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Vol.31 No.27
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Hearing clinic focuses on local care Technological advances improve patient outcomes
A new hearing clinic in the qathet region is aiming to change how residents access hearing care, with a focus on local ownership, personalized service and early intervention. Powell River Hearing Clinic, operated by Hear Right Canada, opened in mid-November and is co-owned by registered hearing instrument practitioner Steve Wolstenholme. The clinic was created in response to growing corporatization in the hearing care industry, in which manufacturers are increasingly buying clinics and limiting product options. “What’s happening is corporate concentration,” explains Wolstenholme, noting that larger chains often carry only specific brands tied to their ownership. As an independent provider, he says the clinic can offer a broader range of hearing aids and tailor recommendations to individual patients. “We have access to all the products out there,” he adds. “If somebody comes in and asks for a specific model, we can help them.” Wolstenholme also emphasizes the importance of being locally owned in a smaller community, adding that the business reinvests in the region by supporting local events and seniors programs. While the clinic primarily serves people aged 65 and older, Wolstenholme says hearing loss often CHARMING RANCHER
begins earlier than many realize. “Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities, and it starts earlier than people think,” he adds. Only about one in four people who can benefit from hearing aids actually use them, often due to cost, stigma or a lack of awareness. In the qathet region, Wolstenholme says hearing issues are particularly common among people who have worked in industries such as logging, fishing and milling, where prolonged noise exposure can lead to long-term damage. The effects of untreated hearing loss can go beyond difficulty following conversations. People may begin to withdraw socially when listening becomes tiring or frustrating. “They start to bow out of conversations and just sit there, smile and nod.” Over time, that can lead to isolation, which is linked to depression in older adults. Hearing loss can also increase cognitive strain and may contribute to cognitive decline if left untreated. Despite those risks, many people delay seeking help for years. Wolstenholme says some patients wait five to 15 years before addressing their hearing loss, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. “They hurt themselves by delaying; damage to the auditory system can NEW RANCHER
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Wolstenholme recommends adults get checked every five years, or more frequently after age 50. The clinic also focuses on extended appointment times and follow-up care, which he says can be limited in larger operations. “My expectation is that everybody coming in the door has an excellent experience,” he adds. Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now aid technology Advances in hearing available in the patient outcomes. have also improved App Store or iTunes Modern devices can distinguish between speech and background noise, and use artificial intelligence to adapt to different environments. For Wolstenholme, the work is perREAL ESTATE CORPORATION sonal PERSONAL as well as professional. “This is my passion. Helping patients reconnect with loved ones is one WARREN BEHAN of the most rewarding parts of the job. PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION the Peak to Go HeGet recalls moments when patients, iPhone app now particularly available those in the who had delayed treatment, became emotional after App Store or iTunes WA hearing clearly again. “It has changed their lives.” PERSONAL CORPORATION As the REAL clinicESTATE approaches its first PERS year in operation, Wolstenholme says his goal is to continue building trust in the community and encouraging people to take their hearing health seriously. “Even if you don’t need hearing aids, you should know where you’re at.” Powell River Hearing Clinic is located at 103-4675 Marine Avenue. For ESTATE CORPORATION more PERSONAL information,REAL call 604.215.3882.
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barriers to care. Hearing tests are offered free of charge as a community service.
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