Selecting the Right Hearing Care Professional: Why Qualifications and Best Practices Matter

Hearing loss, despite its widespread prevalence across the globe, often goes untreated or, at the very least, improperly managed. Seeking professional care is an important part of improving your hearing health and quality of life, which makes choosing a qualified hearing care professional not just important, but essential.

Knowing just a little about the qualifications and best practices of audiologists can help you make an informed choice about your hearing health and healthcare provider. We want to help you make that choice, and ensure that you receive the best possible care for your needs.

Audiology First is widely regarded as the premier audiology clinic in Southern Alberta—here’s why.

Understanding Hearing Care Professionals

First, a look at the difference in hearing care professional qualifications…

Audiologists

Audiologists are highly trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and managing hearing and balance disorders. They undergo extensive education, and are equipped to handle the complex and unique needs of patients. Audiologists also collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care, as hearing health can be indicative of other health problems, and/or otherwise have far-reaching effects on a person’s quality of life. The expertise of an audiologist makes them ideal for addressing intricate conditions such as tinnitus, auditory processing disorders, and severe hearing loss.

Hearing Aid Practitioners

Hearing aid practitioners focus on hearing assessments and the fitting of hearing aids. While their training is less extensive compared to audiologists, they play a critical role in helping individuals select and adjust a hearing apparatus that suits their needs. They are excellent resources for those primarily seeking assistance with hearing aid selection and maintenance, but will refer more complex cases to (and work in concert with) an audiologist.

Importance of Best Practices

Adherence to best practices in hearing care significantly enhances patient outcomes. These include comprehensive hearing evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing patient education. By prioritizing thorough assessments and individualized care, hearing professionals ensure patients receive the most effective solutions for their unique hearing needs. Clinics like Audiology First exemplify these standards, providing industry-leading care that improves a patient’s hearing and quality of life.

Meet the Audiology First Team

Let us introduce you to our exceptional team.

Glenn Hole, Clinic Director and Owner

Glenn Hole leads Audiology First with an impressive educational background:

Bachelor of Science in Audiology from Bristol University
Master of Science in Clinical Audiology from Salus University
Currently pursuing his Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree (expected in 2025)

Glenn’s dedication to lifelong learning fuels his commitment to delivering top-tier care. His research interests and patient-focused philosophy make him an industry leader in audiology.

Joseph Tomlinson, Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner

With over a decade of experience, Joseph Tomlinson brings invaluable expertise to Audiology First. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Hearing Sciences from Anglia Ruskin University, Joseph has mentored aspiring audiologists for over 10 years. He always seeks to provide the highest level of empathetic care, informed by his personal experience as a parent of a child with profound hearing loss. His deep understanding of patient needs ensures that every individual receives the compassionate and effective attention they deserve.

Shibna Kunhimon, Audiologist

Trained as an audiologist in India, Shibna Kunhimon adds a wealth of clinical expertise and patient perspective to the team. Her experience in a busy specialist clinic allows her to address a wide range of hearing concerns with both precision and care. Shibna’s diverse skill set enriches Audiology First’s ability to serve patients with varied needs and backgrounds.

You can learn more about the team at Audiology First here.

Audiology First's Commitment to Best Practices

Audiology First is dedicated to prioritizing patient needs above all else—we work extremely hard to foster a culture of care that emphasizes quality over sales. The clinic’s adherence to best practices, such as providing accurate hearing assessments and offering referrals where necessary, ensures patients receive the highest standard of care.

The ability of a clinic to support their clinicians, and create an environment where these standards are upheld, leads to better patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. These are the exact conditions we strive for each and every day here at Audiology First.

Learn more about why Audiology First is the preferred choice for hearing care here.

Understanding the qualifications of hearing care professionals is essential for effectively addressing your hearing loss or the hearing loss of those you love. Choosing a clinic with a well-trained and diversely qualified staff is important for receiving the levels of care you need, want, and deserve.

Opt for a professional and personalized experience like the one we provide here at Audiology First—schedule a consultation with our expert team today!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.