Audioprosthetists: We Listen to You

Empathic, always attentive to their patients' needs and committed to developing a relationship of trust, audioprosthetists change people's lives by breaking the isolation caused by hearing loss. Following the adjustment of the hearing aids, he accompanies his patients through the process of rehabilitation to the hearing world. In addition to possessing in-depth knowledge of hearing aids, the audioprosthesist also plays a role in the prevention of deafness. For example, he can custom-design protective earmolds to reduce the noise level in the workplace or during leisure activities. The creation of customized earmolds for swimming is also part of his expertise.

In Quebec, the audioprosthesist is the only hearing correction professional authorized to sell, install, adjust or replace hearing aids. This exclusive profession (title and professional activities reserved) is regulated by the Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec.

Audioprosthetists practicing in Quebec have recognized training, which allows them to maximize the adjustments made to hearing aids. This three-year technical training is offered at the Collège de Rosemont and the Cégep de La Pocatière.

When an audioprosthetist first sees a patient, they assess their hearing difficulties. Each patient is unique, and each type of hearing loss is managed differently. Two people with the same type of hearing loss, but distinct lifestyles, could also experience very different difficulties. That’s why the audioprosthetist needs to take the time to understand what needs to be prioritized. From there, they use their expertise to determine which hearing aids are best for the patient’s situation.

They then program the hearing aids so that they are adjusted to the patient's hearing situation. Thus, they are not only programmed based on the audiogram results. The audioprosthetist makes personalized adjustments, which consider different listening situations (e.g. restaurant, work, theater, etc.). The audioprosthetist (with the help of a specialized educator) also teaches the patient how the hearing aids work and how to maintain them.

The audioprosthetist sees the patient again to answer questions and see how they’re readjusting to the hearing world. The patient then comes in periodically, at least once a year, so that the audioprosthetist can perform preventive maintenance.

Audioprosthetists are well aware that readjusting to the hearing world takes time. That’s why they’re always available to provide support and answer any questions you might have. Yes, the technical side is important, but the human side is even more so! As we like to say, we take care of more than just ears—we take care of human beings. And the audioprosthetist’s duty is to listen. Listen to you.

Make an appointment with an audioprosthetist, who will be able to advise you in the choice of hearing aids, assistive listening devices and personalized hearing protectors.