The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic: Leading the Charge in Patient-Focused Audiology since 2010
I am Bernice McKenzie, an audiologist and the owner of The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic. Originally from Brantford, Ontario, I moved to Windsor to attend Wayne State University, where I was part of the first graduating class of Doctors of Audiology. Audiology, the study of hearing and balance disorders, provided me the opportunity to help people—a core value in my family of nurses and social workers. However, I soon realized that the profession was shifting towards hearing aid sales rather than patient care.
During my clinical training, I completed internships at Henry Ford Hospital, John Dingell VA Medical Center, Michigan Children’s Hospital, and the Michigan Ear Institute.
In 2010, frustrated by the retail model of audiology, I opened my own clinic, Amherstburg Audiology and Hearing Aids, which I later rebranded as The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic. I expanded to include locations in Windsor, LaSalle, and Essex. From the beginning, my goal has been to put the patient first. By charging for appointments, I removed the pressure of hearing aid sales and ensured that my patients receive a full, comprehensive examination.
One area I am especially passionate about is the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Research shows that untreated hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. To address this, my clinics use Cognivue Thrive, a computerized FDA and Health Canada-approved cognitive screening tool. This technology helps detect early signs of cognitive decline, enabling patients to seek timely medical intervention. “We’re not diagnosing dementia,” I emphasize, “but we want to identify concerns early and refer patients for further testing.”
My clinics also stand out for their thorough hearing assessments. While most clinics test frequencies up to 8,000 Hz, we’ve invested in equipment that can test up to 16,000 Hz, providing a more complete diagnosis. This approach helps identify hearing loss that may be missed at other clinics, especially for patients struggling to understand speech in noisy environments.
We also focus on both hearing and balance issues, investing in specialized equipment to test the ear’s balance system and hiring an occupational therapist to provide therapy for vertigo patients. By offering a wide range of services, we are uniquely positioned to treat both hearing and balance disorders comprehensively.
My philosophy centers on quality of care over quantity. My team spends up to two hours with each new patient, performing in-depth testing and creating personalized treatment plans. Hearing aids are just one part of these plans, and we offer a range of brands to find the best fit for each patient’s needs.
Ultimately, my mission is to restore audiology to a patient-centered medical profession. “We’re different because we focus on patient care, not product sales,” I say. My dedication to offering comprehensive care has set my clinics apart and earned the trust of many patients throughout the region.
We understand that learning about tinnitus and hearing loss can feel overwhelming, which is why our new patient appointments last up to two hours. To help patients feel prepared and informed, we send them our pre-education book before their appointment. Co-authored by our owner, Bernice McKenzie, this book explains the treatment process in clear, easy-to-understand terms. It’s the perfect way to start your journey toward better hearing health.
Did you know there’s a connection between diabetes, dementia, and hearing loss? This critical link inspired Bernice McKenzie to co-author a book on the topic. It’s an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding how these conditions interact and why treating hearing loss is so important for overall health. You can request your free copy by visiting 
Tinnitus can be a frustrating and confusing condition, especially with so much conflicting information online. Dr. Keith Darrow’s book, “SILENCED. The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus”, is an excellent resource that cuts through the noise. It provides accurate, up-to-date information about tinnitus and treatment options in an easy-to-read format. This book is available free of charge—just request your copy today by clicking 
Retail locations often operate under the influence of hearing aid manufacturers, either directly or indirectly. Their primary goal is to sell as many hearing aids as possible. While hearing aids can undoubtedly be life-changing devices, it’s crucial to consider the impartiality of the recommendations provided in a retail setting. On the other hand, medical model clinics, like ours, are local and independently owned, with no affiliation to any specific hearing aid manufacturer. This allows us to prescribe the best solutions for our patients in an unbiased and personalized manner.
We are always searching to add new services to our clinic. We’ve always offered wax removal, but now we offer what many are calling the “spa” version of ear wax removal. All three clinic locations now use the Earigator system to remove stubborn wax from your ears.
Affecting 1 in 8 people in North-America, hearing loss impacts almost every family with at least one person around the dinner table struggling to engage in conversations, missing the punchline of the joke and feeling isolated when they should be at their happiest. Whether the reason they haven’t treated their hearing loss is due to financial means or whether they’re refusing to accept that they may have some level of hearing loss, we are here as hearing healthcare providers to help.
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