Current Situation at Canadian Hearing Services
Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) is currently experiencing a work stoppage as approximately 200 workers represented by CUPE 2073 are on strike across more than 25 locations in Ontario. The strike began after negotiations between CHS management and the union reached an impasse.
According to news reports, the strike was called after the agency requested a No Board report before negotiations had progressed. CUPE 2073 members, who work as counselors, audiologists, speech language pathologists, interpreters, and in other essential roles, voted overwhelmingly to strike with over 85% participation and 146 votes in favor of job action.
While the union has expressed hope that a fair deal can be reached without disrupting critical services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, the work stoppage nevertheless affects vital services for thousands of Ontarians who depend on CHS for accessibility support and healthcare services.
Impact on Patients
This situation has created understandable concern among patients who rely on regular hearing healthcare services. Many individuals requiring hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, adjustments, or repairs are worried about continuity of care during the strike period.
The uncertainty around appointment availability and service disruptions has prompted many patients to seek alternative providers to ensure their hearing health needs are met without delay.
AudioSense: Ensuring Continued Access to Hearing Healthcare
During this period of uncertainty, AudioSense remains fully operational and is ready to welcome patients requiring hearing healthcare services. Our clinics offer comprehensive services including:
- Complete hearing assessments and testing
- Hearing aid consultations, fittings, and adjustments
- Tinnitus evaluation and treatment options
- Hyperacusis evaluation and treatment options
- Auditory processing evaluation and treatment options
- Hearing protection solutions
- Assistive listening devices
- Ongoing hearing healthcare support and maintenance
Our team of certified audiologists is committed to providing the highest standard of care to all patients, including those seeking an alternative during the Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) service disruption.
Supporting Your Hearing Health Without Interruption
At AudioSense, we understand the crucial importance of uninterrupted hearing healthcare. Hearing is essential for daily communication, safety, and overall quality of life. Even temporary disruptions in service can impact well-being.
Our clinics have expanded appointment availability to accommodate additional patients during this period and can typically offer appointments within 1 business day. New patients are welcome, and our team will work with you to ensure a smooth transition of care.
Contact AudioSense Today
If you’re concerned about access to hearing healthcare services, we invite you to contact AudioSense by email at info@audiosense.ca, or by phone at 416-901-4770 or 905-946-9664.
Our friendly reception team can answer any questions about our services and help schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience.
AudioSense is committed to ensuring that no one in our community experiences a lapse in their hearing healthcare during this or any other time.
About the Author
Salima Jiwani is the Founder/Director and Lead Audiologist at AudioSense Hearing, Balance & Concussion, an audiology clinic in Yorkville, Toronto. Salima has a keen clinical and research interest in disorders of the external, middle and inner ear, including hearing loss, auditory processing difficulties, tinnitus, sound sensitivities and post-concussion auditory deficits. Salima is passionate about understanding how the brain responds to sound after injury and in post-surgical management of cochlear implants. Salima works with children and adults of all ages at AudioSense, and provides her patients with industry-leading audiological care by leveraging her clinical, research and industry experience. She firmly believes in a holistic cross-collaborative team approach to audiological care and is always looking for outside-the-box evidence-based innovative ways to offer care to her patients. Outside of work, Salima continues to be engaged in advocacy initiatives to elevate the profession of audiology, give audiologists a voice and promote optimal audiological care for her patients.
