When people think about hearing loss, they often think about straining to hear a conversation, especially in a loud room, or needing to turn the TV up a little louder to catch the dialogue.

What they often don't consider – at least until they get their first set of well-tuned hearing aids – is the other things they're missing, and how hearing loss affects other parts of their life, says Kim Galick, owner and registered hearing instrument specialist at  in 91Ô­´´.

"Sounds are all around us, from birds singing in the park to our phone alerting us to a text message. These are the sounds of daily life â€“ sounds that gradually fade away, often without us realizing it, as hearing loss progresses," Kim says, sharing 4 things people often don't know about hearing and hearing loss.

1. Pitch isn't perfect â€“ Birds typically chirp and sing at a high pitch, which for people with high-frequency hearing loss can be difficult to hear. But it's not only birdsong that poses challenges. The higher pitch of children and women's voices can be difficult, as well as things like appliance beeps or phone notifications, however a hearing aid that targets high frequency sounds can help bring these back to life.
2. Right & left ears process sound differently – Research has found that the right ear responds more to speech and logic while the left ear is more attune to things like music, emotion and intuition. Scientists suggest this could stem from which side of the brain handles various tasks. So, greater right ear hearing loss might make it more difficult to process information, while greater hearing loss in the left ear might make understanding loved ones’ emotional issues more challenging. However, it’s also important to note that having different levels of hearing loss can sometimes indicate a medical problem that should be explored.
3. Hearing loss is tiring – For those with untreated hearing loss, the constant effort to keep up with conversations and interact with others can be exhausting, potentially impacting our productivity at work or our ability to enjoy our favourite activities.
4. Hearing and the brain – Hearing loss doesn't only impact our ability to hear conversations or our favourite TV program. Communication challenges from untreated hearing loss can impact relationships, leading to smaller social networks, isolation, loneliness and cognitive decline. Studies have also suggested  can occur when it's deprived of auditory stimulus.

The good news is that today's hearing aids – technological marvels that are both inconspicuous and powerful – can bring solutions to many of these hearing loss-associated challenges, whether it's waking up to inspiring bird songs or having the confidence to join in conversations at work and play. 

Ears Hearing Clinic in 91Ô­´´ offers free hearing assessments to help you take the first step. Visit Ears Hearing Clinic at Unit C 20568 56 Ave. in 91Ô­´´, find more information at, and follow them on.

READ MORE: Premium vs. entry-level hearing aids: What’s the difference?