A Message from the President : A Moment with Rob Reiter

I value hearing as one of the most precious of all the senses and consider the preservation, protection and enhancement of hearing to be my life's work.

To me, the most rewarding professional experience is to help clients not only improve their hearing, but reclaim healthier relationships and greater levels of confidence. As Helen Keller, a deaf and blind activist, once said, "The loss of other senses separates people from things, whereas hearing loss separates people from people."

The top concerns of Canadians with hearing loss include looking old, appearing less functional and lack of knowledge about hearing solutions, according to a survey of hearing care professionals. But recent advances in technology have improved the comfort and appearance of hearing devices along with improved sound quality.

I believe hearing improvement is not an event, but a process that leads to a happier, healthier quality of life. This improvement begins with the identification of hearing loss.

Identification of Hearing Loss: The changes may be gradual. You ask others to repeat themselves frequently, or perhaps you keep increasing the volume on your radio or television. These are the classic signs of hearing loss, often first noticed by those around you.

I take pride in the fact that Expert Hearing Solutions uses the finest state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment available to identify hearing loss, assess the degree of hearing impairment and pinpoint its site along the auditory pathway. Our clinicians are capable of evaluating everyone's hearing, from newborns to the elderly, from those who are multi-handicapped to those in extended care facilities.

Maximizing the Hearing You Have: Experts say stereotypes associated with hearing loss may explain why many hard-of-hearing people wait an average of seven years before seeking help. I am committed to providing technologically advanced hearing devices not only because our patients consistently rate them as superior, but also because independent research bodies confirm state-of-the-art hearing instruments provide higher levels of consumer satisfaction.

Advancements such as the mini receiver-in-the-ear hearing devices, digital hearing devices, multiple memories and dual microphones are remarkable breakthroughs. I also want to make sure every effort is expended to afford our patients better hearing in all situations with devices to improve telephone communication, TV listening and urgent response devices such as smoke detectors, doorbells and alarms.

Preserving Hearing: I believe we are our patients' allies, and I encourage our professional staff to take every opportunity to educate and inform those with hearing loss. Hearing is susceptible to a wide variety of risk factors, our patients learn about recreational and occupational noise exposure, medications that impair hearing, the possible effect of chemotherapy on hearing, and the effects of systemic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease on hearing. Special devices used to prevent hearing loss include the use of custom ear protection, musicians' earplugs and ear monitors, noise cancelling earphones and swimmoulds.

Coping Strategies: Hearing loss impacts on all aspects of one's life from family relationships to self-esteem, from academic performance to job stability. Research has shown hearing loss can even affect health status. Our practice firmly believes that the hearing impaired patient needs to learn empowering strategies in order to live with hearing loss and minimize the impact it has on their quality of life.

With 14 locations from Kelowna, BC, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, we are working hard to enhance the quality of life for all our patients. On behalf of my experienced and professional staff, we look forward to the privilege of seeing you soon!

Rob Reiter, B.A., M.Sc.,  Aud. (C), Registered Audiologist
President: Expert Hearing Solutions Inc.