Canadian Hearing Services offers free counselling services and supports to people aged 55 and over who have hearing loss to help improve communication with family, friends, and service providers; stay involved in social activities; and remain safe and independent at home.
Services are provided by hearing care counsellors in an accessible and safe environment, including home visits, in office appointments, or virtually.
- priority is given to people 55 years and older living with a hearing loss
- younger adults (aged 19 and over) with hearing loss who require home-based services
If you are under age 55, and need strategies to cope with your hearing loss, contact General Support Services at CHS.
We also educate care providers, service providers, and support groups on how to provide accessible services for people with hearing loss.
Information and counselling
- We provide you, your family, and other caregivers with information and counselling related to coping with hearing loss including:
- understanding hearing loss
- use, care, and maintenance of hearing aids and other listening systems
- preparing for and managing difficult listening situations
- selecting specialized communication equipment such as telephones, alarm clocks and television accessories
- referrals to other community services
Education
We offer education and training to consumers, family members, caregivers and the general public including:
- family support and communication training
- in-service training to home-support providers
- presentations/community displays
- workshops, classes and learning groups
- referral to other CHS programs and services or agencies that offer alternate services as needed
Communication devices
We provide information and assistance with:
- assistive listening devices
- specialized telephones
- alerting devices
Hearing Health is something some people tend to ignore or neglect but it is very important. Hearing loss can have a profound effect on your well-being and your ability to communicate effectively. If you suspect you have hearing loss or have confirmed hearing loss, our Sound Advice on Hearing Health workshops may provide the support you need to improve communication, increase confidence in difficult listening situations and decrease isolation.
Sound Advice on Hearing Health is a series of virtual workshops, held over 5 weeks via Zoom, for individuals 55 years and older who have suspected or confirmed hearing loss. Workshops are held in a small virtual group setting, providing participants the opportunity for personal input, peer support and social interaction.
Workshop topics include:
Week 1: Introduction to Hearing Health and Communication
You will learn how hearing impacts your life and how to better understand your hearing test results and implications for communication.
Week 2: Factors that Influence Understanding of Speech
You will learn to identify factors that influence understanding of speech and how to create improved communication environments.
Week 3: Stress, Expressing Communication Needs
You will learn how to identify difficulties you are having communicating in specific situations and learn how to effectively handle these challenges.
Week 4: Difficult Listening Situations
You will learn how to manage difficult listening situations, plan ahead to allow for successful communication and maximize your energy so you can take care of your communication needs.
Week 5: Sound Advice on Hearing Aid and Home Safety Equipment
You will learn about current hearing aid technology and devices that will help you with your day-to-day life at home and in social environments.
Sound Advice on Hearing Health has positively impacted the lives of many individuals. CLICK HERE to read our client testimonials.
Sound Advice on Hearing Health Workshop Schedule
2023 Workshop Schedule
Month | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 |
Sept/Oct Virtual Instructor: Cathy O'Connor |
Thursday Sept 7 10am - 12pm |
Thursday Sept 14 10am - 12pm |
Thursday Sept 21 10am - 12pm |
Thursday Sept 28 10am - 12pm |
Thursday Oct 5 10am - 12pm |
Sept/Oct In-person: Aaniin Community Centre (Markham) Instructor: Angela Pagniello Mantle |
Thursday Sept 14 1pm - 3pm |
Thursday Sept 21 1pm - 3pm |
Thursday Sept 28 1pm - 3pm |
Thursday Oct 5 1pm - 3pm |
Thursday Oct 12 1pm - 3pm |
Sept/Oct in-person: Thornbury Instructor: Ross Hart |
Tuesday Sept 19 1pm - 3pm |
Tuesday Sept 26 1pm - 3pm |
Tuesday Oct 3 1pm - 3pm |
Tuesday Oct 17 1pm - 3pm |
Tuesday Oct 24 1pm - 3pm |
October Virtual Instructor: Joyce Haynes |
Friday Oct 6 10am - 12pm |
Friday Oct 13 10am - 12pm |
Friday Oct 20 10am - 12pm |
Friday Oct 27 10am - 12pm |
Friday Nov 3 10am - 12pm |
October In-person: Collingwood Instructor: Ross Hart |
Friday Oct 6 10am - 12pm |
Friday Oct 13 10am - 12pm |
Friday Oct 20 10am - 12pm |
Friday Oct 27 10am - 12pm |
Friday Nov 3 10am - 12pm |
November |
Wednesday Nov 22 11am - 1pm |
Wednesday Nov 29 11am - 1pm |
Wednesday Dec 6 11am - 1pm |
Wednesday Dec 13 11am - 1pm |
Wednesday Dec 20 11am - 1pm |
How to register:
Email: Hearingcarecounselling@chs.ca
Phone toll free: 1-866-518-0000
TTY toll free: 1-877-215-9530
Email: Hearingcarecounselling@chs.ca
Phone toll free: 1-866-518-0000
TTY toll free: 1-877-215-9530
Online Contact Form
This program is funded in part by local United Ways.