Sound Hearing Care

03/28/2026

Have you wondered what earwax is for, why we have it, and what to do if it’s excessive?

Key Functions of Earwax

Protection: It forms a waterproof lining and traps dust, debris, and microorganisms to prevent infection.

Self-Cleaning: As skin cells in the canal move outward, they carry the wax and trapped particles toward the ear opening.

Lubrication: It prevents the delicate skin of the ear canal from becoming dry, itchy, or irritated.

Antimicrobial: Earwax is slightly acidic and contains proteins that fight off bacteria.

Types and Genetics

Your earwax type is genetically determined by the ABCC11 gene:

Wet Earwax: Sticky and yellow to brown. This is a dominant trait common in people of European and African descent.

Dry Earwax: Flaky, brittle, and gray to tan. This is a recessive trait common in people of East Asian and Indigenous descent.

Why You Should Avoid Cotton Swabs!

The most common cause of earwax blockage (impaction) is the use of cotton swabs. Instead of cleaning, swabs often:

👂🏻 Push wax deeper into the ear canal where it can’t naturally escape.

👂🏻 Risk puncturing the eardrum or scratching the delicate canal wall, leading to infection.

👂🏻 Disrupt the natural movement of tiny hairs that help move wax out.

It’s best to have your Audiologist or Doctor let you know if your earwax is excessive and advise you of the best way to clear it out, if required! Too often we see patients who assumed they must have a lot of earwax, and inadvertently irritate their ear canals with invasive measures. This can be dangerous when done improperly!

Remember: Everyone should have a ‘healthy and normal amount’ of earwax and it is NOT typically an indication of poor hygiene!

Swing by our mini-location at Devonshire mall to get a FREE look in your own ear with our specialized video otoscopy system!

Located next to Indigo books - just walk-in during our posted business hours!

📞 519.962.3300
💻 soundhearingcare.ca

03/24/2026

Every bite counts. See how the foods you eat may influence your hearing over time.

Studies are suggesting that the food you eat can affect your hearing and how simple changes to your diet can help.

03/17/2026

Wishing you all much success and prosperity this St. Patrick’s Day!

May the luck of the Irish smile upon you today, and bring new opportunities and positive outcomes.

☘️ Best wishes from our team to yours!

03/14/2026

Did you know - Diabetes is linked to hearing loss

Why does this occur?

The connection between the two conditions is largely attributed to the effects of high blood glucose levels, which can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear over time.

Microvascular Damage:

Consistently high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels (microangiopathy) in the cochlea—the spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear responsible for hearing. Without proper blood flow, the hair cells of the inner ear become damaged and cannot be repaired.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):

High blood sugar can cause nerve damage (similar to diabetic neuropathy in the feet), injuring the auditory nerves responsible for carrying sound signals to the brain.

Inflammation and Metabolic Factors:

Chronic inflammation associated with diabetes, along with high cholesterol and insulin resistance, can further damage the inner ear.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

Because hearing loss from diabetes is usually gradual, it can go unnoticed, often being mistaken for normal aging or simple fatigue.

Key signs to watch for include:

👂🏻 Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
👂🏻 Difficulty following conversations, particularly in noisy environments.
👂🏻 Thinking that others are mumbling.
👂🏻 Need to increase the volume on the TV or radio.
👂🏻 Problems hearing high-pitched voices (women or children).
👂🏻 Tinnitus

Management and Prevention:

While hearing loss resulting from nerve damage is usually irreversible, it can be managed.

Blood Sugar Management: Maintaining blood glucose within the target range is the most effective way to prevent or slow the progression of hearing damage.

Regular Screenings: It is recommended that people with diabetes get their hearing checked by an audiologist every year.

Hearing Aids: Assistive devices can help manage the hearing loss once it occurs.

Do you suffer from Diabetes as well as hearing loss? Book your comprehensive hearing evaluation today to learn more and take an active role in improving your hearing!

📞 519. 962-3300
💻 soundhearingcare.ca

03/13/2026

Cognitive decline and its association with hearing is an issue that has been brought to the forefront of public health education in recent years more than ever.

Current research strongly links hearing loss with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

While not every person with hearing loss will develop these conditions, hearing loss is considered the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia, potentially accounting for approximately 8% of cases worldwide.

Core Mechanisms of the Link:

Experts suggest four primary theories explaining how hearing loss may impact cognitive health:

Cognitive Load (Brain Strain):
When hearing is impaired, the brain must work harder to process and “fill in” missing sounds. This extra effort diverts mental energy away from other critical functions like memory and problem-solving.

Brain Structure Changes:
Sensory deprivation from a lack of sound can cause the brain to shrink more quickly, particularly in the temporal lobe, which is responsible for speech, language, and memory.

Social Isolation:
Difficulty communicating often leads individuals to withdraw from social activities. This reduction in social engagement results in less intellectual stimulation, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.

Common Cause:
Some researchers believe an underlying third factor—such as vascular health issues (e.g., high blood pressure or diabetes) or inflammation—might independently damage both the inner ear and the brain.

All of this points to the importance all of our senses and overall brain function to our quality of life.

Are you concerned about YOUR hearing or that of a loved one?

Contact us today to start your journey to improved hearing TODAY!

📞 519 962-3300
💻 soundhearingcare.ca

03/12/2026

Noise is everywhere, and your hearing takes the hit. See why staying aware matters. https://bit.ly/4kRurq2

03/08/2026

Strong women build stronger teams.

We’re proud to be 100% female-led and staffed - and 100% committed to progress!

Happy International Women’s Day!

Scroll through to see the cherubic faces of the Sound Hearing Care team in the earlier beginnings of learning to believe in ourselves, and be proud of all of our future accomplishments!



📞 519 962-3300
💻 soundhearingcare.ca

03/07/2026

We ate, we caught up on current events, we laughed!

Had an amazing team-building evening at the beautifully-appointed and delicious , followed by nonstop laughs at the show

On the eve of International Women’s day, it is fitting to say of this all-female office - that we all work with the best group of ladies

03/06/2026

Curious how healthy hearing affects your life beyond just conversations? Find out what you gain when your ears are at their best.

Good hearing results in positive health outcomes, increases social engagement, improves communication, and lowers the risk of depression. Learn how to protect yours today!

03/05/2026

Hearing aid use effectively reduces social isolation and loneliness by restoring communicative abilities, enabling older adults to re-engage in social activities.

Untreated hearing loss often causes social withdrawal due to communication challenges, while consistent, proper use of hearing aids improves social network quality and supports cognitive health.

Key Connections Between Hearing Aids and Social Connection:

Reduction of Loneliness: Studies show that hearing aids can decrease both social and emotional loneliness within 4–6 weeks of use, particularly in individuals with moderate to severe loss.

Increased Social Participation: Using hearing aids leads to higher participation in social, professional, and family events, decreasing the urge to decline invitations.

Cognitive and Mental Health Benefits: Beyond social benefits, hearing aids are associated with better cognitive performance and reduced risk of depression by mitigating the isolation caused by hearing loss.

Long-Term Benefits: A 3-year study found that participants with hearing interventions maintained larger social networks and higher quality social interactions compared to those without.

Addressing Barriers: While some may feel stigma, hearing aids are crucial for preventing the withdrawal that often leads to social isolation, especially in older adults .

Tips for Maximizing Social Connection:

Consistency: Wearing hearing aids regularly, not just occasionally, is key to sustained social connection.

Technology Utilization: Using Bluetooth accessories and telecoils in public venues can significantly improve communication in noisy environments.

Aural Rehabilitation: Combining hearing aids with professional counseling and training can further enhance social skills.

Let us help you in this journey.

📞 519.962.3300
💻 soundhearingcare.ca

03/03/2026

Ever stop and notice how much sound is part of your day? Imagine waking up tomorrow and hearing nothing at all. This World Hearing Day, appreciate those routine sounds you may take for granted.

02/28/2026

Wishing Jennifer a very Happy Birthday today!

So thankful to have you on our team - we are grateful for all that you do and your welcoming smile and advice for our patients!

Have a great day, Jennifer!