenue Champlain Disraeli, QC G0N 1E0 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 755-4070

Lac-Etchemin

Résidence Belvédère du Lac 301, rue du Sanatorium, suite 121 Lac-Etchemin, QC G0R 1S0 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 581 825-2484

Lévis

Sainte-Marie

340, boul. Vachon Sud Sainte-Marie, QC G6E 1X8 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 581 424-4240

Thetford Mines

Place 611 611, boul. Frontenac Est, suite 201 Thetford Mines, QC G6G 6Y7 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 418 755-4095

Estrie Lac-Mégantic

6246, rue Salaberry Lac-Mégantic, QC G6B 1H8 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 614-4155

Complexe Santé Lévis 5801, boul. Wilfrid-Carrier, suite 207 Lévis, QC G6V 0C9 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 581 629-2424

215, boul. Montcalm, suite 130 Granby, QC J2G 5C2 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 372-3837

Lévis • Lauzon

Sherbrooke Ouest

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Sherbrooke Est

Complexe Santé Lévis-Lauzon 6750, boul. Guillaume-Couture Suite 102 Lévis, QC G6V 9H4 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 581 629-0417

NEW ADDRESS

Lévis • Saint-Romuald

New Address: Medway Faro 1015, Chemin du Sault, suite 407 Lévis QC G6W 0Y3 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 581 500-2711

Lévis • Saint-Jean-Chrysostome

Complexe Santé Taniata 700, avenue Taniata, suite 104 Lévis, QC G6Z 2C2 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 581 629-0412

Saint-Georges

14640, boul. Lacroix Saint-Georges, QC G5Y 7G8 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 418 228-7046

Granby

Complexe de la Santé 15, rue J.-A.-Bombardier, suite A200 Sherbrooke, QC J1L 0H8 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 819 823-1066 Clinique médicale GMA de la Rivière 360, rue Galt Est, suite 102 Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1X9 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 819 823-7701

Rock Forest

5035, boul. Bourque, suite 101 Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2K6 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 791-7706

Lanaudière Notre-Dame-des-Prairies

Centre professionnel des Prairies 449, route 131, suite 205 Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, QC J6E 0M1 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 386-0200

Mascouche

2705, chemin Sainte-Marie, suite 102 Mascouche, QC J7K 1M8 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 313-0218

Laurentides

Montérégie

Boisbriand

Châteauguay

2000, cours Le Corbusier, suite 105 Boisbriand, QC J7G 3E8 Tel. : 450 437-8779 NEW CLINIC

Boisbriand

Across from the Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau 3655, boulevard de la Grande-Allée Boisbriand QC J7H 1H5 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 437-8779

Complexe médical Châteauguay 288, boul. d’Anjou, suite 210 Châteauguay, QC J6K 1C6 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 287-6121

Longueuil

1215, ch. Du Tremblay, door 165 Longueuil, QC J4N 1R4 ENT specialists , audiologists audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 286-0651

Saint-Hubert

Mirabel

Complexe Médical Cité Mirabel 11800, rue de Chaumont, suite 420 Mirabel, QC J7J 0T8 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 595-2201

Saint-Jérôme

Polyclinique Saint-Jérôme 200, rue Durand, suite 209 Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 7E2 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 565-9895

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Résidence des Laurentides 107, rue Principale Est Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC J8C 1J9 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 321-5060

Laval NEW ADDRESS

Laval • Chomedey

1150, boulevard de l’Avenir, suite 220 Laval, QC H7N 6L2 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 934-1225

Laval • Chomedey 440

Carrefour Santé 440 4650, Desserte Sud Autoroute 440 Suite 370 Laval, QC H7T 2Z8 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 450 688-9383

Mauricie Shawinigan

3222, boul. des Hêtres Shawinigan, QC G9N 3B6 Audiologists : 819 536-0788 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

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

4025, boul. Taschereau, suite 1200 Saint-Hubert, QC J4T 2G6 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 450 926-1120

Saint-Hyacinthe

Complexe médical M 1220, boul. Casavant Est, suite 104 Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 0L6 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 579 225-7266

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

1055, boul. du Séminaire Nord Suite 202, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3A 1R7 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 349-4343

Montréal • Rosemont— La-Petite-Patrie

Head Office

Polyclinique Maisonneuve-Rosemont 5345, boul. de l’Assomption Suite RC-20 Montréal, QC H1T 4B3 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 514 360-4402 L’Assomption

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

Montréal • Saint-Laurent

Audiology services available in the clinics:

Complexe médical Saint-Laurent 1605, boul. Marcel-Laurin, suite 120 Montréal, QC H4R 0B7 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 514 788-5126 Côte-Vertu Les Terrasses Langelier 6383, rue Jean-Talon Est Montréal, QC H1S 3E7 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 514 360-9548

Montréal • Villeray

Carrefour Santé Villeray 8560, rue Saint-Hubert, suite 100 Montréal, QC H2P 1Z7 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 514 316-6707 Crémazie

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Pointe-Claire

Complexe Santé Brunswick 955, boul. Saint-Jean, suite 102 Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5K3 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 514 782-0811

Vaudreuil-Dorion

Outaouais

Complexe Santé des Trois-Lacs 65, boul. de la Cité-des-Jeunes Suite 220, Vaudreuil, QC J7V 8C1 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 579 217-1237

Montréal Montréal • Angus

2815, rue Sherbrooke Est, suite 250 Montréal, QC H2K 1H2 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 438 844-8135 Préfontaine

Montréal • Lachine

2000, rue Notre-Dame, suite 203 Montréal, QC H8S 2G4 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 514 600-4260

Montréal • Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

5100, boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest Suite 603 Montréal, QC H4A 3T2 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 438 944-6733 Vendôme

0–99 years,

3–99 years, 5–99 years Service covered by the RAMQ Metro station

Montréal • Saint-Léonard

Valleyfield

1020, boul. Monseigneur-Langlois Suite 200, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield QC J6S 0M2 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 450 322-0181

0–6 months,

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Gatineau

Clinique Delta Santé 444, boul. de l’Hôpital, suite 110 Gatineau, QC J8T 7X6 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 485-1118

Gatineau • Aylmer

Carrefour Santé Aylmer 362, chemin d’Aylmer, suite 107 Gatineau, QC J9H 1A6 Audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 485-0778

Gatineau • Hull

Clinique Medigo 165, boul. Saint-Raymond, suite 213 Gatineau, QC J8Y 0A7 ENT specialists , audiologists , audioprosthetists Tel.: 819 643-5111

Free parking—coupon provided upon exiting the clinic

Saint-André-Avellin

CLSC Petite-Nation 14, rue Saint-André Saint-André-Avellin, QC J0V 1W0 Audioprosthetists Tel. : 819 485-1118

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1 866 411-5623 | lobe.ca