Hearing loss is one of the most common health problems, affecting millions of people across Canada. Those living with hearing loss can often experience feelings of frustration, isolation and depression. Difficulty communicating effectively with others can lead to lower self-esteem and reduced quality of life. People with hearing loss also tend to avoid social situations […]
Definition Otosclerosis is characterized by the abnormal growth of bone cells in the ossicles of the middle ear. In most cases, the stirrup, the bone that taps the cochlea to transmit sound vibrations, becomes denser and gradually binds to the surrounding bones. Over time, otosclerosis can also reach the bone capsule surrounding the inner ear, […]
Definition This is a type of deafness that occurs around or during birth. It is therefore present from a very early age, or even from birth. It can vary in degree (very slight to profound) or type (conductive or sensorineural). Prevalence One to two babies out of every 1,000 are born with at least moderate […]
Anatomy and function of the vestibular system The inner ear has two functions: the cochlea processes auditory information, while the vestibule and semicircular canals are involved in maintaining balance. Maintaining balance involves the participation of several systems or senses, whose information is used jointly to enable the person to maintain posture or stabilize their gaze […]
In our society, an ageing population is accompanied by an increasing prevalence of dementia. This natural phenomenon is exacerbated by a variety of factors, among which hearing loss plays a significant role. Several recent studies have highlighted the link between hearing loss and cognitive deterioration, accelerating the development of dementia. But what mechanisms underlie this […]
Clinique Audiologie Laval (CAL) also offers training and hearing screening services for industries where employees are exposed to high noise levels. The audiologist is the hearing health professional designated to carry out noise measurements to determine employee noise exposure, and to raise awareness of the effects of noise on hearing. Training for industrial nurses is […]
Evaluation methods Several test methods are available to help us obtain results. For infants, a hearing screening as performed at birth is done to rule out the presence of significant deafness. With this screening, the integrity of the inner ear’s sensory cells is measured. A more comprehensive hearing test is required at a later stage, […]
Hearing is one of our most valuable senses, allowing us to connect to the world around us. However, hearing loss can affect the quality of our daily lives. It is essential to know how to recognize the signs of hearing loss and to know when it is time to see an audiologist. In this article, […]
The human ear is made up of 3 parts; the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. External ear The outer ear (on the left in the photo) is made up of the pinna, which is the visible part of the ear and the external ear canal. The pinna acts as a funnel […]
Definition Sudden hearing loss is a rapid, sudden hearing loss that usually occurs within a 72-hour period. Typically, sudden hearing loss occurs in only one ear. It may affect the hearing cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It may also involve central damage to the auditory areas of the brain responsible for […]