The Cumberland Drop-In Social Club, in Buchanan Hall, is a volunteer-led initiative that welcomes mature adults (50+) of all abilities to play games, pursue favourite leisure pastimes and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours. Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm. $3 drop in fee, or free with a Cumberland Recreation membership.
Community News
A Prescription for Exercise
Being active can reduce risk of chronic disease by as much as 80%, yet fewer than 25% of Canadian adults meet physical activity guidelines. Exercise can also do what medications cannot (e.g., improve balance, reduce risk of falls). If you’re making lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce the number of medications you are taking. As your pharmacists, we can help you do this safely. Please visit our website for the full article about prescriptions for exercise.
Bringing Mobility to You
Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a scooter to increase your mobility and gain more independence. 1) Take a test drive – to find the right dimensions and ensure a comfortable ride, it’s important to try some scooters out. 2) Ask for an in-home demo – in-home instruction can help ensure your safety and the correct operation of your scooter. 3) Stay safe – download a free Canada Scooters safety guide and ask your local Canada Scooters shop how the rules of being a pedestrian apply to scooter operators 4) Keep up with maintenance – perform daily maintenance and take your scooter in for regular professional maintenance.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Tips for Finding a Good Audiologist
Hearing or balance problems can be uncomfortable to experience when you don’t know what is happening. The uncertainty and fear are one of the worst parts of wondering if there is a solution or if it might be a serious problem.
That is why it’s important to find an audiologist that you can trust will have your best interests at heart.
Use this guide to navigate finding a good audiologist that’s experienced, possesses good qualities that make you feel comfortable, and is the right fit for you. It’s essential
for finding the right diagnosis and long-term solutions to improve your quality of life.
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is an expert with a vast amount of training, knowledge, and tools needed to diagnose and treat patients of all ages with varying levels of hearing loss.
Using advanced technology and tests to understand the cause of a patient’s hearing problem, if it’s permanent or curable, and its severity, audiologists work with them to determine the best course of treatment.
They can help or assess tinnitus, balance disorders, Hyperacusis and Misophonia as well as drastically improve your hearing with hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
Typically, once a patient’s hearing tests are completed and it’s determined that assistive technology is needed for treatment, audiologists recommend the best hearing aids based on their unique needs, lifestyle, and prescription.
Audiologists program the hearing aids to align with their patient’s preferences and prescription and teach them how to properly care for their new technology. Several follow-up appointments are often scheduled to ensure the patient likes how the hearing aids sound, fit, and function. This time is also used to provide much-needed support, troubleshoot any areas of struggle and answer questions.
Good audiologists put time and effort into ensuring each patient’s experience with hearing aids is positive, they follow up, build a relationship and continue to provide excellent hearing care.
You want to ensure that you find an audiologist who is experienced, has the skill to provide effective solutions for your unique situation, and can answer your questions. It’s even more useful if they are up to date on industry insight from new or upcoming technology or findings from studies.
What Credentials Does an Audiologist Hold?
Many audiologists have their Master of Science in Audiology (M.Sc.), Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP), Registered Audiologist with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (RAUD), and in some cases, further education.
In Canada, regulations require an audiologist to hold a Master’s degree or a doctorate in audiology. BC further regulates audiologists by requiring them to be registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHBC) in order to practice and provide services.
We recommend visiting the CSHBC website’s public register to confirm the audiologists you’re researching are in good standing with the College and have obtained the proper certifications.
Are there qualities I should look for?
Getting hearing aids can be an overwhelming process for individuals, especially those who have never used them before. An audiologist who is understanding, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping you get the best hearing experience possible can make the process much more enjoyable.
Trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities needed for a good relationship and outcome. You need to be able to trust that your audiologist and clinic are committed to providing the best treatment care and outcome, as well as listening to your concerns, needs, and goals for your hearing.
Audiologists that are also genuine, empathetic, and compassionate towards the struggles you face and comfort levels throughout the process are able to provide outstanding care.
In addition, good audiologists tailor the experience to each patient and provide ongoing support. If you are feeling nervous or hesitant, finding an audiologist who is happy to move at a pace you are most comfortable with is incredibly helpful.
“I always tell patients that the journey doesn’t end at the hearing aid fitting. We are here to help them for as long as they need,” says Stephanie Sykes, audiologist and clinic owner of NexGen Hearing Penticton and Summerland BC.
We recommend looking for these qualities when meeting with audiologists. Do they give you the time you need? Are they compassionate? Do you trust that they have your best interests at heart?
Most people can recognize whether an audiologist is genuine or ingenuine from the first meeting or through word of mouth. Ensure you feel comfortable working with them and that they care about your wellbeing.
What do other people say about them?
It is good practice to see what other people are saying about the audiologists you are looking into.
If there are people in your life who have hearing loss and have received service from an audiologist, consider asking for their opinion. Learning about a trusted friend’s experience with an audiologist is a good indicator of whether or not you should take the next step and book an appointment.
Many patients leave honest, online reviews for clinics and audiologists. With a critical eye, read through the messages left by current or past patients who have similar needs to learn about their experiences.
You can also browse a hearing clinic’s website for more information on the services provided, their guiding principles on patient care, biographies about audiologists, and more. It’s a good way to get to know the hearing clinic and its team members better before pursuing its services.
Are you looking for a good audiologist?
Most individuals don’t pursue treatment for hearing loss until about 5 years after a diagnosis. Living with untreated hearing loss can pose a variety of risks such as mental fatigue, poor emotional wellbeing, and dangerous falls.
It’s very important to seek treatment for a better quality of life, but it’s just as crucial to choose a good audiologist who will provide excellent treatment and a positive experience.
Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated, and experienced. They are here to support you on your journey to better hearing and help you experience an improved quality of life through exceptional care.
At NexGen Hearing, appointments, hearing aid supplies, and minor repairs are free of charge because every patient is valued and welcomed for as long as they need.
Patients are welcomed at over 45 clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. To find a clinic near you and book an appointment, click here or call 1-877-606-6671.
What is Your Mouth Telling You?
The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health. Here are some things to watch for: 1) Bleeding when you brush your gums could be a sign of gum disease. 2) Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity, but cold sensitivity might just indicate that a change of toothpaste is needed. Heat sensitivity could be more serious. 3) Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but sometimes by a throat infection. A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help, and be sure to see your dentist regularly!
Impact of Gambling Advertising
According to a recent study* in the National Library of Medicine, people with gambling problems report more exposure to and impact from gambling advertising. The study revealed that problem gambling was associated with increased perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and awareness of gambling. It also revealed that internet advertising was the strongest predictor of perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and TV advertising was the strongest predictor of advertising impact on knowledge of gambling forms, operators and awareness of gambling. If you need support, we are here. (* “Relationships Between Exposure to Different Gambling Advertising Types, Advertising Impact and Problem Gambling”)
Karen Hlady, VI Gaming Support, VIGamingSupport.ca
Community Announcement
On October 18, the Comox Valley Senior Support Society will host its first annual fund-raising Spelling Bee! Only an hour and half long, this event will promise to test your skill at spelling and will provide and entertaining time for all who attend.
Business Profile: Initio Medical
Located in Vancouver, INITIO is Western Canada’s only private PET/CT diagnostic scan facility committed to providing immediate PET/CT scans and results supporting patient-centred care. All referrals are booked promptly with quick turnaround on results, as timing of PET/CT screening matters to help prevent or catch disease before it’s too late. PET/CT scans assist with: CANCER – detecting cancer, revealing cancer spread, confirming cancer treatment effectiveness, and finding a cancer recurrence. BRAIN DISORDERS – ALZHEIMER’S by confirming possible Alzheimer’s diagnosis, clarifying early diagnosis of dementia, and altering treatment options. HEART DISEASE – Confirming cardiac sarcoidosis presence/recurrence. For life-changing diagnostic information that helps physician treatment planning, you can count on INITIO for immediate PET/CT scan appointments and results. Physician referral required. Further info online at initiomedical.ca. Why wait? KNOW. NOW.
Local Spotlight: Canada Scooters
Canada Scooters is the leading supplier of electric mobility scooters – offering a wide rage of 3 & 4-wheel new and used scooters, portable scooters, accessories, and rentals. They deliver right to your door for an in-home demonstration or a test drive. They also carry mobility products such as walkers, canes, crutches, power chairs, wheelchairs and bathroom safety products or equip your home with lift chairs, ramps, and railings. Canada Scooters offers service and repairs, safety courses and expert professionals with service across all Vancouver Island, all with flexible financing and payment options.
How to prevent hearing loss in the workplace
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the leading work-related conditions and affects millions of people around the world. People who work with heavy machinery, in loud sound environments and noisy factories for example are commonly affected.
According to “Public Health Burden of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss” a report published by the CDC, over 10 million people suffer from noise-induced hearing damage. It’s become a public health concern and the statistics are only expected to rise.
Sound levels that are almost or more than 85 decibels or dbA, especially in enclosed spaces where sound can’t travel and for long periods of time, are considered dangerous and too much noise for individuals to withstand without hearing damage.
With the employer identifying the best protective measures and the employee taking the steps necessary, hearing loss can be prevented in the workplace.
How is hearing loss in the workplace caused?
When there are consistently excessive and loud noises, it can damage the hair cells in our inner ear. The hair cells are very important when it comes to hearing because they communicate with our brain to detect sounds.
Eventually, these cells may suffer from extensive damage and die off. The more cells that are damaged beyond repair, the more severe the hearing loss.
Tips to prevent hearing loss in the workplace:
1. Use Hearing Protection Devices (HPD)
When the sound or noise level is around or greater than the occupational exposure limits (often 85dBA), hearing protectors are essential for hearing health.
The correct type of HPD varies, but properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs are most commonly used and work well when limiting exposure and muting noise.
2. Safety Controls to protect workers from hearing loss
In situations where certain hazards can be replaced with a safer alternative, it’s recommended to take that precaution and use quieter equipment where possible. If not, use engineering controls to reduce the noise risk.
Physically modifying the workspace, equipment and processes can put the worker in control of the noise and also reduce their risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
It may mean changing the work process to limit loud machinery use, servicing a machine for quieter operation or using sound barriers and making better use of space to limit noise.
It all helps prevent hearing loss for workers and won’t negatively affect their quality of life.
3. Shift Rotations
Implementing shift rotation is a great way to limit the amount of noise a person is exposed to daily and is crucial to hearing protection.
For example, rotating schedules and reduced shift lengths provide additional protection workers need for their hearing health.
4. Education on preventing hearing loss
Workers should be receiving regular training with instructions about the best practices on how to prevent hearing loss, how to use HPDs, how to diagnose the early signs and symptoms of hearing loss and further prevention information.
There should also be warning signs wherever the noise is greater than 85dBA informing workers of the hazard and need for hearing protection.
5. Conducting hearing tests
Annual hearing tests are essential to preventing noise-induced hearing loss for employees who work in a noisy environment.
The tests can give the employer a better understanding of dangers in the workplace, how to help prevent hearing loss and how to improve prevention programs and safety measures.
However, employees can detect early signs of hearing loss caused in the workplace, any changes in their hearing ability can be managed and solutions can be provided when necessary.
Does WorkSafe BC cover hearing loss in the workplace?
If you or an employee has noise-induced hearing loss from their work environment, you or they are eligible to claim workers’ compensation as long as it’s caused by exposure to noise at work.
For a claim to be accepted by WSB:
- Must have a medical diagnosis of hearing loss due to noise
- Work must have involved work exposure to noise levels averaged above 85 dBA for 8 or more hours per day for at least two years
- There must be no evidence of your hearing loss relating to other causes
WSB also offers compensation for other cases as each situation is unique, but those suffering from noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace can receive support from WSB.
Finding a trained practitioner who can help you navigate the tricky situation of protecting your own hearing or your employee’s hearing while working in a noisy environment is important.
Hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are dedicated to improving your experience and quality of life by seeking to understand each individual’s unique situation, sound environment and hearing abilities.
With personalized recommendations and hearing services, they can help you learn the best ways to protect yourself or your team members.
To learn more about NexGen Hearing and find a clinic near you, click here.
Sources:
https://peninsulacanada.com/blog/health-and-safety/how-to-prevent-noise-induced-hearing-loss-in-your-workplace/
https://deserthearingcare.com/blog/how-to-prevent-hearing-loss-at-the-workplace
https://advancedhearingcare.org/latest-news/tips-to-prevent-noise-induced-hearing-loss-at-the-workplace
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_do_i_prevent_hearing_loss.html https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/personal-injury-and-workplace-safety/factsheets/specific-health-concerns/hearing-disorders-5617#:~:text=WorkSafeBC%20accepts%20two%20kinds%20of,exposure%20to%20noise%20at%20work https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/report-workplace-injury-illness/types-of-claims/hearing-loss
