When hearing aids are no longer enough.
When hearing loss can no longer be managed with hearing aids, it often signals a more advanced stage. The effort to hear clearly can bring frustration, fatigue, and real grief. There are meaningful next steps, and you do not have to find them alone.
CC“Is there really nothing else?”
Four levels of next steps.
Plenty of people leave an appointment discouraged, wondering what comes next. Advanced hearing loss usually has solutions at four levels. You can start at any of them.
Medical and clinical assessment
Start with an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who works on advanced hearing solutions. Those solutions may include cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing systems, or other assistive technologies.
Peer support and community connection
It helps to talk to people who are going through the same thing. The Ottawa Cochlear Implant Support Group brings together adult cochlear implant recipients and candidates, in person and online, to learn from one another and share strategies.
Professional counselling and emotional support
Adjusting to significant hearing loss is not only physical. It is emotional too. Canadian Hearing Services offers counselling and support in Ottawa. They can help you understand your options and find resources in the community.
Assistive technology and communication tools
Beyond medical interventions, a wide range of assistive listening devices can enhance daily life: better access to television, theatre, conversations at home and work, restaurants and public spaces, while also supporting personal safety.
The Cochlear Implant Program at The Ottawa Hospital
A specialized service for adults with significant hearing loss who no longer benefit from hearing aids. The program offers assessment, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up, with the goal of helping people reconnect with sound. Learn about the program
Moving forward
Talk to hearing care professionals. Then talk to people who have already taken this step. They can offer insight and encouragement that no brochure can. Looking into advanced hearing solutions can bring back connection, communication, and quality of life.
Real people, a message away.
Some of our members have walked this exact road, cochlear implants and all, and they are glad to talk about it. A real person reads and answers every message.