Talk to Cassandra Grabowski for a few minutes and it’s clear she is a happy woman.

She loves her husband and kids and consciously makes time for family. She is involved in her community and loves this province.

As owner of Sound Impressions Hearing Centre for the past five years and an audiologist for 25, she makes a difference in the lives of others every day.

“What we do every day is really life-changing for our clients,” she says. “For the person that hasn’t been hearing for so long, watching them put the hearing aid on, a light just goes on in their eyes. That’s so powerful.”

Grabowski graduated with a master’s degree in audiology from Minot State University in 1994. Since then, she worked in private clinics, school divisions and public hospitals in Edmonton, Winnipeg and Saskatoon before deciding to open Sound Impressions.

“It was a bit of a leap to go out on my own, but it’s definitely been worthwhile,” she said.

The philosophy at Sound Impressions has always been to keep services patient-focused. Clients range in age from children to seniors and include those who have hearing issues, suspect issues and those who want to be proactive with their hearing health.

“A baseline evaluation allows us to know where a person is at and make recommendations, follow up where appropriate, and if we see something on our end, we can make an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) referral to your family doctor,” she said. “A baseline doesn’t necessarily mean you will need help right away, but if there is hearing loss that can be helped by hearing aids, it can make such a difference.”

Grabowski said she hopes people will start thinking about hearing the same way they think about getting their eyes checked regularly. Because hearing loss happens so gradually, Grabowski says it is often a spouse or other family member who notices. Doctor’s referrals are not necessary to book a hearing evaluation and it’s important not to delay if hearing loss is suspected.

“Since 2011, research has shown a strong link between hearing loss and a greater risk for cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Hearing loss interferes with a person’s ability to interact and communicate, which in turn can lead to social isolation, loneliness and depression. Allowing people to hear better longer with hearing aids, may reduce this risk and staying connected to loved ones is a critical factor in healthy aging.”

That link between Alzheimer’s and hearing loss has also served as a catalyst for community involvement. Every year since the clinic opened, Sound Impressions has been involved as a sponsor for the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s.

“That’s really important to all of us,” said Grabowski.

The staff at Sound Impressions originally included just Grabowski and her office manager, Tracy Cole. Two years ago, the business expanded to include another audiologist, Valerie Lizee, who has been practising for over 10 years and provides bilingual service in French, and rotating part-time administration staff.

The constant within the staff, says Grabowski, is a caring attitude about every client and each other. As such, Grabowski has also been able to establish a nice balance between her work and personal life.

Grabowski and her husband, Trevor, a health benefits specialist, have three teenagers who are all heavily involved in sports. So, they spend lots of time in bleachers or sidelines at local gymnasiums, rinks and fields.

“Sports is a passion in our house,” she said. The family also loves hot weather holidays in the winter and spending time with extended family at Waskesiu, Candle Lake and Fort Qu’Appelle, and like many green-blooded Saskatchewan types, travelling to Regina for Rider games.

“We love travelling with the kids, because they learn so much about other countries,” she said. “But the older you get, the more you really appreciate where you live. The people here are so friendly. It’s the place to be and that’s why we moved back here.”

Like attracts like, it seems.

Sound Impressions is located in the Grosvenor Park shopping centre and this fall, Grabowski says they are offering a free full hearing evaluation for clients age 50 and over. To make an appointment, phone 306-477-3277.

-Theresa Kirkpatrick