Hearing Care Counselling Program

The Hearing Care Counselling Program supports individuals experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing-related concerns by providing education, guidance, and personalized support throughout their hearing care journey. The program also works closely with family members and caregivers, recognizing that hearing loss can affect communication and relationships for everyone involved.

Hearing Care Counsellors provide one-on-one support to help clients:

• Understand hearing loss, hearing health, and available treatment options.

• Learn about hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and other technologies that can improve communication.

• Navigate the hearing care system, including referrals, funding programs, and community resources.

• Prepare for appointments with audiologists and other hearing care professionals.

• Better understand hearing assessments, test results, and recommendations so they can make informed decisions about their care.

• Access financial assistance programs and complete applications for hearing devices or related services when eligible.

• Develop practical communication strategies for everyday situations at home, in the community, and with loved ones.

Home Visits and Family Support:

Hearing Care Counsellors can provide home visits to better understand a client’s communication environment and offer recommendations that fit their daily life. They also work with family members and caregivers by providing education about hearing loss, answering questions, and sharing strategies to improve communication and support the client’s independence.

Ongoing Support:

The program provides guidance as clients adjust to hearing devices, adapt to changes in their hearing, and access additional services when needed. By offering education, advocacy, and personalized support, the Hearing Care Counselling Program helps clients communicate more confidently, stay connected to others, and maintain their independence and quality of life.

Individuals aged 55+ who have hearing loss

There are 3 ways to access this program:

1. Contact Anna McIntosh directly via email or phone number. She is the hearing care counsellor that services the region of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough and takes direct referrals. A client can reach out themselves, or a support worker can reach out on their behalf with their consent.

2. Complete the external referral form found below and submit it by sending it to the program’s general email. This form is used by community agencies to refer clients to the program. After submission, the referral form will then be redirected to the hearing care counsellor that services the region the client resides in.

3. Complete the general form found on the program’s website. This method is typically used by the general public.

Individuals can access the Hearing Care Counselling Program at any stage of their hearing loss journey, whether they are just beginning to notice changes in your hearing, exploring treatment options, or have been living with hearing loss for many years.