Latest news with #hearinghealth
CTV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Is Montreal's summer noise affecting our hearing?
Doctors say that earplugs should be on a keychain as our ears are solicited more than ever in the modern world. (pexels) Starting Thursday, engines will begin roaring at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame for the start of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, kicking off Montreal's summer festival season. As F1 fans work to get as close to the track as possible, ears across Montreal will feel the sounds of summer in a noisy city. From the F1 to the Jazzfest, Osheaga, construction and CF Montreal games, experts say we need to take better care of our ears. F1 car Race fans watch as Ferrari mechanics practice in the paddocks at the Canadian Grand Prix Thursday, June 15, 2023 in Montreal. Formula One is back in Canada for a second consecutive year as the Canadian Grand Prix gets underway this week in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) 'Our ears are more and more solicited today than they have ever been,' said Dr. Tamara Mijovic with the MUHC's Otolaryngology department. 'It's not just living in the cities, working online. It's from our phones. There's noise everywhere, in our workplace, and in our hobbies and our activities. So, overall, in the outdoors, I tell all my patients: wear earplugs. They should be on your keychain.' Chance Hutchinson, 41, says he has been playing in punk rock bands since he was 12. The Priors frontman and guitarist for Private Lives and Sonic Avenues, said decades of music and shows have taken a toll on his hearing. 'My hearing is not great,' he said shortly after a show. 'I've been to see an audiologist many times. My left ear is worse than my right, but I'm still working on it. I have issues that are not treated yet or diagnosed.' Hutchinson now wears special earplugs constantly and sees more and more gig-goers doing likewise. 'People talk about it a lot more now,' he said. 'When we were kids, we used to rehearse in a basement, and no one ever told us to wear earplugs. We were just turning up the amps as loud as they could go, you know what I mean, and just kind of beating on the drums. So, yeah, it's always been super loud.' Private Lives performs in Montreal Private Lives performs in Montreal on May 29, 2025. (Daniel J. Rowe/CTV News) Mijovic says that wearing earplugs at any loud event is essential, and your phone's volume should always be set to less than half the maximum. 'Blast injuries,' she explains, caused by sudden loud noises like horns, are not what causes major damage. 'They happen. It can be quite traumatic, but they're rare. They're a small amount compared to the daily noise that we're exposed to,' she said. Hearing specialists say that any sound louder than 85 decibels for longer than eight hours can cause hearing loss. In addition, the louder the noise, the shorter the time span our ears can take. Decibels Example 10 dB Normal breathing 20 dB Mosquito buzzing 60 dB Normal conversation 85 dB Blender, heavy traffic 100 dB Night club, train, snowmobile 120 dB Ambulance siren, live concert 130 dB Stock car race, jet engine 145 dB Fireworks When getting home from an event, it can be easy to detect whether your ears have been damaged. 'One of the signs of damage is to have ringing in your ears after the event. These are called temporary threshold shifts,' said Mijovic. 'That means your ear is telling you that something is a bit different, and usually that recovers within 24-48 hours, but it's cumulative. So, the more you go out clubbing or to events and you have that, the more likely it is that eventually the hearing will not recover, and even that tinnitus can be quite permanent.' A variety of earplugs are available, and Mijovic says she is happy to see more young people wearing them. 'It's all about investing when you're young to avoid wearing hearing aids when you're getting into your 60s, when damage has been done,' she said. JAZZ FESTIVAL Crowds gather for the annual Jazz Festival in Montreal. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press) The World Health Organization (WHO) states that more than a billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, including the use of earbuds or headphones to drown out noise. Mijovic said that a phone volume at maximum is around 110 decibels, which is dangerous. 'It's important to really look at the volume,' she said. 'I think that noise-cancelling earphones are good in the sense that you will be able to tune out the background noise and therefore keep your volume low. Where I worry about is when, let's say, I'm taking the Metro, I'm next to somebody, and I can hear their own music.' Live music has always been a deep-rooted part of Montreal's culture, and Hutchinson advises those attending the shows to take a small step to ensure they can enjoy it and not hurt themselves. 'If you're going to a show where guitars are plugged into an amplifier, you should be wearing ear protection,' he said.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AI hearing aid mimics human brain with 80 million real-time sound adjustments per hour
This Better Hearing Month, Starkey MEA is shining a spotlight on its most intelligent hearing solution to date — Edge AI — as part of an ongoing drive to promote hearing health awareness across the Middle East. Designed to replicate how the human brain processes sound, Edge AI performs up to 80 million personalised hearing adjustments per hour, helping users stay connected, confident, and comfortable in any environment. At the core of Edge AI is Starkey's groundbreaking G2 Neuro Processor, which boasts six times more transistors, ten times more memory, and four times faster processing than its predecessor. This advanced chip enables the device to automatically adapt to complex listening environments — whether it's a family majlis in the UAE, a bustling street in Jeddah, or a shopping mall in Kuwait City — ensuring seamless auditory clarity in real time. 'Edge AI isn't just a hearing aid — it's a technological breakthrough designed for real life,' said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc. 'It's already changing lives across the GCC and wider region. And with May being Better Hearing Month, we want to remind the public that better hearing starts with a simple, preventive check-up. Early diagnosis makes all the difference.' Edge AI is equipped with features that enhance the user experience across connectivity, wellness, and convenience. These include Bluetooth LE Audio for seamless, energy-efficient streaming, Auracast™ broadcast capability, and a 60% smaller StarLink Edge TV Streamer for direct television audio. Select waterproof models offer up to 51 hours of battery life, while Neuro Sound Technology 2.0 delivers 30% more accurate speech detection in noisy environments. 'Edge AI has redefined what hearing support means for someone like me who is constantly in professional and social settings. Its real-time adaptability across complex environments — from lecture halls to roundtable discussions — has restored not just my ability to hear, but also my confidence to engage fully. For the first time in years, I feel truly connected to the conversations around me. For professionals like me, who rely heavily on communication, this technology is more than a device — it's a lifeline,' said Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of the International Diabetes Federation for the MENA region and a hearing loss patient. In addition, the device supports a holistic approach to hearing health with tools such as sensor-driven balance assessments, fall detection alerts, and smartwatch integration via the My Starkey mobile app — allowing users to manage hearing settings and track wellness on the go. With hearing loss affecting a growing number of people across the Middle East — including younger individuals exposed to prolonged noise and an ageing population — Starkey MEA is working closely with audiologists and clinics to raise awareness, encourage early screenings, and provide hands-on access to its cutting-edge technology throughout Better Hearing Month. 'Better hearing leads to better living,' added Bechara. 'This month is not only about showcasing our most powerful solution, Edge AI — it's about empowering people to take the first step toward hearing health.'
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Starkey MEA amplifies awareness on hearing loss in MENA region as globally 2.5 billion are at risk
Dubai, UAE: In recognition of 'Better Hearing and Speech Month', Starkey MEA is urging families and healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa to prioritize hearing health. To spotlight this often-overlooked issue, Starkey MEA is associating with Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of International Diabetes Federation for MENA region and hearing loss patient —not only as a renowned physician, but as someone who has personally navigated the challenges of hearing loss. The global hearing health crisis is growing. By 2050, an estimated 2.5 billion people will experience some form of hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. Over 700 million will need access to hearing rehabilitation. Yet across the region, millions remain undiagnosed, untreated, and underserved—impacting not just individual quality of life, but economic productivity, cognitive health, and social well-being. 'Your ears don't often get the same attention as your eyes or heart, but they are just as vital,' said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc. 'Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and even increased risk of dementia. But with a simple test, that trajectory can change.' 'I began to struggle in meetings and international conferences. At first, I blamed background noise or fatigue. But eventually, I realized I was missing key parts of conversations—professionally and personally,' said Dr. Eltom. 'Getting my hearing checked changed everything. As both a doctor and a patient, I can say: early detection is not just helpful, it's essential.' Hearing loss often develops so gradually that many individuals may overlook the early signs or attribute them to other causes. Common indicators include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the television or phone to uncomfortable levels, feeling unusually fatigued after conversations, struggling to hear high-pitched sounds or distinguish consonants, and withdrawing from social or professional settings due to communication challenges. The economic cost of unaddressed hearing loss is estimated at nearly $1 trillion annually. Yet many people in the Middle East and Africa delay getting tested due to stigma, lack of access, or the misconception that hearing loss is only a problem for the elderly. 'This is about dignity, connection, and health equity,' Dr. Eltom added. 'We must normalize hearing care as part of standard health routines—across every age group.' 'What you can do today to take charge of your hearing health is simple yet impactful. Patients can start by booking a hearing screening at their nearest clinic or hearing care center. Encourage older family members, friends, or colleagues to do the same, as early detection can make a significant difference. Better hearing leads to better living. And there's no better time to begin than now,' Bechara concluded. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development, and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at and Media contact: Hadia Eltom, Marketing Manager | Starkey MEA FZCO Dubai Airport Freezone 4Wb - G44 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates
