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West Coast
Hearing Blog
Victoria BC’s go-to hearing clinic blog for ear health & hearing aid advice

Welcome to our West Coast Hearing blog—your local hub for hearing health, hearing loss support, and hearing aid care right here in the heart of Vancouver Island. Our audiologists share practical, easy-to-use guidance shaped by the real questions we hear every day from patients across Greater Victoria.
From choosing the right hearing aids to understanding tinnitus, spotting early hearing changes, and keeping your devices in top form, you’ll find clear, trustworthy information designed to help you stay connected to the sounds that make Vancouver Island special.
Explore, learn, and take your next step toward healthier hearing—close to home.


Back-to-School Hearing Checklist: Start the School Year Ready to Listen and Learn
Whether you're sending your child back to school or heading to college yourself, hearing plays an important role in learning and communication. Discover why hearing health belongs on every back-to-school checklist, the signs of hearing loss to watch for, and simple ways to protect your hearing throughout the school year.
2 days ago2 min read


How to Support Someone Who Wears Hearing Aids: Simple Tips That Make a Big Difference
Supporting someone who wears hearing aids is easier than you might think. From speaking clearly to reducing background noise, small changes can make conversations more enjoyable and less frustrating. Learn practical tips that help hearing aid users communicate with confidence and stay connected.
Aug 143 min read


TROUBLESHOOTING: Why does my hearing aid sound too quiet, or not as clear as usual?
Are your hearing aids sounding quieter or more muffled? Before assuming something is wrong with your hearing, or the devices, there are a few simple things you can check at home. From accidental volume changes to clogged wax filters, many common issues can be resolved in only a few minutes.
Aug 72 min read


Find Your Ideal Sound with WSA's Sound Preference Test
Not everyone hears the world the same way—and hearing aids shouldn't sound the same for everyone either. Discover how WSA's free Sound Preference Test helps identify your unique listening preferences, allowing for a more personalized hearing aid fitting. Complete the online test before your next appointment at West Coast Hearing and learn how customized sound settings can improve comfort, speech clarity, and your overall hearing experience.
Jul 312 min read


Summer Hearing Care Tips: Protect Your Hearing All Season Long
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy concerts, vacations, and the outdoors—but don't forget to protect your hearing. Learn practical summer hearing care tips, including how to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, care for your hearing aids in the heat, manage earwax buildup, and travel with confidence. Keep your ears healthy and your hearing aids performing their best all season long.
Jul 243 min read


Why Are My Ears Itchy? Common Causes and How to Find Relief
Itchy ears are a common problem that can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of an underlying issue. From allergies and dry skin to earwax buildup, hearing aids, and ear infections, there are several possible causes. Learn what may be triggering your symptoms, how to find relief, and when it's time to see a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Jul 173 min read


TROUBLESHOOTING: What do I do if my hearing aids are whistling/squealing?
A high-pitched whistling or squealing sounds coming from your hearing aids is called feedback. Here are some simple tips to troubleshoot at home.
Jul 72 min read


Custom Hearing Protection: Is it the right fit for you?
Are custom earplugs the right fit for you? Let's compare custom versus universal to find your best fit.
Jun 302 min read


Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
What is sudden loss? What do I do if I experience a sudden hearing loss? What are the causes? Will I get my hearing back? Read more to get answers to our most commonly asked questions regarding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL).
Jun 162 min read


Funding for Hearing Aids
Explore options for hearing aid payment and funding, from private insurance, to third party coverage and more.
Jun 22 min read


Spring Cleaning: It's for more than just your house!
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids is important for their performance and longevity.
Mar 252 min read


Managing Earwax at Home
How to manage (and in some cases remove) earwax at home.
Mar 163 min read


Oticon's Newest Hearing Aid, Zeal
Pair and Go: Connecting your hearing aids, made easy! Imagine this. You’re getting ready for your morning walk. You grab your phone, take your hearing aids out of the case, and you’re good to go. No fumbling through settings, no asking for help. In just seconds, your hearing aids are connected, and you’re ready to enjoy the sounds of the world around you. That’s the power of Google Fast Pair™ now available in Oticon Zeal, the world’s first hearing aid to feature effortless
Feb 25 min read


Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Relief Options, and When to Seek Help
Tinnitus — often described as ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing in the ears — affects millions of people. For some, it’s a mild background noise; for others, it can interfere with sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. The good news? Tinnitus isn’t a condition itself , but a symptom, and many people find relief once the underlying cause is identified. What Is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is the perception of sound that isn’t caused by an external source. It can be: Co
Dec 4, 20252 min read
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