Picture this: you’re at the first home game for the Senators’ 2026-27 season. You’re listening to thousands of cheering fans, conversations with friends and family, music between periods, and the goal horn that brings the energy every time the puck slides into the net. You’re creating lasting memories through social interactions and a shared love for the sport.
For someone experiencing hearing loss, a packed arena can make it difficult to distinguish speech from background noise. Missing a friend’s comment, struggling to follow announcements, or feeling excluded while trying to keep up can make an exciting night feel exhausting. Hearing care is about more than simply making things louder. It’s about helping you stay connected to the experiences you value most.
The 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) found that over 1.6 million Canadians aged 15 years and older have a hearing disability. Almost two-thirds of Canadians aged 15 years and older with hearing disabilities experienced a communication-related accessibility barrier. These barriers can make everyday conversations and social activities more difficult.
These challenges may not be obvious at first because hearing loss often develops gradually. People frequently compensate before noticing a change. Crowded areas, restaurants, family gatherings, and other environments with competing sounds can make these changes more noticeable. As listening becomes more difficult or tiring, some people may participate less, avoid certain environments, or feel more isolated.
Two people with similar hearing-test results on paper may have different daily needs. For example, someone who regularly attends Senators games or concerts faces different listening environments than someone focused mainly on conversations at home. These distinctions matter when choosing a hearing aid and planning ongoing support.
Hearing care professionals go beyond an initial hearing test by understanding individual lifestyles, communication challenges, priorities, and goals. These factors shape the recommendations and options hearing care professionals present. If hearing aids make sense for you, professionals can select and adjust technology around your specific needs. That being said, technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be part of a broader, personalized approach that’s designed to support better hearing in challenging environments.
Hearing aids are only one part of helping you participate more confidently in conversations, outings, hobbies, and community activities. Ongoing education can help you understand your devices, adjust to different listening environments, and develop strategies for challenging situations. The goal is to help you effectively use your hearing aids in everyday life so listening feels less tiring and you’re less likely to withdraw from the activities and relationships you enjoy.
That confidence typically develops over time. Adapting to hearing aids involves learning how to use them properly, put them in and take them out, clean them, and troubleshoot basic issues. Ongoing professional support allows you to discuss challenges and ask any questions you may have. Hearing needs and lifestyles can also change over time, so continued support helps ensure your hearing aids keep up.
Loud sporting events can expose attendees to potentially harmful sound levels, especially with prolonged exposure. Consider these tips next time you find yourself at a Sens game:
• Wear well-fitting earplugs.
• Consider high-fidelity earplugs that reduce volume while preserving sound clarity.
• Take occasional breaks in quieter areas.
• Avoid sitting directly beside speakers when possible.
• Give your ears time to recover after particularly loud events.
Ringing in your ears may occur after loud noise exposure. Discuss persistent ringing, muffled hearing, or noticeable changes with a hearing care professional.
Attending a hockey game should mean being part of the action, not feeling left out when you can’t hear what your neighbour is saying. Recognizing hearing changes, accessing personalized care and ongoing support, and taking sensible precautions around loud environments can help you remain engaged in the activities and relationships that matter most to you.
Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice. Please consult a hearing care professional to address your unique needs.
About the author
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO is an audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing health care with HearingLife for over 17 years.
If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and educational resources, visit a hearing clinic near you.
Photo: Courtesy NHLI via Getty Images
