Why We’re Different—And Why That Matters to You
Most people don’t realize this, but not all hearing clinics are created equal. If you’re paying for professional, individualized hearing care, why settle for a retail experience? Most hearing clinics are just sales floors in disguise. They’re owned—directly or indirectly—by hearing aid manufacturers. Their goal? Move product. Sell units. Hit quotas. It’s like going to the doctor where the doctor is only allowed to prescribe one brand of medication—whether it’s the right one for you or not. At big-box stores and manufacturer-owned clinics, patients get rushed through cookie-cutter appointments, tested in ideal conditions that don’t reflect real life, and handed whatever hearing aid brand the clinic is financially tied to. You deserve better. You deserve a clinic that treats you like a patient, not a customer—where your hearing health is the priority, not sales targets. When you walk through our doors, you’re getting professional , advanced testing, and truly customized solutions—because that’s what real healthcare looks like.
We are locally owned and operated. No big corporations. No shareholders breathing down our necks. Just real professionals making real decisions about your health. We don’t just sell hearing aids—we treat hearing loss with the help of hearing aids. And there’s a massive difference.
Hearing loss isn’t just about turning up the volume—it’s about brain health, clarity, and how well you function in real life. That’s why we do more testing than any other clinic. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just getting a hearing test. You’re getting a two-hour deep dive into your hearing in noise, your cognitive function, and what actually works best for you.
Other clinics give you one test, one brand, one solution. We test you in noise with several brands—because different hearing aids work differently for different people. If you’re struggling in a restaurant or at a family gathering, why would we test you in a silent room? That’s like trying to train for a marathon by walking on a treadmill for five minutes. It doesn’t prepare you for real life.
And we invest. In time. In training. In technology. We’ve been doing computerized cognitive screenings since before COVID was even a thing—because we knew years ago what other clinics are just catching up to now: Hearing loss and cognitive decline are linked.
The owner of the clinic Bernice McKenzie, has spent over two decades working with tinnitus patients. When she was completing her doctorate in Michigan, she trained at John D. Dingell Veteran Affairs Medical Center, treating soldiers who returned from combat with severe, life-altering tinnitus. These patients weren’t just dealing with a mild ringing in their ears—they were suffering from constant, intrusive noise that made sleep, concentration, and even simple conversations unbearable. So when Bernice hears someone say, “There’s nothing that can be done for tinnitus,” she knows firsthand that’s not true. She has spent her career proving otherwise.
Bernice also understands the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline—not just as a clinician, but as a family member. Her own grandmother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. She saw firsthand how devastating cognitive decline can be—not just for the person experiencing it, but for the entire family. If treating hearing loss can prevent even one person from progressing from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, then it’s not just important—it’s a responsibility. That’s why our clinic takes hearing and brain health seriously, offering treatments (such as aural rehabilitation and vestibular rehabilitation) and technology that go far beyond the industry standard.
This is why we exist.
We’re not here to sell you a hearing aid. We’re here to change your life.
You’re probably wondering what it costs to take control of your hearing loss or tinnitus. Here’s the deal: If you’re covered by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), ODSP, Manulife (like Ford or Diageo), or GreenShield (like Chrysler, City of Windsor, Town of LaSalle, or Town of Amherstburg), your hearing aids or tinnitus devices are fully covered—zero out-of-pocket.
No coverage? No problem. We offer two elite technology options: $4,125 for high-end technology and $7,843 for higher-end technology—because your hearing deserves the best. And before you decide, we’ll test you with multiple devices to find the perfect fit.
Want to spread out the cost? Financing is available for as low as $110 a month. You can click here to pre-apply for financing. No excuses. No delays. Take action today. Click here to book your appointment to treat your tinnitus of hearing loss today.
MEET OUR STAFF
Bernice A. McKenzie – Doctor of Audiology, Audiologist, Owner
Bernice is a distinguished professional with a stellar academic background. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Linguistics from the University of Ottawa, where she laid a solid foundation for her career in audiology. Her pursuit of excellence led her to achieve a Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from Wayne State University in 2006, where she made history as a member of the pioneering graduating class of Doctors of Audiology. Bernice’s commitment to the field and her role as a trailblazer in the inaugural cohort at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, showcases her dedication to her profession.
Shaelyn Fritsch – Audiologist
Ridaa Nasir – Audiologist
Teresa Occhinero – Audiologist
Teresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Windsor and a Masters of Arts in Audiology from Wayne State University. Registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO), she has a special interest in assessing children between the ages of 4 and 19 for hearing loss, offering appointments at our Windsor location on select Saturdays. Fluent in Italian, Teresa also provides hearing tests in Italian.
Alexandra DiFazio – Audiologist
Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Behaviour Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Windsor and a Master of Clinical Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in Audiology from the University of Western Ontario. Registered with the College of Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO), Alexandra offers comprehensive assessments and treatment plans to patients with hearing loss and tinnitus. Her passion about audiology and helping others is reflected in her compassionate care for her patients. Alexandra is available to see patients at the LaSalle location.
Sonia Ricci – Occupational Therapist
Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communications from the University of Windsor and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Ontario, Sonia stands as a seasoned professional. Registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, Sonia has an interest in aiding individuals to return to work. Her passion lies in crafting tailored rehabilitation plans for patients grappling with vestibular disorders. As an adept occupational therapist, Sonia is dedicated to facilitating the recovery and restoration of functionality for our patients, ensuring a smooth transition back to work environments.
Julie Rauth – Occupational Therapist
Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa and boasts over 25 years of experience in community mental health. Registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), she has completed specialized training in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the American Institute of Balance. As an Occupational Therapist, Julie not only designs personalized rehabilitation plans for those with vestibular disorders but also assists them in managing the daily challenges posed by dizziness and imbalance. Her extensive experience and dedication enable her to empower patients in their pursuit of improved functionality and well-being.
Emily Ellard – Communicative Disorders Assistant/Audiology Services Assistant/Hearing Instrument Specialist
Emily is a Hearing Instrument Specialist and registered member of the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP). With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and certifications from Nova Southeastern University, Lambton College and MacEwan University, she has evolved from a Communicative Disorders Assistant to her current role. Since joining in 2016, Emily’s commitment to audiology has been unwavering, providing top-notch care and solutions to enhance her patients’ auditory experiences.
Celina Postlethwaite – Hearing Instrument Specialist
Celina, a Hearing Instrument Specialist and registered member of AHIP, completed her Hearing Aid Practitioner Program at MacEwan University after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor. Based primarily in our Amherstburg location, Celina’s genuine passion for helping others drives her commitment to improving auditory health.
Nicole Hammond – Hearing Instrument Specialist
Nicole Hammond is a distinguished hearing instrument specialist at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic. With her credentials, including completion of the Hearing Aid Practitioner program at MacEwan University and registration with AHIP, Nicole offers unparalleled expertise. Committed to delivering exceptional care and education, Nicole is your trusted ally in improving hearing health.
Marlene Lariviere – Senior Patient Care Coordinator
Marlene brings extensive expertise in the hearing aid industry, with a background spanning roles as a customer service representative at a hearing aid manufacturer, a dispensing clinic, and a position within a hospital’s Department of Audiology. Her multifaceted experience across different facets of the industry underscores her comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in the field.
Natalie LoMedico – Patient Care Coordinator Amherstburg/Audiology Services Assistant
Sydney Menard – Patient Care Coordinator Amherstburg/Audiology Services Assistant
Sydney, a Harrow native, pursued Office Administration courses at St. Clair College and holds a strong passion for the healthcare industry. Her innate enthusiasm for assisting others coupled with a natural ability to empathize allows her to connect with people effortlessly. Dedicated to providing exceptional service, Sydney thrives on interpersonal interactions. To schedule an appointment at our Amherstburg location, reach out to her via email at Sydney@YouHear.ca. Her genuine care and adeptness in fostering meaningful connections underscore her commitment to facilitating your auditory health needs.
Rachel McLean – Patient Care Coordinator Essex/Audiology Services Assistant
Meet Rachel, our dedicated Patient Care Coordinator and Audiology Services Assistant at The Hearing and Dizziness Clinic! With years of customer service experience supporting audiologists, physicians, and CEOs, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to our team. Since earning her Audiology Assistant certificate in 2017, she has been committed to providing exemplary care. Rachel’s passion for serving people shines through in every interaction, ensuring that everyone in Essex and the surrounding areas receives the best care for their audiology needs. Whether you have questions or need assistance with appointments, Rachel is here to help with a smile!
Michelle Hutchison – Patient Care Coordinator Windsor
With over 32 years of experience in client services and a diploma in Medical Office Assistance from TriOS College, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic. Her commitment to providing efficient, professional support ensures that each patient’s journey is as seamless and stress-free as possible. From scheduling appointments to addressing questions and concerns, Michelle goes above and beyond to make every interaction welcoming and supportive. With her skilled assistance and compassionate approach, she plays a vital role in helping patients feel confident and cared for throughout their experience.
Jennie Bolyantu – Patient Care Coordinator Lasalle
Jennie is our Communication Care Coordinator. With 25 years dedicated to customer service, she has learned how to connect with people and finds joy in helping others. Her passion for engaging with new individuals and resolving their needs, reflects a genuine enthusiasm for making a positive impact. Outside of work, Jennie likes to stay active and enjoys quality time with her loved ones and beloved pets. This blend of professional fulfillment highlights her commitment to both her career and the things that she takes pleasure in.
Ana Joksic – Audiology Student (Au.D. Class of 2028)
Ana is a dedicated student at Wayne State University, set to graduate with a Doctor of Audiology in 2028. Her passion for hearing and balance health was sparked by her undergraduate Psychology with Thesis degree from the University of Windsor, as well as her active involvement as a member with the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). Ana’s drive for improving patient care is evident in her commitment to understanding and addressing complex auditory and balance issues. Alongside her studies, she plays a key role in clinic operations, handling equipment management and ensuring smooth performance. Her meticulous approach supports the team in delivering top-notch patient care.