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It is a question we hear often at Frequency Hearing. A loved one has passed away and left behind hearing aids. A friend or family member has upgraded their hearing aids and offers their old pair to you. At first glance, it seems practical. Hearing aids are expensive and still look perfectly usable. But hearing aids are not like glasses or shoes. Wearing someone else’s hearing aids is more complex than it may appear. Here is what you need to know before using hearing aids that were not originally fit for you. Hearing Aids Are Medical Devices Hearing aids are regulated medical devices. In Canada and the United States, manufacturers and hearing professionals are required to track important information such as: Who the hearing aids were originally fit for Which hearing healthcare professional dispensed them Warranty coverage and repair history Recall and safety information When hearing aids are passed to another person, this registration is typically lost. This means any remaining warranty may no longer apply, and manufacturers may not provide repair or replacement support. This is one of the biggest reasons why using secondhand hearing aids can become costly and complicated. Hearing Loss Is Personal No two people hear the same way. Hearing loss varies by frequency, severity, and ear. Hearing aids are programmed using detailed hearing test results to match each individual’s needs. Hearing Aids Are Programmed for One Person When hearing aids are fit, they are carefully programmed based on: Your audiogram Your comfort levels Your listening environments Your speech understanding If hearing aids are programmed for someone else, they may not help you hear better at all. In some cases, they can actually make things worse. Too much amplification or gain can cause sounds to be uncomfortably loud and may even damage your remaining hearing. Physical Fit Matters Too Many hearing aids include custom ear molds or shells designed to fit one specific ear. Even small differences in ear shape can cause: Discomfort or soreness Whistling or feedback Poor sound quality Difficulty keeping the device in place Some manufacturers do not allow custom hearing aids to be remolded for a different person. Even when it is possible, the cost may approach the price of a new device. Support and Service Are Key to Success Even if you can physically wear the hearing aids, professional support is still required. A hearing healthcare professional will need to: Perform a full hearing evaluation Determine if the hearing aids are appropriate for your hearing loss Reprogram the devices safely and accurately This service is usually provided for a fee, as it requires time, expertise, and specialized equipment. Ongoing follow up care is also essential for long term success with hearing aids. At Frequency Hearing, we often remind patients that hearing aids are not a one time purchase. Ongoing service, adjustments, cleanings, and support play a major role in how well they work. What Are Your Options? If you are considering using hearing aids that belonged to someone else, there are a few possible paths forward. Option One: Have Them Evaluated by a Hearing Professional The best first step is to book a hearing test and consultation. A hearing professional can tell you whether the hearing aids are compatible with your hearing loss and if they can be safely adjusted. Option Two: Consider New Hearing Aids Today’s hearing aid technology has advanced significantly. Newer devices offer better sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and support options. In many cases, investing in properly fit hearing aids leads to better outcomes and fewer frustrations. Option Three: Donate the Hearing Aids If the hearing aids cannot be reused, donation is another meaningful option. Several charitable organizations accept hearing aid donations and may offer a tax receipt. This allows the devices to continue helping someone else in need. The Bottom Line Hearing aids are life changing devices, but they are not one size fits all. While it may be tempting to use a loved one’s hearing aids, doing so without professional guidance can lead to discomfort, poor hearing results, and potential harm to your hearing health. If you are unsure what noises you may be missing, the best place to start is with a professional hearing evaluation. Book a Hearing Consultation Today At Frequency Hearing, we take the time to understand your hearing, your lifestyle, and your goals. Whether you are exploring hearing aids for the first time or have questions about secondhand devices, we are here to help. Schedule your hearing consultation today and take the first step toward better hearing.

Going on Vacation? Smart Ways to Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry While You Travel Travelling is exciting—but new climates, humidity, sunscreen, sweat, and unexpected rain can all pose challenges for hearing aid users. Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of hearing aid microphones and receivers, so having a plan to keep them dry can save you from frustration (and costly repairs!) on your trip. Here are simple, practical, and travel-friendly ways to protect your devices while you’re away. 1. Bring a Dry-Aid Kit (Your First Line of Defence) A dry-aid kit is small, lightweight, and fits easily into a carry-on or suitcase. These kits use moisture-absorbing beads to pull humidity out of your hearing aids overnight. Why bring one? Works anywhere No electricity needed Reusable Prevents moisture-related whistling or muffled sound Extends the life of your hearing aids Pro tip: Refresh or replace the beads before your trip to ensure maximum performance. 2. Upgrade to a Dry-Lux Electric Dehumidifier (The Gold Standard) If you want the best possible moisture control, the Dry-Lux electric dehumidifier is the way to go. It gently warms your hearing aids and circulates air, pulling out deep moisture that standard kits can’t reach. Why Dry-Lux is worth it: Deep-drying technology Reduces moisture buildup from sweat, humidity, and tropical climates Great for daily use at home and on the road Helps protect rechargeable batteries Lightweight and compact for travel If you're visiting warm destinations like Mexico, Texas, or anywhere with heat and humidity, this is the most reliable option. 3. In a Pinch? Use This DIY Travel Hack: Rice + Tissue + Bowl Forgot your drying kit at home? No problem—you can create a quick moisture absorber using items in your hotel room. How to do it: Grab a bowl or cup. Add a few tablespoons of dry, uncooked rice . Place a clean tissue on top to keep the rice dust from entering the hearing aids. Set your hearing aids on the tissue. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate . This works the same way as a phone-in-rice trick: it absorbs moisture from the air surrounding your devices. Not perfect—but better than leaving them exposed. When to use this hack: Accidentally got your hearing aids damp You’re somewhere humid and don’t have your dry-aid kit You need an emergency solution overnight Bonus Tips to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Travelling Avoid leaving aids in a hot car or direct sun—heat + moisture is a bad combo. Pack a small cleaning brush to remove sunscreen and sweat debris. Use a hearing aid clip or retention line for water activities. Always bring an extra case , wax guards , and domes just in case.

Five years ago, Frequency Hearing opened its clinic with one goal. To help people hear life more clearly and confidently. What began as a small, community-focused practice has grown into a trusted destination for hearing tests, hearing aids, custom protection, tinnitus management, and workplace hearing services across Beaumont and surrounding areas. As we celebrate this milestone, we want to thank every client, family member, business partner, and community leader who has supported Frequency Hearing. Your trust is the reason we continue to grow. Our Mission Has Always Been Personal At Frequency Hearing, hearing care is never just about devices. It is about people. Hearing loss affects conversations, relationships, confidence, and overall quality of life. That is why our care model has always been rooted in compassion and education. We take the time to explain hearing changes, guide you through your options, and provide ongoing support long after your appointment ends. Helping Our Community Hear the Moments That Matter Over the past five years, we have been honoured to help hundreds of Albertans rediscover the sounds they love. Common success stories include: Hearing grandchildren clearly again Understanding conversations in busy restaurants Reducing tinnitus stress Feeling safer at work with proper hearing protection Improving day-to-day communication at home and in the workplace Every improved conversation and every moment of clarity remind us why this work matters. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Team The Frequency Hearing experience is shaped by people who care. A special thank you goes to our incredible assistant. For three years, your dedication, kindness, and professionalism have brought comfort and confidence to every person who walks through our doors. You have helped build the warm and welcoming experience that our clients value. Together, we have created more than a clinic. We have created a community built on trust and support. Whether you are a long-time client or someone who has been thinking about getting your hearing checked, we would love to see you. Looking Ahead to the Next 5 Years As we move into our sixth year, Frequency Hearing is committed to expanding our services to better support individuals, families, and workplaces. What You Can Expect Moving Forward More accessibility for busy families Streamlined appointments and community education opportunities. Expanded workplace hearing services On-site testing for employers, custom protection for noisy industries, and safety education programs. Continued leadership in hearing wellness Modern solutions for tinnitus, updated device technology, and personalized long-term hearing support. We look forward to helping even more people experience improved hearing and a better quality of life. Thank You, Beaumont From day one, Beaumont has welcomed us with trust, encouragement, and a sense of community spirit. We are grateful for every visit, every referral, and every shared success story over these past five years. Here is to the next chapter filled with connection, clarity, and the sounds that make life meaningful. With gratitude, Alissa Horneland, BC HIS Owner, Frequency Hearing

What Is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is the perception of sound — like ringing, buzzing, or humming when no external sound is present. It can come and go, or for some, it becomes a constant companion that affects concentration, sleep, and peace of mind. While many people assume tinnitus starts in the ears, the real story goes much deeper — into the brain’s sound system. Meet the Thalamus: The Brain’s Sound Gatekeeper The thalamus sits deep in the center of your brain, just above the brainstem. Think of it as your brain’s filter or switchboard — it decides which sensory signals (like sound, touch, or vision) are important enough to reach your conscious awareness. In a healthy system, the thalamus helps you ignore background noise so you can focus on what matters. But when hearing damage or loss occurs, the thalamus can become overactive, trying to fill in missing sounds. That overactivity creates a false signal, which your brain interprets as a real tone — the hallmark of tinnitus. The Cortex: Where Sound Is Actually 'Heard' The auditory cortex, located on the outer layer of your brain above your ears, is where sounds are processed and understood. When the thalamus keeps sending phantom sound signals, the cortex hears them as real, even though nothing is happening in the ear itself. Over time, the thalamus and cortex form a feedback loop, constantly reinforcing the false sound. And because these brain areas also talk to the emotional centers (like the amygdala and limbic system), stress, anxiety, and poor sleep can make tinnitus seem even louder. Why You 'Hear' a Sound That Isn’t There Here’s the simplified chain reaction: Ear damage or hearing loss → less sound input to the brain. Thalamus → turns up the 'volume' to compensate, sending false signals. Auditory cortex → interprets those signals as sound. Limbic system → emotional stress makes the loop stronger. So even though tinnitus feels like an ear problem, it’s really a brain perception issue involving the thalamus and cortex. Calming the Brain: Treatment Approaches There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but many treatments help retrain the thalamus and calm the brain’s response: Sound Therapy / Hearing Aids – Restores natural sound input, helping the thalamus relax and reducing phantom activity. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – Combines counselling with sound therapy to teach the brain to filter out the tinnitus signal. Cognitive and Mindfulness Approaches – CBT, meditation, and relaxation techniques quiet the limbic (emotional) response, lowering distress and perceived loudness. Neuromodulation Therapies – Emerging treatments like rTMS or bimodal stimulation aim to rebalance brainwave activity between the thalamus and cortex. Whole-System Support – Nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B12, good sleep, hydration, and reducing silence (using background sounds) all help regulate the nervous system. A Simple Way to Explain It “Tinnitus happens when the brain’s sound filter (the thalamus) keeps sending a false signal, and the sound center (the cortex) hears it as real.” At Frequency Hearing At Frequency Hearing, we help patients understand what’s happening in their brain — not just their ears. Through advanced hearing testing, sound therapy, and personalized counselling, we can help your brain retrain its sound filters and find relief.

Music or Nature? Why Your Ears Deserve Both This Summer Do you enjoy listening to music while gardening, walking the dog, or working on a summer project? A great playlist can help set the mood. It can boost your energy while pulling weeds, help you stay focused while painting a fence, or make a long walk fly by. But what happens when you turn the music off for a little while? That’s when something amazing starts to happen. Summer Is Full of Sounds You Don’t Want to Miss When you step outside and remove your earbuds, you might notice things you usually don’t hear. A bird calling from the trees. The soft hum of bees near the flowers. Leaves rustling in the wind. Even your own footsteps on the grass. These natural sounds, are more than just background noise. They can calm your mind, lower stress, and help you feel more connected to your surroundings. Listening to nature, even for a few minutes, gives your brain and ears a much-needed break from constant input. Why You Should Rotate Between Music and Nature Rotating between music and natural sound isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a healthy habit. Here’s why: Your ears and brain need quiet time. Constant audio, even music, can cause listening fatigue. Nature sounds are proven to reduce stress and support mental health. Taking breaks from earbuds helps protect your long-term hearing. It keeps you more aware of your environment, which can be both peaceful and safer. Even a short break from your playlist can make a difference. Try This Simple “Sound Rotation” Routine Next time you're out enjoying your favourite hobby, give this a try: Step 1: Start with your music. Pick a few songs you love and enjoy them while you begin your activity. Step 2: Take a 10-minute break. Pause the music. Take out your earbuds. Just listen. Notice the world around you and breathe it in. Step 3: End with low-volume music or silence. Let your ears wind down slowly as you wrap up your task or activity. This approach lets you enjoy the benefits of both sound worlds while giving your ears the balance they need. A Quick Reminder for Earbud Users If you wear earbuds regularly, remember: Keep the volume below 60 percent Take breaks often Avoid using them all day Watch for signs of hearing stress like ringing or muffled sound If you’re unsure about your hearing or just want peace of mind, a quick hearing check can help. Your Summer, Your Sound Summer is full of music, laughter, birdsong, and memories waiting to be made. Whether you’re tuning in to your favourite band or the sounds of nature, take care of your hearing so you can enjoy it all. Have questions about hearing health, earbuds, or custom hearing protection for summer hobbies? We’re happy to help.  Your ears are with you every step of the way. Let’s help them hear it all.

Are Hearing Aids the New Glasses? Cool Tech That Helps You Hear (and Translate!) Better  Glasses Used to Be a Hassle. Now They're Fashionable. Not long ago, people were embarrassed to wear glasses. Today, many wear them without a prescription just to look sharp. Glasses became part of fashion and everyday life. Now the same shift is happening with hearing aids. Modern hearing aids, especially those from Oticon , are no longer big beige devices that whistle at the wrong time. Today, they are small, smart, and designed to help you hear clearly in every part of your life. Some can even help you understand different languages. Oticon Hearing Aids Are Smarter Than Ever Oticon is one of the world’s top hearing aid companies. They have been helping people hear better for over 100 years. Today, their focus is on helping your brain understand sound, not just making things louder. This is called BrainHearing™ technology . Oticon’s latest models, including Intent , Real , Own , and More , use artificial intelligence to adjust to your surroundings in real time. These devices help you hear clearly in quiet rooms, busy restaurants, or while walking outside. Some models work with apps that even let you translate conversations from other languages into sound you can understand. Yes, Language Translation Is Possible Not every Oticon hearing aid has built-in translation. But if you use an Oticon model with Bluetooth and the Oticon Companion app , you can stream translated audio from your smartphone directly into your hearing aids. This is helpful if you are: Travelling in another country Talking with someone who speaks a different language Living in a multilingual home or community Free or low-cost translation apps that work with Oticon hearing aids Here are three free or low-cost translation apps that work with Oticon hearing aids when used through your phone. 1. Google Translate Real-time speech translation Works with over 100 languages Easy to use with your phone’s microphone You can stream translated speech into your Oticon hearing aids using Bluetooth Download for iPhone Download for Android 2. iTranslate Voice or Reverso Translate and Learn Speak into your phone and hear the translation Great for casual conversation or travel Streams clearly into your Oticon hearing aids if your phone supports it iTranslate for iPhone Reverso for Android 3. Microsoft Translator Translates spoken words and displays the text Offers speech playback you can stream into your hearing aids Also works well for group conversations Download for iPhone Download for Android Use the Oticon Companion App to Control Everything Whether or not you use translation apps, the Oticon Companion app gives you full control of your hearing aids. You can: Adjust volume and settings Switch between listening programs Stream calls and music from your phone Check battery life Use SpeechBooster to focus on voices Track your hearing habits with HearingFitness Get remote support from your audiologist Oticon Companion for iPhone Oticon Companion for Android Hearing Aids Are No Longer Something to Hide Just like glasses became stylish, hearing aids are becoming something people are proud to wear. Oticon designs their hearing aids to be small, sleek, and comfortable. Some are nearly invisible when worn. Today’s hearing aids help you: Hear clearly in noisy places Understand multiple languages Stay connected to calls, music, and smart home devices Control everything from your smartphone At Frequency Hearing, we are proud to offer the latest Oticon hearing aids and support tools. These are not just for hearing better. They are for living better . If you are thinking about hearing aids for yourself or someone you care about, now is the time to take the next step. The technology is ready and the experience is easier than ever.

Have you ever seen a message pop up on your phone that says something like “Your headphone volume was too loud today”? It might seem easy to ignore, but that alert is there to protect your hearing. Our phones are getting smarter, and now they can help us take better care of our health. The latest iPhones and Android phones can warn you if you have been listening to loud sounds for too long. If your phone does not do this, there are free apps that can help. These tools are a great first step toward protecting your ears and your overall health. Let us take a closer look at how this works and why it matters more than you might think. Why Loud Sounds Are a Problem When you are exposed to loud noise for a long time, the tiny hairs inside your ears can get damaged. These hairs help carry sound signals to your brain. Once they are damaged, they do not grow back, which means the hearing loss is permanent. But that is not all. Being around loud noise often does more than just hurt your hearing. It can also make you feel: Tired or worn out Stressed or anxious Less focused during the day This happens because your brain is working overtime trying to process sound that is too loud or not clear. When your ears are under stress, your body feels it too. That is why hearing health is connected to your overall health and energy levels. How Your Phone Helps Many phones now have safety features that can alert you when sound levels are too high. iPhones with iOS 14 or newer include a feature in the Health app that tracks your headphone sound levels over time. If it notices your volume is often too loud, it will send a warning. Android phones with Android 10 or newer will show a message if your volume stays at unsafe levels for too long. These features follow safe listening rules from the World Health Organization. The goal is to help people lower the risk of long-term hearing loss by making them aware of dangerous sound levels. No Alerts? Try These Free Apps If your phone is older or does not have hearing safety tools built in, you can download an app that does the same job. 1. NIOSH Sound Level Meter – for iPhone This app was created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It shows real-time noise levels and helps you know when your environment might be too loud. ➤ Download for iPhone 2. Sound Meter – for Android This app measures the noise around you and shows the sound level in decibels. It is simple, accurate, and easy to use. ➤ Download for Android Both of these apps are free and useful at concerts, job sites, busy streets, or even noisy restaurants. Take Action to Protect Your Hearing If your phone or an app tells you that the sound is too loud, do not ignore it. Turn the volume down. Take breaks from headphones. Use noise-cancelling headphones instead of turning the volume up to block background sounds. Remember, protecting your hearing is not just about avoiding hearing aids later in life. It is about feeling your best every day. Clear hearing helps your brain work better, lowers stress, and keeps you feeling more focused and less tired. Hear is What Our Experts Say... Your hearing health is part of your overall health. The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. Pay attention to the alerts your phone gives you. If it does not have those features, download a trusted app to help. Your ears and your body will thank you. If you have concerns about your hearing or are not sure how to get started, we are here to help. Book a hearing test today online or call us at 780-737-7117. Stay healthy. Stay connected. Stay sharp.

The Hidden Danger of Reusable Silicone Earplugs: A Cautionary Tale Reusable silicone earplugs are marketed as a versatile solution for noise reduction and water protection , often advertised for sleeping, swimming, mowing, flying, and studying . While they may seem like a convenient and cost-effective option, they can pose serious risks if not used properly . I recently had a client visit my clinic with a concerning issue—her reusable silicone earplug had become stuck deep inside her ear . Despite our best efforts, we were unable to safely remove it, and she had to seek medical attention. This experience serves as a warning for others who might consider using these types of earplugs. Why Silicone Earplugs Can Be Risky Soft and Sticky Texture – While designed to mold to the ear, silicone can become lodged in the ear canal, making removal difficult Breakage or Fragmentation – Some reusable silicone plugs can break apart , leaving small pieces stuck inside the ear. Creates an Airtight Seal – This may seem beneficial, but if pushed too deep , it can lead to ear infections, discomfort, or even temporary hearing loss . Not One-Size-Fits-All – Everyone’s ear canals are different, and a poorly fitting plug can either fall out too easily or get stuck too deeply . A Safer Alternative: Custom-Fit Ear Protection Instead of risking a stuck earplug, I always recommend custom ear molds tailored to each individual's ear shape. These provide: A Secure & Comfortable Fit – No risk of them getting stuck or falling out. Better Noise Reduction – Designed for sleep, work, or loud environments. Safe Water Protection – Ideal for swimming without the risk of ear infections. Long-Lasting & Durable – Unlike silicone earplugs, which wear out over time. Whether you need sleep molds, musician earplugs, or hearing protection for loud environments , custom earplugs are the safest and most effective choice . While reusable silicone earplugs may seem convenient, they can pose serious risks —as my client unfortunately experienced. If you’re looking for comfortable, safe, and effective ear protection , I highly recommend exploring custom-fit earplugs . Your ears are too important to take chances with! Want to learn more about custom ear protection? Visit our clinic to explore options tailored to your needs.

 How to Prevent Ear Pressure When Flying: Tips & Expert Advice If you've ever felt your ears pop or become clogged while flying, you're not alone! This happens due to rapid air pressure changes during takeoff and landing. The good news? There are simple ways to prevent discomfort and protect your ears while traveling. Why Does Ear Pressure Happen? Your ears have small passages called Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure between your middle ear and the outside environment. When a plane ascends or descends, the air pressure changes quickly, and if your Eustachian tubes don’t adjust fast enough, you may feel discomfort, fullness, or temporary hearing loss. How to Prevent Ear Pressure While Flying Simple Strategies for Ear Comfort: Swallow, yawn, or chew gum – These actions help open the Eustachian tubes, making it easier for your ears to adjust. Try the Valsalva maneuver – Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow as if trying to exhale through your nose. Drink water – Staying hydrated keeps your nasal passages clear and helps with pressure regulation. Use filtered earplugs – Special earplugs like EarPlanes help slow down pressure changes, reducing discomfort. Avoid sleeping during takeoff & landing – This ensures you can actively equalize pressure as needed. Additional Precautions for Frequent Flyers For those who often experience ear discomfort while flying, some find relief using nasal sprays or decongestants before travel. However, it's important to consult your doctor or an ENT if you have frequent issues, chronic sinus problems, or concerns about your ear health. A healthcare professional can recommend the best approach for your individual needs. When to Seek Medical Advice: If you experience severe ear pain, prolonged hearing loss, or fluid drainage after flying, consider following up with your doctor or an ENT specialist. Most people can prevent ear pressure with simple tricks like chewing gum, swallowing, or using filtered earplugs. If you frequently experience discomfort while flying, talking to a medical professional can help you find the best long-term solutions. Safe travels and happy ears!