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Volume 4, Number 1, 2011
ee
ta
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The magazine that’s all about your hearing
Ginette
Legendre
Québec author
renowned worldwide!
page 3
Speech-language pathology
The mechanics
of speech
Diving
Protect your
ears!
page 7
page 4
Sleep peacefully:
Treat yourself to some
custom earmolds!
page 18
Do hearing aids
adjust automatically?
page 12
o
n
e
Editorial
TM
Volume 4, Number 1, 2011
Take part in our
2011 hearing health care
and communication
awareness campaign
In this first issue
of the year, I
would like to take
the opportunity
to thank all o u r
faithful readers
for your comments, which
help Lobe Magazine grow and
evolve.
Again this year, we are pursuing our goal of informing and
educating the public about caring
for their hearing health. From the
glowing messages we have received
from our readers, we know that
Lobe Magazine enjoys significant
public recognition. In this spirit,
the magazine will pursue its noble
mission of keeping you up to date
on all the latest information about
hearing health and communication. To maximize their awareness
efforts, the professionals practising at Lobe Santé auditive et communication’s clinics will be taking
part, again this year, in a host of
activities to give you the opportunity to meet with them and ask
your questions in person.
You will have a chance to chat
with these professionals at the
Salon Mieux-Vivre de génération en génération, to be held in
Montréal from March 25 to 27,
in Sherbrooke from April 29 to
May 1, and in Québec City from
May 13 to 15.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
As well, they will be taking
part in the FADOQ (Québec
Federation of Senior Citizens)
Summer Games − région des Laurentides and have been invited to
participate for the first time in
the FADOQ Summer Games
− régions Québec et ChaudièreAppalaches.
Hearing health care and communication professionals will also
be organizing a number of free
conferences throughout Québec.
Finally we will continue to
support the Fondation Sourdine for the benefit of the École
oraliste de Québec pour enfants
malentendants ou sourds, as well
as the Défi Pierre Lavoie, which
advocates physical activity.
We would therefore like to
thank all our partners and associates who help in the distribution
of Lobe Magazine. Here’s to everyone’s hearing health! 
Editor
Martin Cousineau
President
[email protected]
Editor-in-chief
Sabrina Grégoire
[email protected]
Columnists
Marie-Claude Fortier, MOA,
speech-language pathologist
Martin Fortin, MOA, audiologist
Elaine Gagnon, audioprosthetist
Sarah Roy, specialized educator
Michèle Veilleux, MPA, audiologist
Advising committee
Isabelle Côté
Natacha Ioannoni
Graphic designers
Michelle Lambert
Véronique Labbé
with Novalux Conception Impression Inc.
Rights and responsibilities
All translation, reproduction or adaptation of
texts, illustrations and photos in this work, for
any reasons whatsoever, in whole or in part,
is strictly prohibited without written permission of the editor.
The opinions expressed in articles published
in Lobe Publications are the responsibility of
the author.
Legal deposit
ISSN 1913-0287
Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, Montréal
National Library of Canada, Ottawa
Lobe Publications
3520, rue de l’Hêtrière, bureau 103
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures QC G3A 0B4
Tel.: 418 877-7222
Fax: 418 872-1451
Email: [email protected]
www.lobe.ca
Lobe Magazine is published in English three
times per year by Lobe Publications.
Printed in Canada.
Martin Cousineau
Subscribe to INFO-Lobe
The e-newsletter that keeps you
up to date with the latest news
on hearing health, speech and
language.
Visit www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
2
nurse’s report
Interview with a
woman of compassion!
Sursaut the kangaroo who had
open-heart surgery will soon be
taking off to pay a visit to kids in a
hospital in Geneva. Born of a desire
to write stories for her grandkids,
Ginette Legendre’s tales and adventures now feed children’s imaginations around the world.
For a copy of one of her many
children’s books—all part of the
Collection Enfant Santé—please
call Les Éditions de la Francophonie in Lévis directly at 418 8339840. 
Asthma
The Story
Wheezy
Arthritic Lamb
The author, a retired nurse, had a yearning The author, a retired nurse, had a yearning to use her free time to write stories for her of
to use her free time to write stories for her grandchildren. After writing five “traditional” grandchildren. After writing five “traditional”
stories, she decided to write stories for children stories, she decided to write stories for with health problems. Being a diabetic herself, children with health problems. Being a diabe
she has the appropriate literature, but written tic herself, she has the appropriate literature, for adults. She wondered what kind of literature was available for but written for
adults. She wo
small children who were diabetic. This is how The Story of Coco
ndered what ki
available for small children who were diabetic. nd of literature was Bear, the diabetic bear, came to be. This is how The Story
of Coco Bear, the diabetic bear, came to be. Coco Bear’s tale was the first of a long list of lively stories Coco Bear’s tale was the first of a long which depict common childhood maladies both physical and list of lively stories which depict common childhood maladies
mental.
both physical and mental.
At the request of several pediatric doctors, the author now presents The Story of Wheezy, The Asthmatic Frog, the At the request of several pediatric doctors, the author now presents The Story of Wheezy, The
second book in the Children’s Health series.
Asthmatic Frog, the second book in the Children’s Health seri
es. She now presents As she often likes to say, there is a good side to her disease, The Story of Lilly : the Arthritic Lamb.
the one that led her to write stories. As you read this, she is As she often likes to say, there is a good
writing others.
the one that led her to write stories. As side to her disease, you read this, she is writing others.
The Asthmatic Frog
by Ginette Legendre
2
All rights reserved
Today, the popularity of Mrs
Ginette Legendre’s stories has
extended far beyond Canada’s
borders.
Choconours, the diabetic bear,
Sursaut, the kangaroo who undergoes open-heart surgery, Lentille, the turtle with a pacemaker,
­Bigoudi, the lamb with arthritis
and Mali, the deaf elephant have all
become popular characters among
kids aged five to ten.
Mrs Legendre even approached
companies and organizations to
obtain financing for printing her
books so that they could be offered
to sick children for free. Her efforts
and achievements led Les Éditions
de la Francophonie in Lévis to step
25/09/07 07:48:36
How did a career nurse
in the early years
of retirement become
a successful author
of children’s stories?
In 1999, it was time for Mrs
Legendre to take retirement. After
a year and a half of adjusting to this
new way of life and redecorating
her entire house, she felt the need
to find herself a project. So, for fun,
she decided to start writing stories
for her grandchildren.
Life circumstances have a hand
in many things...
After encountering problems
with her glycemia, she took
part in a training session at
Hôtel Dieu de Lévis hospital. She headed home with
a wealth of excellent information and with a specific
question on her mind: What
information is given to children suffering from diabetes?
After looking into this matter
thoroughly, she wasn’t thrilled
with the documentation she
found. No matter... She herself would write a story that
would offer information and
comfort to kids dealing with
this disease. And with that,
the first character in a series of
more than 30 children’s books
emerged!
Faye
ISBN 978-2-921824-00-2
9,95 $
9 782921 824002
COVER Wheezy Frog.indd 1
COVER Lilly 3029.indd 1
Faye
2783 CocoBear Carte postale.indd2
G
inette Legendre is a woman
of compassion—the kind
we’d all love to have as a
granny. Sensitive, funny, generous,
she launched a second career at
the age of 60 for those most dear
to her: kids aged five to ten.
in. The books are still being distributed free of charge to children,
but the publisher is also able to sell
them in bookstores.
Mrs Legendre’s days are spent
enjoying her second career, which is
proving just as promising as her first.
When asked what she derives from
this crazy adventure, she responds
with her magnificent smile: “If you
only knew how lucky I am to have
met all these extraordinary people
all over who are helping these kids...
If I hadn’t written these stories, I
wouldn’t have had the opportunity
to encounter such wonderful individuals and learn so much about so
many things.”
Translated by Glenda Lynn Henry
The Stor y
of Lily
the Arthritic Lamb
by Ginette Legendre
Faye
Translated by Glenda Lynn Henry
Faye
14,95 $
31/08/06 14:14:16
09-11-10 10:30
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
3
file: Hearing
speech-language pathologist’s report
The mechanics
of speech
Humans are complex beings. Every
part of us is in
some way interconnected. To communicate verbally
with our peers, for instance, we
use a system not only to produce sounds, but also to hear
and understand them.
Basically, a sound is emitted by
air being exhaled through a channel, modulated to produce the
desired tone. This channel—the
vocal tract—consists mainly of the
larynx and mouth. The positioning
of the different internal structures
such as the vocal cords, tongue,
teeth, palate and lips produces a
characteristic sound referred to
as a phoneme. Every language
(English, French, etc.) has its own
phonemes.
In the English language, this is
how we modulate our vocal tract to
pronounce vowels and conso­nants.
Each phoneme we produce has an
energy—frequency and temporal
characteristics. This allows us to distinguish a long sound with a high
level of energy and lower frequency,
such as a vowel (a, i, o, u), or a very
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
short sound with a lower level of
energy and higher frequency, such
as certain conso­nants (f, s, th).
Schematically, the letters, sounds
and phonemes of our language fall
into a frequency and energy zone.
This zone, when transposed onto a
graph used to interpret audiology
results (audiogram), is shaped like
a banana, hence the term speech
banana (see figure 1).
The ability to communicate
through speech cannot occur properly without a functioning control
system: one’s hearing. The principle is a simple one: proper speech
requires proper hearing. This is
what is referred to as the phonological loop. The integrity of each
decoding, transmission, judgment
and emission structure is essential.
For example, take someone who
is completely deaf from birth. In
the first few months of life, a child
will produce babbling sounds.
In a deaf child, these sounds will
diminish and completely disappear.
Such individuals are often wrongly
referred to as “deaf-mute”. In fact,
it’s not that they are unable to speak;
they simply didn’t have the opportunity to learn how to modulate
their vocal tract to produce sounds
comprehensible to normally hearing people. They can learn alternative forms of communication such
as sign language (ASL, LSQ), and
specialized schools are also available
to teach them how to communicate
orally, such as the Montreal Oral
School for the Deaf (MOSD).
What about people
whose deafness
has developed during
their lifetime?
The answer depends on the degree
of deafness and the age at which
it developed. The younger the age
and greater the deafness, the more
significant the impact on speech.
Consider someone whose hearing loss deprives them of some
of the information contained in
the speech banana (see figure 2).
This person is therefore robbed of
high-frequency content, i.e. the
majority of consonants needed for
word comprehension. As such, the
individual may hear certain pho­
nemes, but given the large amount
of information missing, he or she
will not be able to understand the
meaning of a word, short of guess-
All rights reserved
4
file: Hearing
speech-language pathologist’s report
Figure 2
Figure 1
ing. Some words in our language are very similar, such
as bed-fed, time-dime, big-pig, parking-barking, hillfill-sill, and we rely on high frequencies (consonants)
to distinguish one from the other.
This impacts not only speech comprehension but
pronunciation as well.
If you suspect problems with your hearing or even
your pronunciation, don’t hesitate to consult your
audioprosthetist at Lobe Santé auditive et communication’s multidisciplinary clinics for a hearing test. It’s
the first step toward mitigating the impact of hearing
loss on your word comprehension. 
All rights reserved
Keep in mind, we can’t repeat
what we don’t hear.
In the long term, a patient with this level of deafness
—especially if it developed at a young age—may no
longer be able to properly pronounce sounds like “sh”
or “ch.”
Marie-Claude Fortier, MOA
Speech-language pathologist
Thetford Mines
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
5
6
TM
Volume 4, Number 1, 2011
OUR mission
The professionals who practice in Lobe Santé auditive et communication’s multidisciplinary clinics share the goal of offering people who
have hearing, language, or speech challenges every possible means
of improving their quality of life by using the most current technologies and by applying a ­multidisciplinary patient-centered approach.
France Morrissette
audioprosthetist
Francine Morrissette
audioprosthetist
Simon Ouellet
audioprosthetist
Annie Potvin
audioprosthetist
Audrey Tremblay
audioprosthetist
Michel Zalatan
audioprosthetist
Hélène Beaucher
MOA, audiologist
Joëlle Bélanger
MPA, audiologist
Josiane Comtois
MPA, audiologist
Isabelle Côté
M.Sc.S., audiologist
Martin Fortin
MOA, audiologist
Audrey Goulet
MPA, audiologist
Joanie Lessard
MPA, audiologist
Marie-Ève Lessard
MPA, audiologist
Vy Nguyen
MPA, audiologist
Claudia Settecasi
MPA, audiologist
Valérie Tremblay
MOA, LL.M., audiologist
Michèle Veilleux
MPA, audiologist
Ann Yuile-Campbell
M.S. Aud (C), audiologist
Marie-Claude Fortier
MOA, speech-language
pathologist
Professionals working in Lobe Santé
auditive et communication’s multidisciplinary clinics are RAMQ, CSST and Veteran Affairs Canada accredited.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
Sylvie Thivierge
MOA, speech-language
pathologist
Marilou Alain
specialized educator
Cindy Bélec
specialized educator
Tanya Béliveau
specialized educator
Marie-Julie Carbonneau
specialized educator
Stéphanie Filion
specialized educator
Marie-Ève Guay
specialized educator
Estelle Lamonde
specialized educator
Marie-Christine Lavoie
specialized educator
Janie Pépin
specialized educator
Joanie Perreault
specialized educator
Annick Rousseau
specialized educator
Sarah Roy
specialized educator
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W
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Our Partners
Association québécoise de défense des droits
des personnes retraitées et préretraitées
Association québécoise de défense des droits
des personnes retraitées et préretraitées
DRE !
À REVEN
RGIE
’ÉNE
DE L
lace des aînés
12th Edition
DE QUÉBEC POUR ENFANTS SOURDS
Les Saveurs du Théâtre benefit event was
held under the patronage of Jean-Yves Germain,
President of Casot Ltd., in partnership with Lobe
Santé auditive et communication, Sennheiser,
Devimco and Stein Monast.
All profits will be donated to the Fondation Sourdine for the benefit of the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds.
Monday, May 9, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.
Théâtre de la Bordée, downtown Québec City
in association with Hotel PUR
To reserve: 418 263-5189 • www.sourdine.qc.ca
All rights reserved
Nathalie Bergeron
audioprosthetist
Nathalie Bisson
audioprosthetist
Josée Boulanger
audioprosthetist
Claudia Brassard
audioprosthetist
Guy Bussières
audioprosthetist
Julie Caya
audioprosthetist
Joey Champagne
audioprosthetist
Paul Côté
audioprosthetist
Martin Cousineau
audioprosthetist
Karl Drouin
audioprosthetist
Annie Dumontier
audioprosthetist
Paul Fontaine
audioprosthetist
Michelle Fournier
audioprosthetist
Elaine Gagnon
audioprosthetist
Christophe Grenier
audioprosthetist
Stéphanie Hamel
audioprosthetist
Natacha Ioannoni
audioprosthetist
Steeve Laliberté
audioprosthetist
Sonia Lamarche
audioprosthetist
Sébastien Lanthier
audioprosthetist
Étienne Lefebvre
audioprosthetist
ll.
Just one care.
e listen. We ca
file: Hearing
audiologist’s report
Scuba Diving:
Listen to Your Ears;
They’ve Got Something to Say!
Scuba diving is
gaining in popularity across Québec, and more and
more people are
getting their feet
wet. While this water sport is
not without its risks, they can
be avoided or minimized by
taking proper precautions. Just
listen to what your ears are
telling you!
Before you jump in feet first,
it’s important to understand that
scuba diving is contraindicated for
some people. Make sure you heed
your doctor’s recommendations.
For instance, scuba diving is not
recommended for people with the
following ear-related conditions:
 e ardrum perforations or tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes);
 previous ear surgery;
 a history of perilymph fistulas;
 difficulty equalizing ear pressure
(tube dysfunction);
 inflammation of the middle ear
(otitis media);
 nasal congestion due to a cold,
allergies or other causes.
Scuba divers are susceptible to
a number of conditions of varying
degrees of severity, ranging from
simple, short-lived pain to irrevers-
ible injuries. The most frequently
encountered injury in diving is ear
barotrauma, which is caused by
pressure differences in the ear.
Other injuries include bruising
of the auditory canal (outer ear). In
the middle ear, divers may develop
otitis, an accumulation of liquid
behind the eardrum, usually caused
by improper equalization. Divers
may also have blood in the area
around the eardrum or build up an
accumulation of blood behind it,
leading to bleeding. The eardrum
can also be perforated and the
mobility of the ossicles diminished;
such cases often lead to deafness, but
in most cases it is reversible. Finally,
divers may also sustain injuries to
the inner ear, which can lead to
deafness, often permanent, as well
as balance problems (vertigo).
Better safe than sorry!
The key to preventing barotrauma
is to equalize pressure on either
side of the eardrum. During descents, pressure is exerted on divers’ eardrums, causing them to
flex inwards. Opening up the
Eustachian tubes lets air in, equalizing pressure between the outer ear
and the middle ear and restoring
the eardrum to its initial position.
Ossicles
Pinna
Eardrum
Auditory canal
Cochlea
All rights reserved
Auditory
nerve
Eustachian tube
Outer ear
Middle ear
Inner ear
The Valsalva manoeuvre
The method most commonly
used by divers to open up their
Eustachian tubes is called the
­Valsalva manoeuvre, a technique
that could be described as “blowing air into your ears while pinching your nose.”
AT THE SURFACE
EARDRUM
==
WATER
PRESSURE
EUSTACHIAN TUBE
(GENERALLY CLOSED)
ON DESCENT,
BEFORE EQUALIZING
+
-
NEGATIVE
PRESSURE IN
MIDDLE EAR
EQUALIZING
PRESSURE
==
AIR FROM PHARYNX
(UPPER THROAT)
Divers have to equalize pressure
frequently on descent, especially
during the first 10 metres when
changes in pressure are the greatest.
If you find yourself unable to equalize, ascend a few feet, equalize, and
go back down. You’ll know that
you’ve successfully cleared your ears
when you hear a popping sound. If
you still haven’t managed to equalize properly, it’s best to abort the
dive.
For more information, see your
audiologist, your family physician or
your ear-nose-throat specialist. 
References:
- Open Water Diver Manual, PADI,
260 p.
- MILLS, R., D.A. NUNEZ and
S.C. TOYNTON. Ear Trauma,
chap. 237, Scott-Brown.
- http://plongee.amiral.free.fr/
formation/niveau4/
barotraumatismes_des_oreilles.htm
Michèle Veilleux, MPA
Audiologist
Québec
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
7
file: Hearing
audiologist’s report
Risk factors
associated with
adult deafness
With age, people often notice their
hearing isn’t what it used to be.
Hearing loss due to age is called
presbyacusis. It is the primary
sensory loss in the aging process,
affecting 33% of people aged 65
and over, and 50% of those aged 70 and over.
Presbyacusis is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (affecting the inner ear),
which is more acute at high frequencies (highpitched tones). The degree of loss, however,
varies greatly from one person to another.
While biological wear and tear on the auditory system and certain injuries, ailments or diseases (otitis,
cholesteatoma, perforation of the tympanic membrane, otospongiosis, Meniere’s disease, etc.) can cause
hearing loss, there is a multitude of factors that can
affect hearing. A study by Kaulsson et al. indicated that
heredity accounts for 58% of the variation in auditory
thresholds among people aged 56 to 65, and for 47%
of the variation among people over 65. It is generally
accepted that women have better hearing than men.
While one obviously can’t alter age or genetics, steps
can still be taken to preserve healthy hearing as long
as possible.
environment increase auditory system risk factors.
Workers remain fairly unaware of the dangers, but
many of these products are commonplace in industry
(solvents, paints, plastics, fuels, pharmaceutical products, metallurgy, etc.).
Medical factors
A link between hearing loss and certain diseases is
starting to gain recognition. Diabetics, for example,
are twice as likely to suffer from hearing problems.
Myocardial infarction, high blood pressure and a high
body mass index also increase the risk of hearing loss.
Conversely, tall people have, on average, better hearing.
Alcohol consumption
Where alcohol consumption is concerned, moderation is key. Alcohol abuse is associated with a higher
prevalence of hearing problems, whereas moderate
consumption has a protective effect (likely because of
Noise
Working in a noisy environment is likely the most sig- the beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system).
While hearing loss has often been viewed as inevitnificant avoidable risk factor.
able, an increasing number of studies show that our
lifestyle, environment and health directly influence our
In Québec, an estimated 400,000 to 500,000
hearing.
workers are exposed to excessive noise at work
Don’t hesitate to contact your audiologist for more
(making industrial deafness one of the most
information. 
frequent occupational injuries, affecting 60% of
employees in the manufacturing sector).
In spite of the hazards, few workers wear hearing protectors on a regular basis (as few as 12 to 16% according to Fransen et al.). Using firearms and listening to
loud music are also considered risk factors. Certain
chemicals (organic solvents, heavy metals, carbon
monoxide, herbicides and pesticides, etc.) in the work
References:
- Better Hearing Institute. “American Diabetes Association Alert Day,” betterhearing.org (March 7, 2010).
- Mayer, David, and Valérie Perron. “Le bruit et les
produits chimiques : un mélange explosif,” Bruit et
audition, Université de Montréal (2006).
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
- Fransen, Erik et al. “Occupational Noise, Smoking,
and a High Body Mass Index are Risk Factors for Agerelated Hearing Impairment and Moderate Alcohol
Consumption is Protective: A European Populationbased Multicenter Study,” Journal of the Association for
Research in Otolaryngology, 9 (2008), pp. 264-276.
David Mayer, MPA
Audiologist
Hôpital de Saint-Eustache
- Ohgami, Nobutaka, Takaaki Kondo, and Masashi
Kato. “Effects of light smoking on extra-high-frequency
auditory thresholds in young adults,” Toxicology and
Industrial Health (Sept. 2010).
- Girard, Serge-André et al. “Le bruit en milieu
de travail : une analyse des coûts pour le régime
d’indemnisation,” INSPQ (October 2007), 60 p.
All rights reserved
8
file: Hearing
audiologist’s report
Ear infections
in children
All rights reserved
Otitis media is the most frequent
cause of deafness in children below
the age of six. More than 75% of
three-year-olds have had an ear
infection; of this number, half have
had at least three.
The middle ear is an air-filled space located behind
the eardrum. It contains the ear’s three ossicles—the
hammer, anvil and stirrup—which amplify the sound
vibrations transmitted to the inner ear. Air reaches
the middle ear cavity through a small tube called a
Eustachian tube, which connects it to the throat. This
tube opens when you yawn or swallow. Factors such
as infection in the upper respiratory tract (a cold) or
mucosal hypertrophy can prevent the Eustachian tube
from opening; this causes a lack of air to the middle
ear, which produces a suction effect on the eardrum. As
a result, the middle ear fills with liquid. Young children
are susceptible to ear infections because their immune
systems are not yet fully developed, their Eustachian
tubes are small and horizontal, and their adenoids are
often swollen due to colds and infections. Toward the
age of seven, the Eustachian tube becomes more vertical in position, reducing the risk of infection.
The most common symptoms of otitis media
include severe ear pain, fever and congestion. These
symptoms are frequently accompanied by a loss of
appetite, irritability and hearing loss. An affected child
will ask you to repeat more frequently and will tend to
turn up the volume on the TV. Fortunately, this loss of
hearing is usually temporary; acute symptoms typically
heal in seven to fourteen days. However, otitis can be
chronic, meaning the liquid remains in the middle
ear for several months. A child in this situation may
not feel any pain, as the symptoms become insidious.
In such cases, the child’s hearing behaviour must be
closely monitored to establish whether or not the otitis
is chronic.
If a child has considerable nasal secretions (a cold),
the use of a nasal pump with saline solution is recommended. The child should also avoid sniffing, be
sure to blow his or her nose properly and drink lots
of liquids. Another suggestion is to have the child
blow up balloons to force open the Eustachian tubes,
thereby allowing the pressure to equalize in the middle ear. Applying a lukewarm compress to the ear also
helps soothe discomfort.
How to prevent ear infections
Ear infections are, without a doubt, most prevalent
from October to April. During this period of the year,
the use of a humidifier in your child’s bedroom is recommended in order to keep humidity levels at approximately 40%. It’s best to avoid smoking in the house
or in the child’s presence. It is also recommended to
avoid giving an infant a bottle in a horizontal position;
the infant’s head should be propped up. Breastfeeding
allows for the optimal position. Prolonged use of a
pacifier is to be avoided, because the suction effect
pushes liquid from the throat toward the middle ear
and can increase the risk of infection.
For persistent ear infections, it is best to consult an
audiologist to assess the auditory manifestations of the
infection, and an ear-nose and throat specialist (ENT)
for appropriate treatment, which may take the form of
antibiotics or tympanostomy tubes.
While otitis is generally without long-term consequences, the possible complications from repeated
episodes are central auditory processing disorders,
which are often the root cause of learning difficulties.
Sometimes, a perforation of the tympanic membrane
persists and has to be surgically closed. In very rare
cases, inadequately treated chronic otitis can lead to
the formation of a cholesteatoma or tympanosclerosis. 
Martin Fortin, MOA
Audiologist
Chaudière-Appalaches
and Québec
Reference:
MINET, A. et al. “L’otite moyenne aiguë – Etiopathogénie et traitement,”
Louvain Med., S410-S417 (1998).
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
9
file: Hearing
Pharmacist’s report
Smoking and its adverse
effects on hearing
Smoking has devastating effects on
health. The nicotine in tobacco is
highly addictive, creating a dependency that is very difficult to kick.
The negative consequences of smoking on health are well known. In addition
to an increased risk of lung and oral cancer, smoking
is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease
(heart attack, stroke, etc.) and a greater risk of suffering
from respiratory infection.
The adverse effects of smoking have long been documented. In medical literature dating back to the end
of the 19th century, authors were already reporting
hearing loss among tobacco users. However, it is recent
studies that have provided specific data on the issue.
According to these studies, tobacco increases the
risk of hearing loss by 70%. The risk and extent of
this loss increase with the number of cigarettes smoked
and the duration of exposure to tobacco smoke. Highpitched sounds are the most affected. However, little is
known about the mechanism of action of this hearing
loss. It has been suggested that nicotine reduces oxygen
supply to the auditory organs, which causes damage to
the specialized hearing cells. Another possible cause is
that nicotine inhibits the flow of information between
the ear and the brain, leading to a poorer interpretation of sound.
Tobacco is hazardous not only to the smokers but
also to those around them. In fact, exposure to secondhand smoke entails the inhalation of 4,000 chemicals
contained in cigarettes. Of note is that a child whose
parents smoke is twice as likely to develop ear infections in early childhood.
All told, smoking is a bad habit. People who quit
smoking protect their hearing ability as well as their
general health. Several methods can aid in smoking
cessation. Ask your pharmacist for advice. 
Francis Turgeon, pharmacist
Pharmacie Fleury,
Charest et Guilbert
Exposure to noise and advanced age are also factors that influence hearing. For example, a plant
worker exposed to high levels of noise will have a
greater risk of hearing loss upon retirement than
someone who works in an office where noise levels are lower.
References:
- “Tobacco: Its Physical, Mental, Moral and Social
Influences”, Rev. B.W. Chase, (1878), pp. 43-44.
- Nakanishi, Noriyuki MD. “Cigarette Smoking
and Risk for Hearing Impairment: A Longitudinal
Study in Japanese Male Office Workers”, Journal of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 42,11
(November 2000), pp. 1045-1049.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
- “Cigarette Smoking and Hearing Loss — The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study”, Journal of the
American Medical Association, 279 (June 1998).
- Fransen, E. “Smoking Reduces Blood Flow,
Threatens Hearing”, Journal of the Association for
Research into Otolaryngology (June 2008).
All rights reserved
10
File: Hearing aids
specialized educator’s report
Successful
hearing aid fitting
depends on accepting
one’s deafness
H earing loss is sneaky; it
usually develops gradually.
This is why motivation, selfconfidence and support
from family and friends are
important factors in successful hearing aid fitting.
People who suspect they have a hearing
problem often wait several years (seven years
on average) before doing anything about it.
According to statistics from the Ordre des
audioprothésistes du Québec, 10% of the
population is affected by hearing problems.
What’s more, 80% of those affected are not
diagnosed or treated. Insecurity and a lack
of information on the subject could partly
account for why people aren’t motivated to
undergo an initial examination.
All rights reserved
With the new technologies now available, hearing aids can improve quality of
life for people with a hearing impairment
as well as those around them. Hearing
aids not only allow for improved hearing, comprehension and auditory cues,
but also make people feel more secure
by making it possible to localize sounds
more easily.
These benefits also extend to other areas:
the person with the hearing impairment has
a renewed interest in social activities, doesn’t
have to ask people to repeat themselves as
often... Essentially, the person is able to break
out of his or her isolation.
Day-to-day use of one’s hearing aids is crucial to the adaptation process. At first, certain sounds that have been barely audible for
many years might be annoying, like a refrigerator motor, a ticking clock or water dripping
from a tap. Everyone is different, so adaptation periods vary as well. Whenever you visit
your audioprosthetist, your hearing aids can
be adjusted so as to reduce these bothersome
noises and find the right sound levels to meet
your hearing and communication needs.
Successfully adapting to wearing hearing
aids is possible if the person with the hearing impairment shows determination, has the
support and understanding of those around
them, and maintains a positive outlook.
The importance of family and friends in the
rehabilitation process should not be underestimated. Their support helps the person
with the hearing impairment persevere and
progress from denial to acceptance of his or
her deafness.
Don’t hesitate to consult your audioprosthetist or specialized educator regularly at
one of Lobe Santé auditive et communication’s multidisciplinary clinics. They can help
you throughout your hearing rehabilitation
process. 
Sarah Roy
Specialized educator
Sainte-Marie
Reference: Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec, OAQ ad, October 2010.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
11
File: Hearing aids
audioprosthetist’s report
Do hearing aids adjust
automatically?
This is one of
the first questions new heari n g aid u s e r s
ask. Advertisements often
give the impression that
everything adjusts itself, like
magic!
It’s important to understand that the latest technology offers “adaptive” features
for various listening environments. The primary adaptive
feature is gain variation (correction in decibels) based on
the different levels of incoming sound captured by the
microphones. Amplification
then varies based on the sound
source, so it is more realistic
and natural. As such, a soft
sound is perceived as soft, and
a loud sound will not exceed
maximum settings. So gain
correction is variable based
on soft, medium, loud or very
loud sound.
However, adaptive features
in hearing aids far exceed
amplification. It is not just
gain that varies: all the acoustic parameters contained in
the digital circuit adapt to
the ambient sound source
(example: noise reduction
based on the level of ambient
noise).
Digital circuits present
a complexity of additional
adjustment features that vary
by manufacturer and by type
of hearing aid circuit. Circuits
can use economy, entry level,
mid level, advanced or premium technology.
Adjustment features may
include feedback cancellation, noise management, variable microphone features, low
frequency lowering, wireless
connectivity, speech management in noise and calm situations, binaural coordination,
binaural synchronization
and processing and multiple
listening programs (variable
and/or automatic).
The benefits of adaptive
technology allow for greater
comfort in changing hearing
situations as well as ease of use.
However, some users prefer
manual multi-memory features accessible via push button or remote control. These
features give them greater
control over the flexibility and
precision of their hearing aids.
Manual control is sometimes
required to optimize hearing
comfort in certain listening
and communication situations. So, the use of manual
control buttons or of a remote
control are an added plus.
What’s most important is
to properly understand the
possibilities and limitations of
any hearing aids you choose,
and to take into account your
listening and communication
needs.
Don’t hesitate to consult
your audioprosthetist who
practices in one of Lobe Santé
auditive et communication’s
multidisciplinary clinics for
further information about the
different types of hearing aid
circuits. 
Elaine Gagnon
Audioprosthetist
Montréal • Saint-Léonard
All rights reserved
12
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
File: Hearing aids
13
Selecting Your Hearing Instruments
TODAY’S HEARING AIDS
Hearing aids can generally be catego­
rized according to 3 main attributes:
the technology level, the style and
the connectivity.
 The technology level refers to how
precisely the hearing aid’s circuitry
analyzes, processes and amplifies
speech and noise. The more sophisticated the technology, the more
rapidly and precisely the hearing aid
automatically adjusts its functions in
response to the speech, noise, and
other signals in the environment.
The goal of these adjustments is to
ensure you enjoy optimal comfort
and clarity despite any distracting
sounds that may be present in your
environment.
 The style
refers to the physical
appearance (models) of the hearing
aids. Examples include completelyin-the-canal aids, half-shell aids,
behind-the-ear aids, and open-fit
aids.
 The connectivity
refers to the
capability of the hearing instruments to wirelessly receive an audio
signal (via an interface device) from
an external source such as your cellular phone or any other audio/video
equipment.
YOUR HEARING AID
In order to select your hearing instruments the following are taken into
consideration: your hearing loss,
your communication needs, and
your personal preferences.
 Your hearing loss.
The results of
the hearing assessment are one of
the most important variables used
in the selection of the style, power,
and technology level of the hearing
instrument that will best meet your
listening needs.
 Your communication needs.
Communication needs vary from
one person to the other at home, at
work, at other activities, and these
needs must be considered when
selecting both the technology level
and the connectivity of the hearing
instruments that will best match
your lifestyle.
 Your personal preferences.
It is
essential that you are comfortable
with the hearing instrument model
that you will wear. After all, even
the best hearing aids won’t be useful
if the model doesn’t appeal to you,
and you leave your instruments in a
drawer.
The following table illustrates the
features generally associated with
various levels of technology and connectivity. 
tist at
Consult an audioprosthe
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co
et
ive
Lobe Santé audit
clinics
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.
file
your hearing pro
FEATURES TYPICALLY INCORPORATED INto EACH TECHNOLOGY LEVEL
All rights reserved
ECONOMY
LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
MID LEVEL
ADVANCED
LEVEL
PREMIUM
LEVEL
Phone compatibility
Volume control/Programs
Feedback canceller
Directional microphones
Voice/tone indicators
Remote control
Wideband response
Channels
Fitting flexibility
Noise management
Data logging
Low frequency lowering
Speech enhancement
Speech management in noise
Wind noise management
Wireless connectivity
Binaural coordination
Own voice management
Self-learning
Binaural synchronization and processing
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
File: Hearing aids
A line of high-performance,
mid-market hearing aids:
Acto and Acto Pro
Acto hearing aids
are the mid-market (intermediate
and advanced)
solution for mild
to severe hearing
loss. Thanks to its new platform, the Acto family delivers
exceptional sound quality and
wireless connectivity.
More relaxed listening
This family of hearing aids features
binaural synchronization, which
produces a more stable and balanced signal. Binaural decisionmaking helps align directionality
and noise reduction in both ears,
creating consistent sound reception
in any situation. In addition, these
devices are equipped with binaural
feedback cancellation to improve
overall signal quality and make listening to music more enjoyable.
Multi-band Adaptive
Directionality
Adaptive directionality improves
speech intelligibility in noisy
environments such as restaurants
by suppressing the various sources
of unwanted noise. This enables
the hearing aid to focus in on the
desired sound signal (e.g. a person
speaking) while minimizing background noise that could interfere
with intelligibility.
TriState Noise
Management
Acto and Acto Pro’s noise manager
simultaneously enhances listening
comfort and speech intelligibility.
The auditory environment is constantly being analyzed, and when
background noise is detected, the
noise manager minimizes those
sounds while maintaining speech
audibility. This line of hearing aids
strikes a perfect balance between
providing sound comfort and picking up on the subtler elements of
speech.
Acto and Acto Pro are available
in a wide variety of colours and
styles. Models range from small
units that fit snugly in the ear canal
to sleek, powerful behind-theear models (mini and standard).
What’s more, with Oticon Streamer
and Oticon ConnectLine, you can
tune in to your landline or mobile
phone, or other electronic devices
such as a TV, computer or MP3
player, directly in both ears. Being
able to use modern tools is critical
to keeping the lines of communication with your loved ones open.
Oticon Acto lets you participate actively in conversations with
friends and family whether you
are at home, at a restaurant or at
work. 
Krystelle Breton,
M.Sc.S.(a)
Pediatric Audiologist/
Trainer – Quebec
Oticon Canada
www.oticon.com
thetist
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itiv
at Lobe Santé ­aud
iplinary
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well-suited to your hearin
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
14
File: Hearing aids
Why choose the leading hearing aid
technology?
Quite simply because these
hearing aids are equipped with
the most sophisticated auditory
technology and are designed to
meet your listening and communication needs (based on
your audiogram reading).
All rights reserved
Siemens’ 701-level hearing aids are equipped
with groundbreaking BestSound Technology, a
new dimension in hearing aid technology. With
its SpeechFocus, FeedbackStopper and SoundLearning 2.0 features, BestSound marries utility
and enjoyment, so you can experience the joys of
listening in comfort… effortlessly.
SpeechFocus directional microphone technology is the only feature proven to enhance speech
intelligibility in difficult environments. SpeechFocus continuously scans sounds in the listening
environment for speech patterns and selects the
microphone configuration offering the greatest
intelligibility. Whether the sound is coming from
the front, back or side, SpeechFocus acts just like
an acoustic rear-view mirror for the best possible
audibility in various and often difficult hearing
situations, including when conversing with groups
at social or work-related gatherings or passengers
in the back seat of your car, or when a person
behind you is trying to get your attention.
FeedbackStopper technology improves your
comfort and eliminates distracting and unpleasant feedback, even in difficult acoustic surroundings.
When it comes to hearing, everyone has their
individual preferences. To reflect this diversity,
hearing aids must be flexible and offer precise
adjustment options. SoundLearning 2.0 memo­
rizes your preferred settings for specific situations
and automatically adjusts itself when you find
yourself in a similar acoustic environment. This
thetist
Consult your audiopros
et ive
dit
au
nté
at Lobe Sa
nary
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clinics to see wheth
d to your
this product is well-suite
s.
ed
ne
g
hearin
way, whether you’re listening to music, having a
conversation in a noisy setting or chatting quietly,
you will hear things the way you want to hear
them.
Of course, all hearing
aids from the 701 performance level are also
compatible with Tek Connect Bluetooth functionality. Tek Connect enables
you to establish wireless
stereo connections with
your mobile phone, stereo, TV or computer. Tek
gives you the freedom to enjoy modern living!
Most behind-the-ear models from the 701
level also have a rechargeable battery option.
eCharger is an effective answer to day-to-day
battery problems. No more hassles or waste! The
eCharger is not only great for users, but also great
for the environment. What’s more, it dries your
devices electronically in addition to charging your
batteries.
Why choose 701-level, high-end hearing aids
from Siemens? To experience the full potential of
BestSound Technology, enjoy superior communication with others, make life easier and, most
importantly, take advantage of every decibel life
has to offer! 
Michèle Dostaler, M.Sc.S.
Audiologist
Product Support
Siemens Hearing Instruments
www.siemens.com
© 2010 Siemens Hearing Instruments Inc. All rights reserved.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
15
File: Hearing aids
Naida,
the logical choice!
When it comes to choosing a behind-the-ear heari n g aid, s e v e r a l f a c t o r s
enter into the equation.
In fact, a suitable hearing aid should be chosen
according to the extent of your hearing loss and your lifestyle.
For moderately severe to profound
hearing loss, it is important that the
device be powerful and offer communication features that can be
tailored to individual needs. Naída
hearing aids come in two power
levels: the UP (UltraPower) model,
intended for more profound hearing
loss; and the SP (SuperPower) model,
designed for moderately severe to severe
hearing loss. Both models offer the possibility of connecting to an external communication system. The iCom Bluetooth interface
provides wireless connectivity to the TV
and radio, as well as to Bluetooth enabled
landlines or mobile phones. For transmitting devices without Bluetooth capability, a
TVLink adapter may be required.
Moreover, it is possible to attach an FM
system to hearing aids using an iCom or
standard audio shoes (or integrated FM
audio shoes), or to connect an iCom to
enable Bluetooth technology. Having this
kind of flexibility is an undeniable asset,
since it means you can add accessories as
you see fit.
Lifestyles and needs vary greatly from
one person to the next. Some people are
only mildly active, while others lead very
active lifestyles and are faced with more
challenging hearing situations. This is why
three different technologies are available
with Naída hearing aids. The Naída III basic
models have all the functionality required
for those who are only mildly active. The
V line, our most popular line, has added
features such as wind noise suppression
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
during outdoor activities, as well as other
capabilities suited to more active individuals. Lastly, the IX models are designed
for highly active people who have to hear
in specific situations, such as in meetings,
while using public transit or at arenas. The
IX line also has added functionality, with
features such as ZoomControl and EchoBlock.
All Naída hearing aids come with two distinct features: the SoundRecover frequency
compression system and WaterResistant
casing. SoundRecover is a non-linear frequency compression circuit that enhances
audibility and understanding of high-frequency sounds such as a woman speaking
or birds chirping. The WaterResistant casing shields internal components from the
elements, minimizing the risk of breakage
due to corrosion.
Naída hearing aids are covered under­
the government programs administered by
the RAMQ, CSST and Veterans Affairs
Canada. 
Jacques Erpelding
Regional Sales Manager
Phonak Canada
www.phonak.com
thetist at
Consult your audiopros
e et
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ud
­
a
Lobe Santé
iplinary
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ment
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All rights reserved
16
File: Hearing aids
Assistive listening devices
(ALDs)
Assistive listening devices
(ALDs) are meant to complement hearing aids and
should be given careful
consideration when determining your communication needs. Bernafon is a leading supplier of ALDs, offering a wide variety of
products to make life easier for those
living with hearing loss and improve
their quality of life.
Amplified telephones
These are probably the most popular ALDs.
Clarity C4220 from Bernafon is a high-tech
cordless phone with display,
offering 50 dB of amplification, backlit buttons, a
bright visual ringer, a handsfree speaker‑phone and a
40-number call log capacity.
This phone also offers multiple-handset capability.
All rights reserved
Personal amplifiers
These devices are portable, pocket-sized
systems equipped with a microphone and
headphones for clear, effortless amplification. They can be adapted for
use with a phone or television.
In some cases, they may even
substitute for hearing aids for
terminal cancer patients with
hearing impairments who lack
the energy to go through the
process of being fitted with a hearing aid.
Environmental control
systems
Useful at home or in the workplace, these
systems can give persons with hearing
impairments peace of mind. They work by
transforming everyday sounds, such as fire
alarms, a baby’s cries, or a doorbell or phone
ringing into powerful visual signals that
facilitate recognition. These signals can also
be converted into tactile signals (vibrations)
for individuals who have both visual and
hearing impairments. These vibrations are
transmitted to a watch or pager, informing
the person of the signal’s source.
Adapted alarm clocks
Adapted alarm clocks are specially designed
for people whose hearing loss prevents them
from hearing their alarm, and can be combined with a vibrator
unit that is placed
beneath the pillow.
When the alarm
sounds, the pillow
vibrator is activated
and wakes you up.
The alarm clock can also be connected to
a lamp in your bedroom, to make it blink
when the alarm rings.
As you can see, countless products are
available to meet all of your needs, so you
can feel safer and more secure in your
home. 
Smoke detectors
Telephone ringers
Pillow vibrators
Martin Lusignan
Bernafon
www.bernafon.ca
Doorbells
t or audioprosthetist at
Consult your audiologis
et communication‘s
Lobe Santé auditive
to see if you qualify for
multidisciplinary clinics
erans Affairs Canada
the RAMQ, CSST or Vet
s.
subsidy program for ALD
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
17
File: Hearing aids
NON-OCCLUDING B
MODULAR
The different types
of custom
earpieces
JANSSEN
PILOT HEADSET
ARISTA-LITE MOLD
Nowadays, you can protect your hear-
ing in a number of ways. Many custom
in-ear devices are designed to meet
your different listening and communiRADIO/MOBILE PHONE
cation needs.
TUNZ audio monitors
hese monitors are widely used by
T
musicians, singers and other profesINSERTINA
sionals who work with sound. While
conventional amplifiers can expose
audiophiles to high noise levels,
TUNZ audio monitors are specially
designed to keep sound levels comfortable and safe.
Custom adapters for
Earbud headphones and
audio monitors*
ASPECT EF
CIC
HOLLOW FLEX
Samuel Busque (Noir Silence) - Photo : Thierry BuccoEARPLUGS
Earmolds for musicians
Earmolds equipped with special filters
(sound levels reduced by 9 dB, 15 dB
or 25 dB) for a more controlled and
EARBUD 1
balanced attenuation of the overall
frequency range created by speech or music. Ideal
HOCKS NOISE BRAKER
protection for musicians and concert-goers!
For those who experience ear canal discomfort when Earmolds for noisy workplaces
using earbud headphones or whose ears are too small and rock concerts*
for these types of devices, there is a solution for you:
custom-fit earmolds for button headphones and
CIC STETHOSCOPE
audio monitors.
Using these types of water-resistant earmolds or
CORDED EAR PLUG
adapters offers a number of advantages. They optimize sound quality, encourage listening to personal
music players at lower volumes, and reduce the surrounding noise; furthermore, they are made to meas- Silicone earmolds that dramatically reduce all types
ure and are safe for use while practising sports, such of environmental noise. Recommended for work or
as jogging.
­recreational activities.
NEWSCASTER
NON-OCCLUDING J
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
18
File: Hearing aids
Magnum Ear
19
JANSSEN
RACING RECEIVER
Designed for hunters, these devices
amplify the low-level sounds of the forest while providing hearing protection
from gun blasts. Feature three levels of
technology.
ARISTA-LITE MOLD
noise earmolds Swimming
ASPECT EFearmolds*
(post-myringotomy earmolds)
Waterproof silicone earmolds for protecting the ear canals when swimming,
taking a shower or having a bath. Recommended following the insertion of
CICtubes or for those prone to frequent
ear infections.
ARISTA-LITE MOLD
SOUNDPORT
(Hocks Noise Breaker)
Earmolds using a design chamber that converts the
acoustic energy of very loud sounds into thermal
energy. This energy transfer allows the user to carry out
a normal conversation in an extremely noisy environment. Ideal protection for activities such as mowing
the grass and manufacturing operations, as well as for
MUSICIAN
PLUG
ASPECT
EF
motorcyclists.
Sonic Valve earmolds
CIC
EARPLUGS
SONIC VALVE
Ultra-leak-tight silicone earmolds equipped with a
small valve that allows the listener to hear conversations, while blocking impact noise. EARPLUGS
HOCKS NOISE BRAKER
Sleeping earmolds
(Sleep-Eze)
Soft, flexible, comfortable earmolds for
eliminating background noise (snoring), ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.
Include a small handle for easy
CORDED
EAR PLUG
removal.
* The earmolds are available
in several colours:
Transparent
Black
Flesh Tone
White
Medium Brown
Neon Orange
Red
Neon Yellow
Blue
Neon Pink
Green
Neon Green
Pink
A
combination of
two colours from
the list
All rights reserved
NON-OCCLUDING J
Purple
High frequency earmold
SWIMMER PLUG
protectors*
HOCKS NOISE BRAKER
IPOD EARMOLD
These earmolds feature a Hocks-type equipped
with a
small valve that makes conversations audible in noisy
places. 
CORDED EAR PLUG
Julie-Catherine Ste-Marie, M.Sc.S.
Audiologist
NON-OCCLUDING G
Starkey Canada
www.starkey.com
NON-OCCLUDING J
thetist
Consult your audiopros
et
ive
dit
au
nté
at Lobe Sa
nary
ipli
isc
ltid
mu
n‘s
tio
ica
commun
of
e
typ
clinics to determine the
s.
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r
you
t
­earpiece that best sui
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
aQG’s report
Association
québécoise de
gérontologie
Founded in 1978, the Association
québécoise de gérontologie (AQG)
is a non-profit organization dealing
with all aspects of aging. The Association is made up of practitioners,
elderly people, as well as different groups and organizations working with the
elderly.
The Association’s main objectives are:
 To improve the life quality of the aging population,
as well as the quality of services offered to the elderly
in their own homes, inside different establishments or
in the community;
 To raise awareness of age discrimination, from loved
ones to professionals who work with the elderly or
whose activities have an impact on their living conditions;
 To promote the training of personnel and practitioners in gerontology, and the recognition of said training
by governments and employers alike;
 To foster the transfer of knowledge, participate in
research and offer special age-related activities at conferences and symposiums.
Professionals who work in Lobe Santé auditive et
communication’s multidisciplinary clinics are proud to
support the Association québécoise de gérontologie as a
corporate partner. They firmly believe that the Association’s involvement and actions enable older people to
have access to services better adapted to their needs.
The Association publishes the Vie et vieillissement
magazine four times a year. You can also become a
member. To find out more, please visit our Web site at
www.aqg-quebec.org. 
Association québécoise des
retraité(e)s
des secteurs public et parapublic
Suzanne Belzile
L’Association québécoise
de gérontologie
The AQRP is pleased to
make
the Lobe-Access hearin
g health program
available to its membe
rs.
F
ounded in 1968, the Association québécoise
des retraité(e)s des secteurs public et parapublic
(AQRP) is the main independent association representing all retirees from the public and parapublic sectors
in Québec.
The AQRP stands out through its sustained citizen
involvement in support of issues of concern to all seniors
and early retirees in Québec. Specifically, the Association
is involved in a number of initiatives affecting the health
of these individuals, including access to care and treatment, housing and suicide prevention.
Find out about the benefits of being an AQRP member
by calling 1 800 653‑2747, extension 10, or by visiting our
Web site at www.aqrp.qc.ca.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
All rights reserved
20
File: Hearing aids
830S
All rights reserved
TV listening
systems
Set 830-830S
Set 840-840S
Wireless, infrared listening system
for a very high sound quality
Set 830-TV is a wireless, infrared system ideal for
listening to hi-fi sound without disturbing others. The
transmitter can be connected directly to a television,
radio or hi-fi system, making for easy set-up and operation.
Set 830-TV amplifies sound while keeping it crystal
clear, ensuring excellent speech intelligibility. For an
exceptional listening experience, sound can be adjusted
according to the user’s needs using the volume and
balance controls on the receiver, as well as the three
predefined settings on the transmitter.
FM, wireless,
lightweight system
Set 840-TV is an FM, lightweight, wireless listening system ideal for listening to the
television, hi-fi system or radio
without disturbing others. FM
technology allows freedom of
mobility within a range of up
to 100 feet. The system is easy
840
to use, with ergonomic volume
and balance controls on the receiver, as well as its three
selectable transmission channels on the transmitter,
which can be set by the user to compensate for moderate hearing loss. With crystal clear sound, the system
enhances speech intelligibility and provides an exceptional listening experience. 
consult your
Please do not hesitate to
Santé auditive
audioprosthetist at Lobe
ltidisciplinary
mu
et communication‘s
ation on
rm
info
re
clinics for mo
tems.
sys
ing
en
list
TV
these
Martin Vigneault
Audiology
Business Development Director
Sennheiser Canada inc.
www.sennheiser.ca
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
21
File: Hearing aids
Who said that TV listening systems were only for
people with hearing impairments?
We are all familiar
with the traditional
infrared TV listening
systems that enable
a person with a hearing impairment to
conveniently listen to the television without having to set the
volume to maximum. These systems include a transmitter that
connects to the television and
headphones.
Connects to your radio
Today’s users want multifunction
devices. It is in this spirit that the
Artika FM receiver can also connect
to your radio and you can even record
music directly to the receiver! Simple
to use, it’s the ideal companion for a
number of different situations, where
you can set the volume level as you
see fit without disturbing your neighbours.
phones. Who doesn’t dream
about watching a good movie
without being distracted by
the rest of the audience?
This new product truly
represents a technological
breakthrough in TV listening
systems. 
Compatible with
transmitters in various
public places
The Artika FM receiver is also compatible with FM transmitters found in
Éric Taillefer, President
different public places such as concert
Harmonya Technology
halls, cinemas, amphitheatres, schools
www.harmonya.ca
and churches. You no longer need to
Discreet
The Artika FM receiver, whose design is buy an FM receiver to go to a show or
reminiscent of that of an MP3 device, see a movie. Simply tune into the right
fits into the palm of the hand and FM frequency, and the sound will
weighs only 20 grams. It comes with automatically be directed to your earinconspicuous, in-ear headphones;
however, all kinds of headphones are
The FQCC is pleased to
compatible with the receiver, allowing
make
the Lobe-Access hearin
users to make their own choice.
g
Harmonya Technology has just
launched Artika, a brand new FM
TV amplifying system that satisfies
TV listening needs in a manner fully
adapted to the technological realities
of our decade.
health program
available to its membe
rs.
We are listening
Our 45,000 member-families are already enjoying the many
benefits we provide, including the Lobe-Access program,
exclusive to FQCC members.
A passion for camping
365 days a year
DISCOUNTS
ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS
For information and membership
PUBLICATIONS
SERVICES
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
Join today!
www.fqcc.ca
All rights reserved
22
aQDR’s report
Health care
and residences for the elderly
All rights reserved
In Québec, seniors’ residences
offer the elderly
a wide range of
services geared to
providing comfort
and security; they guarantee
an attentive, friendly and dedicated staff. The benefits and
services provided by these residences are showcased in their
advertisements.
The Regulation* respecting the
conditions for obtaining a certificate of compliance for a residence
for the elderly has applied since
2007, and compliance is verified by
the Conseil québécois d’agrément.
The certificate is issued by the
Agence de la santé et des services
sociaux in the region where the
residence is located.
A certified residence does, however, remain a private enterprise,
and in this sector, it’s quite common to see major disparities from
one residence to the next. Some
certified establishments offer a
range of services to meet the needs
of autonomous seniors and those
experiencing a slight loss of autonomy. Often, the rent is all-inclusive.
Services can also be tailored to an
individual’s needs.
Other residences offer a more
extensive array of services including
health care or personalized assistance billed à la carte or as part of a
package. The government does not
interfere in such polices, which are
at the exclusive discretion of each
residence. Of course, some care
and treatment must be provided by
authorized professionals, but they
are employed by the residence. This
would include, for example, the services normally provided by licensed
nursing staff.
Given the wide variety of services and scenarios available, future
clients need to ensure they have
all the necessary information. Any
decision to sign a contract with
a residence that has an opening
should be based on a careful examination of the client’s needs and
ability to pay—all the more so if
the individual’s financial resources
are modest, yet his or her specific
care requirements are substantial.
Conducting a neutral and objec­
tive assessment of care requirements
is essential for any senior experi­
encing a loss of autonomy. This step
in preparing for a move into a private seniors’ residence can be facilitated by addressing your CLSC or
talking to your social worker, if you
have an open case file.
Having a detailed list of the care
and services required is a must to
be able to “shop around” for an
appropriate residence. Every service rendered is billed either by the
act, minute, hour, or month. If a
person’s needs are overestimated
or underestimated, major financial
concerns may ensue.
We should consider ourselves
“consumers” as far as seniors’ residence service offers are concerned,
and an informed consumer is
responsible for carefully reading
and understanding a contract prior
to its signature. And that goes for
consumers of all ages! So it makes
sense to ask for all the necessary
information and material, particularly the list of services available (à
la carte or package) at the residence
and their prices, even if some of
these services might not be necessary immediately upon arrival. No
lease should be signed without first
taking the time to read through all
the documentation. If need be, take
along someone you trust in these
matters.
Would you like to find out more
about the Regulation respecting the
conditions for obtaining a certificate of compliance for a residence
for the elderly? Visit Québec’s Santé
et Services sociaux Web site. 
Martine Gagnon
Association québécoise
de défense des droits
des personnes retraitées
et préretraitées
*Some changes were made to the process in
February 2010.
Lobe Magazine www.lobe.ca
23
ll.
Just one care.
e listen. We ca
multidisciplinary clinics
TM
W
1 866 411-5623
ENT • Audiologists • Audioprosthetists
Specialized Educators • speech-language pathologists*
TM
MC
Proud partner
of the FADOQ
régions de Québec et
Chaudière-Appalaches
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures • LSQ
Complexe médical l’Hêtrière
3520, rue de l’Hêtrière
Bureau 103
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures
(Québec) G3A 0B4
Tel.: 418 780-3007
Fax: 418 780-3016
Chaudière-appalaches
Lévis
2nd floor, Uniprix
40, route du Président-Kennedy
Bureau 204
Lévis (Québec) G6V 6C4
Tel.: 418 830-5623
Fax: 418 830-5624
Stay tuned:
Saint-Georges
2900, boulevard Dionne
Saint-Georges (Québec) G5Y 3Y2
Tel.: 418 228-2970
Fax: 418 228-7046
Eastern townships
Lac-Mégantic
Carrefour Lac Mégantic
3560, rue Laval, bureau 123
Lac-Mégantic (Québec) G6B 2X4
Tel.: 819 583-6633
Fax: 819 583-4690
Sherbrooke • LSQ
Clinique de santé Jacques-Cartier
1815, rue King Ouest
Bureau 200
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1J 2E3
Tel.: 819 348-4334
1 866 348-4334
Fax: 819 542-1883
Sherbrooke • Rock Forest
Clinique Médicale Rock Forest
4870, boulevard Bourque
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1N 3S5
Tel.: 819 348-4334
1 866 348-4334
Fax: 819 542-1883
Laurentides and Laval
Boisbriand
Polyclinique 640
2000, cours Le Corbusier
Bureau 105
Boisbriand (Québec) J7G 3E8
Tel.: 450 437-4343
Fax: 450 437-1719
Laval • Chomedey
Centre professionnel
Cité de l’Avenir
1575, boulevard de l’Avenir
Bureau 120
Laval (Québec) H7S 2N5
Tel.: 450 934-2614
Fax: 450 934-2615
Laval • Sainte-Dorothée
Centre médical Sainte-Dorothée
3, boulevard Samson, bureau L
Laval (Québec) H7X 3S5
Tel.: 450 969-3335
Fax: 450 969-3566
Mauricie
Shawinigan • LSQ
Halles de la Mauricie
1572, 41e Rue
Shawinigan (Québec) G9N 5G3
Tel.: 819 539-8666
Fax: 819 539-5017
Trois-Rivières • LSQ
4870, boulevard des Forges
Bureau 101
Trois-Rivières (Québec) G8Y 1W9
Tel.: 819 378-7477
Fax: 819 840-8382
MONTérégie
Longueuil
1215, chemin Du Tremblay
Bureau 165
Longueuil (Québec) J4N 1R4
Tel.: 450 448-4544
Fax: 450 448-4504
Sainte-Marie
733, boulevard Vachon Nord
Sainte-Marie (Québec) G6E 1M3
Tel.: 418 387-7988
Fax: 418 387-7918
MONTRÉAL
Montréal • Saint-Léonard
Les Terrasses Langelier
6383, rue Jean-Talon Est
Saint-Léonard (Québec) H1S 3E7
Tel.: 514 798-0915
Fax: 514 798-0916
Pointe-Claire
Corner of Saint-Jean Blvd.
and Holiday Avenue
18, place Triad, bureau 210
Pointe-Claire (Québec) H9R 0A2
Tel.: 514 782-0482
Fax: 514 782-0480
Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean
Chicoutimi
1577, boulevard Talbot
Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 4C3
Tel.: 418 545-7766
Fax: 418 545-1766
Jonquière
3625, boulevard Harvey
Jonquière (Québec) G7X 3B2
Tel.: 418 695-6232
Fax: 418 695-6919
La Baie
513, boulevard Grande-Baie Sud
La Baie (Québec) G7B 2C9
Tel.: 418 544-7005
Fax: 418 544-7067
Northern quebec
Tel.: 819 378-7477
Stay tuned!
Saint- Georges clinic
to expand in 2011.
Other regions: 1 866 411-5623 • www.lobe.ca • [email protected]
* The types of professionals may vary from clinic to clinic.
All trademarks are the property of Lobe Santé auditive Inc. / Bulletin produced by Lobe Publications.
Québec • Neufchâtel
Clinique médicale DuChatel
9465, boulevard de l’Ormière
Bureau 102
Québec (Québec) G2B 3K7
Tel.: 418 843-5244
Fax: 418 843-0885
Thetford Mines
Place 611
611, boulevard Frontenac Est
Bureau 201
Thetford Mines (Québec) G6G 6Y7
Tel.: 418 338-8777
Fax: 418 338-3673
Litho Canada
QuÉbec city area
Québec • Lebourgneuf • LSQ
Polyclinique Lebourgneuf
777, boulevard Lebourgneuf
Bureau 120
Québec (Québec) G2J 1C3
Tel.: 418 780-3007
Fax: 418 780-3016