Hearing Loss in Ottawa & Kanata
Hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly. You may notice that people sound like they are mumbling, conversations feel harder, the TV volume keeps going up, or hearing in background noise becomes more difficult.
At Ottawa Hears Audiology, your hearing is assessed by Genia Kanne-Shmigol, Doctor of Audiology, using a comprehensive, personalized, and evidence-based approach.
Common Signs of Hearing Loss
You may benefit from a hearing assessment if you notice:
❌ Difficulty hearing conversations
❌ Trouble understanding speech in background noise
❌ Asking people to repeat themselves
❌ Turning up the TV or phone volume
❌ Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears
❌ Ear fullness, pressure, or blocked-ear sensation
❌ Muffled hearing after a cold, flu, virus, or ear infection
❌ Listening fatigue
❌ Family members noticing your hearing before you do
Possible Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by a combination of factors at the same time, including:
✅ Age-related hearing changes
✅ Noise exposure
✅ Earwax buildup
✅ Ear infections or fluid behind the eardrum
✅ Sinus congestion or Eustachian tube dysfunction
✅ Tinnitus
✅ Sudden hearing loss
✅ Certain medications or medical conditions
✅ Family history of hearing loss
A comprehensive hearing assessment helps identify the type and degree of hearing loss and guides the next steps.
Can a Virus or Infection Affect Hearing?
Seek urgent medical care if you experience sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, with or without tinnitus, dizziness, ear pressure, or imbalance.
Sudden hearing loss may require prompt medical treatment, often with steroid medication such as oral steroids or, in some cases, steroid injections into the ear. Treatment is time-sensitive, and the chance of recovery may be better when care is started as soon as possible.
If this happens, please contact your physician, nurse practitioner, urgent care clinic, or emergency department right away — ideally within the first 72 hours.
Please note: Ottawa Hears Audiology does not prescribe medication. We can assess your hearing before or after your medical visit and provide audiological results to support your care.
Sudden or Post-Viral Hearing Changes
Muffled hearing, ear fullness, tinnitus, dizziness, or sudden hearing changes can sometimes occur after a cold, flu, sinus infection, ear infection, COVID, or another viral illness.
This may be related to congestion, fluid, inflammation, or middle ear pressure. However, sudden hearing loss — especially in one ear — may involve the inner ear or auditory nerve and should be treated as urgent.
Please seek medical care right away, ideally within 72 hours, especially if symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, ear pressure, or imbalance. Treatment may be time-sensitive and may include steroid medication when prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Please note: Ottawa Hears Audiology does not prescribe medication. We can assess your hearing before or after your medical visit and provide audiological results to support your care.
When Should You Book a Hearing Assessment?
Book a hearing assessment if you are experiencing:
✅ New or gradual hearing difficulties
✅ Muffled hearing or blocked-ear sensation
✅ Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
✅ Hearing changes after a virus, cold, flu, sinus infection, or ear infection
✅ Difficulty understanding speech clearly
✅ Hearing concerns noticed by family or friends
If you are noticing hearing changes, muffled hearing, tinnitus, ear fullness, or hearing loss after a virus or infection, we can help.
Let’s Connect
You do not need a medical referral to see Genia Kanne-Shmigol, Au.D.(C), Doctor of Audiology, Audiologist.
Book your assessment online or email us with your inquiry, and we will be happy to guide you to the right audiological service for your needs. For the fastest response, please contact us by clinic email.