Hearing is essential to connecting in a pandemic
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This article was published 24/03/2021 (800 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Living with hearing loss is a challenge in normal times but when the pandemic took hold and mask-wearing became the norm, some people began to notice difficulties hearing people talking through masks.
Hearing and communication is essential, especially now, says Kristy Stefanson-Tarasoff, a registered hearing instrument practitioner and owner of Ear Architects Hearing Care, located at 3412 Roblin Blvd..
“We need to be able to hear and understand what’s going on around us to have that human connection,” Kristy says. “My passion is to help people to hear and understand hearing loss, and the benefits of early treatment.”
Kristy completed the hearing aid practitioner program while living in Calgary and worked in the industry for more than 10 years before moving back to Winnipeg in 2018. She opened Ear Architects Hearing Care the following year in Charleswood, the community being a good fit for her business.
Her team includes her niece Sydney Stefanson, whose hearing impairment inspired Kristy to pursue a career in hearing care; and Jessica Wilson, who is studying for a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Ear Architects services include hearing evaluation, counselling which includes hearing assessment and results of audiogram, and fitting hearing devices.
People have different hearing needs so the hearing device an individual requires depend on that individual’s specific need, Kristy explains. The device must suit not only the individuals’ unique pattern of hearing loss, but also the lifestyle.
“I spend a lot of time with my patients to determine the best option for them,” she points out.
“Having a connection and really understanding what each individual is feeling and going through helps with counselling after the initial hearing test and fitting of the hearing devices.”
It’s a process, she states, adding that it can take years to lose your hearing so it takes time to understand the sounds around you.
Just as treatment for hearing loss involved custom solutions, the technology and hearing devices can also be designed to accommodate an individual’s budget. The cost of the devices depend on the features selected such accessories that cancel noise or eliminate feedback.
Meeting the needs of those who require her services during the pandemic hasn’t been easy, Kristy concedes.
“I had to pivot like everyone else to respond to the rules and regulations. We followed safety protocols. When people were asked to stay at home, we would drop off and pick up hearing aids for repair, so they can continue to communicate with their families.”
Exceptional customer service is the catalyst for the well -being and health of her clients, Kristy emphasizes.
“I love what I do. It’s more than a business. It’s part of my life.”
To find out more about Ear Architects customer service and range of products offered, call or 204-416-7455 or visit www.eahearing.com
Donna Minkus
Charleswood community correspondent
Donna Minkus is a community correspondent for Charleswood.