Episode 7: Trish Ehman, Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner on why hearing matters for brain health

Why Hearing Matters for Brain Health: Mobile Hearing Care with Trish Ehman In this episode, Valerie from Allied Care Connect speaks with Trish Ehman, Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner and owner of Ears To You Calgary, a mobile hearing clinic that brings hearing care to people in their homes, senior communities and care facilities. They talk about why hearing matters so much for brain health, what can happen when hearing loss goes untreated, and the early signs people often miss in themselves or in a parent. The conversation also covers why so many people wait years before getting their hearing checked, what a mobile clinic makes possible for seniors and anyone who can't easily get to a clinic, what happens during a hearing assessment, how hearing loss can affect relationships and social life, and what to look for when choosing a hearing care provider. Trish's ACC profile: https://alliedcareconnect.ca/professi... Addendum: In the episode intro, Trish's experience is mentioned as about 12 years. The correct figure is 14+ years of experience in hearing care. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Trish Ehman and the episode focus on hearing and brain health 00:50 - What drew Trish to hearing care and to Ears To You Calgary 03:10 - What a Hearing Aid Practitioner does day to day 04:02 - Why hearing matters for brain health 06:23 - Early signs of hearing loss people tend to miss 09:34 - How the brain filters sound, and why hearing aids take time to get used to 12:20 - Why hearing aids end up in drawers, and why trust in your provider matters 14:10 - Why people wait years to get their hearing checked 16:26 - The adjustment period and the ReConnect program 19:10 - The emotional side of hearing loss: grief, aging and independence 21:24 - Gradual vs. sudden hearing loss 23:23 - Community hearing screenings and what a mobile clinic makes possible 26:46 - What happens during a hearing assessment 30:50 - Why being proactive leads to better results 32:22 - Shared decisions and being ready for hearing aids 33:48 - How hearing loss affects relationships, social life and independence 36:27 - City vs. country living, noise at work and the role of genetics 39:02 - How to protect your hearing 40:12 - What to look for in a hearing care provider 42:26 - Why to bring a list and a companion to your appointment 45:40 - Where to find Trish and Ears To You Calgary The views, opinions, and experiences shared by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Allied Care Connect or the host. This podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized professional, medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. #brainhealth #hearingloss #hearinghealth #alliedhealth #alliedcareconnect