Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, and The Georgetown Hearing Clinic is ready to share some insight about common signs that you may be experiencing hearing loss.
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect our senior population – it can affect people of all ages. For example, did you know it’s best to get a baseline hearing test done at a young age so that any early hearing loss can be addressed sooner?
The clinic, a well-known mainstay in Halton Hills since 1992, is a family-operated business that helps their clients improve their hearing with quality service and affordable rates.
Their services include comprehensive audiological assessments, selling a variety of hearing devices and then expertly fitting them and maintaining the best hearing aid for your needs. They create custom molds for hearing aids as well as music plugs, sleep plugs, and noise-cancelling plugs, too. They also stock a range of hearing aid batteries, accessories, and phones specifically designed for the hearing impaired.
We sat down with hearing specialist Cory Soal, the founder of The Georgetown Hearing Clinic, to answer the most important questions about hearing loss and how to give you better hearing.
What are some important facts most people don’t know about hearing loss and hearing devices (i.e. hearing aids)?
These are not your parents’ or grandparents’ hearing aids. I’ve been doing this a long time, and the current technology blows my mind. The speed of the micro processing, the overall ergonomic design, the water-resistance, everything – the technology is advancing at an incredibly fast rate.
For example, most modern hearing aids run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which are much better since the last generation: your hearing aids can run up to 24 hours on a full charge.
If you ever have a question or concern about your hearing, even just wax issues, approach a specialist, call a clinic, and say you’d like to get a check-up. I tell everyone, the younger the better – if you get a hearing test at a young age, you’ll have a better idea of your baseline hearing levels, which makes it easier to treat any problems down the line.
What are the signs of hearing loss that people should be aware of?
Usually when a person has hearing loss, they aren’t aware of it at first. It gradually declines until you think everyone’s mumbling, or you may have difficulties listening in a group of people or following a conversation – those are usually the first signs.
When somebody suspects there’s a problem, I would highly recommend getting a hearing test and get a baseline idea of where you’re at. Mild hearing loss nowadays is very treatable, and there’s much less stigma about treating hearing loss than there was in the past.
If you have hearing loss and you get fitted with hearing aids earlier, the rate of hearing loss is proven to slow down considerably. The hearing aids provide the necessary stimulation to the brain which is so beneficial; if you don’t use it, you lose it. That’s why I tell people, always get a hearing test as soon as you think something’s up.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about hearing aids?
People often think they’re still big and bulky, that they whistle, things like that. Hearing instruments are not like you remember, they’re so light and comfortable – everything about them has been improved.
What does the clinic do differently compared to other hearing clinics that has helped it stand out in the community?
It’s all about knowing that the person who’s helping you with your hearing will be there for long-term support, knowing that if you have a problem, they can get the answer for you right away.
As a practitioner, I want you to get the best return on your investment. Nowadays they’re so much better – I get people coming in with 5, 6, 7-year-old hearing aids that are still in great shape, but they want to see what’s new, and I get to blow their minds all over again with the newest technology.
What customization options are available?
The best thing about receiver-in canal hearing aids is that they’re modular. The sizes are so diverse they can fit just about any ear, and can cover a large range of the audiogram, from very mild hearing loss to severe/profound. We also have custom molds to hold the hearing aid in if needed for more severe loss; we have the ability to fine-tune it and get it exactly where each person needs it and feels the most comfortable with it.
How does the clinic ensure each person get the specific help they need?
Individual service is critical. The biggest complaint I commonly hear — people come in from other clinics and they’re frustrated because their needs are not met. They’re misunderstood.
I get to know my clients very well, and that relationship develops over years. Thorough notes are kept for each person’s needs — I get to know what they like and don’t like, what they want and need, and that’s critical. Like I said earlier, any clinician can fit a hearing aid. It’s being there for that person and listening to them, that makes all the difference.
How did the clinic get its start?
When I was younger a friend of mine had hearing loss, and I was interested in knowing more about that. I liked science, I liked technology, so I ended up joining the hearing healthcare program at George Brown College. I loved it, I really applied myself – I had an amazing job placement and the people there gave me a lot of support, but at a certain point I thought, I can do this on my own.
I was lucky enough to get my first location in 1992 with my good friends, Alex and Kelly Trenton at their at-home business; they were The Georgetown Denture Clinic, and I was The Georgetown Hearing Clinic.
The next seven years flew by, and my business grew and I continued to develop. My current office became available, and I’ve never looked back. I have my own space and audiology in-house; it’s been a good run so far.
What does the future hold for Georgetown Hearing Clinic?
It’s bright, I know that. I have a lot of faith in my abilities, and thankfully the town’s been good to me. I travelled a fair bit, and I realized how lucky we are to be in Canada.
I enjoy this; it’s not a job, it’s more of a privilege, and I know it sounds cliché, but it really is. I enjoy what I do, I love seeing the people I’ve been helping, and I love meeting new people.
With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to excellent service, The Georgetown Hearing Clinic is ready to help each of their clients hear their best.
The clinic is located at 99 Sinclair Ave in Halton Hills’ Georgetown neighbourhood. For more information on what they can do for you or to book a check-up, visit their website or give them a call at 905-873-6642.
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