Brought to you by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Small Business People’s Choice Award winner Dr. Carrie Scarff of Audiology Innovations.
Our 20 year local business success story seemed to really resonate with many individuals at the 2026 Calgary Chamber Small Business Awards Gala this year. In celebrating Audiology Innovations’ 20th anniversary this year, we shared some ups and downs with many of you. Our growth from 1 clinic to 7 is something to celebrate, as is our perseverance through the 2013 flood of our building in Mission, and of course, the pandemic. We look to the future to help bring world class hearing care to even more Calgarians and are excited to do so with the exposure that this award has provided us. As thanks, we wanted to provide the Calgary Chamber members some important educational information to help guide them to improved hearing health as well as share the launch Audiology Innovations’ ‘Hear for the Holidays’ charitable initiative.
Don’t overlook your Hearing
When we think about our health, hearing is often overlooked, because we can’t see how well we can hear. However, it plays a crucial role in brain function, workplace performance, and overall well-being. Research continues to reveal a strong connection between hearing loss and cognitive health, so paying attention to our hearing is increasingly important.
As we get close to the holiday season, the importance of hearing takes on an even deeper meaning. The holidays are filled with conversations, laughter, family traditions, and moments of connection. For those living with untreated hearing loss, these gatherings can become frustrating, isolating, and exhausting rather than enjoyable.
The Brain-Hearing Connection
DID YOU KNOW? Hearing is not just an ear function. It is a brain function!
When hearing deteriorates, the brain receives less auditory information. Over time, this reduced stimulation can affect how the brain processes sound and increase the effort required to understand speech.
Many individuals with untreated hearing loss experience what researchers refer to as increased cognitive load. Simply put, the brain has to work harder to fill in missing pieces of conversation. This additional effort can impact concentration, memory, mental energy, and social engagement.
Research has also identified untreated hearing loss as a significant modifiable risk factor associated with Dementia, making early assessment and intervention an important part of maintaining long-term brain health.
Prevention Matters
One of the best ways to protect both hearing and brain health is prevention.
A practical guideline is the “1 Hour / 1 Metre Rule.” If you need to raise your voice to be heard by someone standing one metre away, the environment is likely too loud for prolonged exposure. In those situations, limit your time in the noise or wear hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.
This advice applies not only in noisy workplaces, but also during everyday activities such as concerts, sporting events, and even listening to music through headphones.
Early Intervention Makes a Difference
When hearing loss does occur, early intervention is key.
Modern hearing care goes far beyond simply making sounds louder. Properly prescribed hearing aid technology helps provide access to speech and everyday sounds, providing the brain with the stimulation it needs to stay active.
Ongoing support and rehabilitation is equally important. Many people don’t realize that adapting to hearing aids is a process. Just as physical therapy helps strengthen muscles after an injury, auditory training helps the brain learn to interpret sounds more effectively. Through newly scientifically developed listening exercises, individuals can improve listening confidence and communication skills with practice. Audiology Innovations is one of the select Audiology clinics to provide Listening and communication enhancement training in Western Canada and therefore able to help individuals with hearing loss make more effective use of hearing aids.
Why Communication Matters During the Holidays
Communication is about more than hearing words. It is about feeling connected to the people who matter most.
For someone with hearing loss, a busy family gathering can be one of the most challenging listening environments imaginable. Background noise, multiple conversations, and large groups can make it difficult to participate fully. As a result, many people begin withdrawing from social situations or miss meaningful moments with family and friends.
No one should have to miss hearing a grandchild’s excitement, a loved one’s story, or the laughter around the dinner table because hearing care is financially out of reach.
That’s why Audiology Innovations is proud to launch its ‘Hear for the Holidays’ initiative this season.
We are accepting nominations from now through November 29th 2026 and will select one deserving individual who otherwise would not have access to advanced hearing care and provide them with a complete hearing healthcare journey, including:
- A full set of premium hearing aids
- Professional evaluation, fitting and programming
- Follow-up care and support
- Auditory training and listening rehabilitation
Our goal is simple: to help someone reconnect with the people and moments that matter most.
Visit our website www.audiologyinnovations.ca for more information if you need help with your hearing and to nominate someone today!
