Hearing Care is Health Care

Don’t Miss This Inspiring Talk on Hearing & Brain Health by TedTalk Speaker Nashlea Brogan!

We’re thrilled to announce that renowned TedTalk speaker Nashlea Brogan is returning to our community to share her knowledge on hearing and brain health! This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most compelling voices in the field.

Mark your calendar for Friday, January 24, 2025, when Nashlea will deliver two powerful talks that could transform the way you think about hearing health.

📍 Event Details
– LaSalle: 10:00 AM
– Essex: 2:00 PM

🌟 Why Attend?
Nashlea’s TedTalk has captivated audiences worldwide, shedding light on the critical connection between hearing and brain function. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their health or support loved ones on their hearing journey.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot
Secure your seat today at HearingSeminar.ca. When you register, we’ll mail you tickets to ensure you’re all set for this incredible event.

Let’s come together as a community to learn, connect, and take steps toward better hearing and brain health.

👉 Register now at HearingSeminar.ca!

 

In the meantime, you can watch her TedTalk to see why this is an event you *cannot* afford to miss.

Celebrating the 2024 holiday season with you!

 

The holiday season is upon us—a time to gather with friends and family, share laughter, and create cherished memories. Whatever holiday you’re celebrating this year, we hope your days are filled with joy, love, and togetherness.

As we celebrate, our clinics will be adjusting hours to give our team time to enjoy the season with their loved ones too:

🎄 Holiday Hours:
– Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve: Closing at noon.
– Friday, December 27th: All clinics will be closed.
– January 2nd & 3rd: Open 9am to 5pm.
– Week of January 6th: Limited hours as we ease into the New Year.

Planning ahead? No problem! You can always book your appointment online—it’s quick, easy, and available 24/7.

From all of us at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we wish you a season full of warmth and wonderful moments. Here’s to a joyful end to the year and a bright start to the next! 🌟

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.

Discover Our Free Educational Books for Patients

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. That’s why we’re proud to offer a selection of free educational books to help you better understand hearing loss, tinnitus, and their connections to overall health. These resources are available to anyone who wants to learn more, whether you’re a new patient or simply curious about hearing health.

 

Pre-Education Book 
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.

 

 

 

Diabetes, Dementia, and Hearing Loss
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 DiabetesAndHearing.ca

 

 

“The Consumers Guide To Hearing Care” by Dr. Douglas Beck
We often receive calls from patients with questions about hearing aids. While our clinicians focus on providing individualized care during appointments, we’ve made it easy for anyone to access reliable information by offering Dr. Douglas Beck’s comprehensive book on hearing aids. Whether you’re considering hearing aids for the first time or just want to learn more, this book is packed with practical advice and insights. You can request a free copy of your book by clicking HERE.

 

 

 

 

“SILENCED” by Dr. Keith Darrow
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 HERE.

 

Whether you’re preparing for your first appointment, exploring treatment options, or seeking trustworthy information, our books are here to help.

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your hearing health. Take advantage of these free resources today!

New Clinic Location in Windsor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic Announces New Location Opening at 1311 Ouellette Ave

Opening Date: To Be Determined, Late September at the latest

The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic is thrilled to announce the opening of its new location at 1311 Ouellette Ave, Windsor. Owner Doctor of Audiology and Audiologist Bernice McKenzie is eagerly looking forward to providing exceptional care to patients starting in August. This expansion allows us to extend our renowned services to the Windsor community, ensuring that patients receive the same level of care they would at our flagship locations in Amherstburg, Essex, and LaSalle.

With the addition of our Windsor clinic, we are relocating our vestibular equipment from Essex to cater to vertigo patients in the area. This strategic move enables us to enhance our specialized services and offer comprehensive care for individuals experiencing vestibular issues.

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we remain committed to treating hearing loss under a medical model, emphasizing patient-centric care over technological solutions. Our highly skilled team of experts utilizes the latest advancements in audiology to deliver personalized treatment plans that focus on the individual’s specific needs.

Our diagnostic hearing tests encompass a wide range of evaluations, including computerized cognitive screenings and speech in noise testing. These cutting-edge assessments allow us to provide accurate diagnoses and develop tailored interventions that optimize the patient’s hearing abilities.

We invite everyone to learn more about our services and expertise by visiting our website at www.YouHear.ca. Our website serves as a comprehensive resource, providing valuable information on various hearing and balance disorders, treatment options, and the qualifications of our esteemed staff.

Booking an appointment at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic is convenient and simple through our website. We encourage individuals in need of audiological services to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards regaining optimal hearing health.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic
Phone: (519) 961-9285
Email: info@YouHear.ca

 

About The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic
The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic is a leading audiology practice with multiple locations in Amherstburg, Essex, LaSalle, and now Windsor. Led by Doctor of Audiology  and Audiologist Bernice McKenzie, the clinic prides itself in treating hearing loss and balance disorders under a medical model. With a patient-centric approach, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated team, The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic aims to provide exceptional care and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing hearing and vestibular challenges.

Note to editors: High-resolution images and interviews with owner Bernice McKenzie are available upon request.

Introducing Our Esteemed Speaker: Nashlea Brogan, Doctor of Audiology, Audiologist, Advocate!

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We are honoured to present our distinguished speaker, Nashlea Brogan, Doctor of Audiology and Audiologist extraordinaire! With a passion for empowering those with hearing loss, Nashlea has dedicated her illustrious career to improving lives through the latest advancements and tools in Audiology.

As a Cochlear Implant (CI) user herself, Nashlea understands firsthand the challenges that accompany hearing loss and its treatment options. Her personal experiences have fueled her drive to provide patient-centered care that truly makes a difference in the lives of her patients. With a late onset progressive hearing loss, she brings a unique perspective that enhances her ability to empathize and deliver long-term, comprehensive care.

For the past 19 years, Nashlea has been the sole owner of a renowned audiology practice, where she has upheld a steadfast commitment to providing the highest level of progressive care to her patients. Whether she’s offering education, treatment options, or counselling to individuals and families impacted by hearing loss, or leading her professional team, she leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of making a meaningful impact.

Dr. Brogan’s dedication extends beyond her private practice. She actively engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the far-reaching impact of hearing loss. With her expertise, she sheds light on crucial topics such as cognitive health, mental well-being, and the realities of living with hearing loss. By expanding the dialogue, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive society.

We are privileged to have Nashlea as our esteemed speaker, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experiences. Prepare to be enlightened as she delves into the profound implications of hearing loss and its broader effects on our lives. Join us for an enlightening session that will leave you inspired and equipped with a deeper understanding of the importance of hearing health.

We’re excited to invite you to this informative event. Join us at Caesars Windsor Casino in the Augustus Ballroom for an enlightening discussion on “Diabetes, Dementia, and Hearing Loss.”

This event aims to shed light on the connections between these three important health factors and how they can impact your overall well-being. It is a must-attend event if you fall into any of the following categories:

1️⃣ If you are over the age of 50

2️⃣ If you have experienced Tinnitus (ringing/buzzing/chirping sounds in the ears)

3️⃣ If your doctor has ever told you that you were diabetic or pre-diabetic

4️⃣ If you have high blood pressure

5️⃣ If you sometimes have difficulty hearing, especially in background noise

6️⃣ If you are retired from a noisy job (examples include teachers, factory workers, police officers, or firemen)

7️⃣ If you forget more than you used to or are having more ‘Senior Moments’

This educational event is designed to provide valuable insights into the correlations between diabetes, dementia, and hearing loss, and how they can impact your life. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of these crucial topics.

Tickets are required for attendance, so make sure to secure yours in advance to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to see you at this enlightening event!

The Value of Our Services: Understanding Our Billing Policy!

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we strive to provide exceptional care and a comprehensive range of services tailored to the individual needs of our patients. We understand that our billing policy may raise questions, so let’s shed light on why we charge for appointments and how it aligns with our commitment to quality care.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that our services are not covered under OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). As an independent clinic following a medical model, we prioritize the health and well-being of our patients. While we understand that healthcare accessibility is a concern, it’s essential to clarify our perspective on this matter.

While some third-party insurance plans, such as GreenShield, may provide coverage for our services, it is crucial to check the specifics of your individual plan for details. We encourage our patients to explore insurance options that can help alleviate the financial burden. We are always here to assist and provide the necessary documentation for insurance claims.

As an audiology clinic that is not directly or indirectly owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, we prescribe solutions based solely on the needs of our patients. Our recommendations are unbiased and guided by our knowledge and commitment to finding the most suitable hearing solutions for each individual.

One aspect that sets us apart is our continuous commitment to improvement. We invest in new services and acquire cutting-edge equipment to ensure we deliver the highest standard of care. As the only audiology clinic offering services such as paediatric testing, dizzy patient evaluations, and comprehensive tinnitus management, we take pride in expanding our capabilities to address diverse needs.

The decision to charge for our services is rooted in our desire to maintain fairness and sustainability. By billing for appointments, we can provide equitable care to all our patients. It ensures that those who choose not to treat their hearing loss contribute their fair share, rather than burdening others who seek treatment. Ultimately, we are a business, and maintaining fairness and balance is crucial for us to continue providing exceptional care.

We understand that discussions around healthcare costs can be sensitive, and we are always open to hearing your concerns and addressing them to the best of our abilities. Our goal is to deliver top-notch care, support, and education while navigating the complexities of the audiology landscape. Your satisfaction and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do.

Thank you for entrusting us with your hearing health. We are here to serve you and guide you on your journey towards improved hearing and a better quality of life. If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Bernice wrote a book!!!

You may not see me in the clinic as often as you would like, but I’ve been pretty busy:

I got married
I had a son
I co-authored a book

Yes, I co-authored a book. We are in the final stages and hope it will be available by summer 2023. I don’t want to release too many details, but rest assured I will let you know when it hits bookshelves. In the meantime, I want to introduce you to my brilliant co-author, Dr. Keith N. Darrow. Dr. Darrow is an expert in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology with a doctoral degree from the joint Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T) and Harvard Medical School program. He is a former Clinical Professor at Northeastern University (Boston, MA) and is currently a tenured professor at Worcester State University.

Dr. Darrow’s clinical experience is vast and includes a clinical fel- lowship at the Department of Otolaryngology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, MA) and a trainingship at the Audiology De- partment in the East Orange (New Jersey) Veterans Association Hospital. He is the owner of the Hearing and Balance Centers of New England and founder of the Healthy Hearing Foundation of New England, as well as a board member of the Sound of Life Foundation (both non-profit organizations dedicated to providing education and hearing health care for those in need). He was recently named the Director of Audiology Research at Intermountain Audiology and has chosen to lead the Excellence In Audiology movement across the country.

Dr. Darrow is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and researcher and has been conducting research at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for over fifteen years. His publications and research have been cited over 550 times.

Below is a video of Dr. Darrow that I hope you will enjoy.

At Home Epley

In these novel times of “patient self treatment”,  I have seen a stark and dramatic upswing of patients doing “At Home Epley maneuvers”.  From your online “google” research you have learned that the Epley maneuver is an exercise of sorts that involves manipulating and maintaining the head in certain positions to move the calcium deposits out of the semicircular canals and back into the parts of the ear to which they belong. The Epley maneuver is indicated for clients who have been diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Not everyone who is dizzy has BPPV.

Is The Epley maneuver for everyone? Unfortunately it is not a vestibular cure-all. 

Questions you should ask yourself:

  1. “How long do your symptoms last?” If longer than a few seconds, this is generally not a condition that can be helped with The Epley. Likewise, if you have had these symptoms for years, this is not BPPV.
  2. “Do you have any other symptoms in your ears?” Ringing, buzzing, pain, aural fullness, discharge, changes in hearing, and of course dizziness or vertigo are all conditions which would warrant a referral to an audiologist (not a hearing aid clinic, there is a difference). 
  3. Which ear is affected? Performing the Epley is quite specific. Head at 30° is just that. Very few people know when their head is at 30° of their own avail. Doing the Epley incorrectly makes it far more likely to be not only unsuccessful, but detrimental. Similarly, which canal is affected? Is this a canal that The Epley could serve? Do you need the Semont? The Brandt-Daroff? The BBQ roll? The GRM? 
  4. Is there a confirmed positive Dix Hallpike with nystagmus? Is the nystagmus upbeating or sidebeating? Is it rotational in nature? 
  5. Has a carotid artery screening been performed? This can be extremely unnerving and dangerous to uncover while performing the Epley Maneuver on yourself. 
  6. Have you googled “drop attack”? Tumarkin’s otolithic crisis can occur post-Epley and is quite terrifying. 

It is important to know that it is not safe to use YouTube as a resource.There are currently over 3,300 videos available on YouTube related to performing the Epley maneuver. Out of these videos, only 21 were rated as accurate by a group of neuro-otologists.* Credible YouTube videos were produced from organizations like the American Academy of Neurology. 

The point this post: DO NOT DO THE EPLEY ON YOURSELF.

*A prescription for the Epley maneuver: www.youtube.com?

Kevin A. Kerber, James F. Burke, Lesli E. Skolarus, Brian C. Callaghan, Terry D. Fife, Robert W. Baloh, A. Mark Fendrick, Neurology Jul 2012, 79 (4) 376-380; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182604533

 

Wax Removal: Earigator

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.

We offer all three methods of wax removal. The Earigator has changed how we remove wax from our patients ears. We can now remove wax during one visit, when in the past some patients had to return multiple times in order for us to get all the wax out.

We can complete wax removal at all four clinic locations.

Watch the video below to “see” the Earigator in action.

Hear For The Holidays 2021

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.

That’s why, this holiday season, The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic wants to help by gifting one person a free pair of hearing aids.

Individuals can nominate their loved one by sharing their story by submitting an essay or completing our online form (click here for form). On November 26th, nominations will close and a winner will be selected. The winner will then be fit with advanced hearing aid technology to ensure they have the Christmas that they deserve.

Please help The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic strive to help someone enjoy the laughter of family, the voices of their grandchildren and the music of the season by giving them the gift of better hearing.

STAY AT HOME ORDER

The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic continues to remain open by appointment only at this time. Appointments can be made by calling any of our clinic locations or online at our website www.YouHear.ca

We have been practicing the following measures to ensure a safe visit for all of our patients:

  * Curbside or telehealth appointments when possible

· * COVID-19 screenings of patients and staff

· *No waiting room, we do our absolute best to run on time to ensure our patients are not here longer than they need to be

·* Thorough sanitization of all instruments and surfaces between all appointments

·* Hand sanitizing stations throughout the office

Covid 19 Grey Level & Holiday Hours

On behalf of our staff, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy (and safe) Holiday season.

As you are aware, Windsor Essex will be a Grey Lock Down Zone this coming Monday December 14th, 2020. The lockdown is expected to last a minimum of 28 days.

As of now, our clinics are still considered essential service and will be open during the lockdown. That being said, the safety of our staff and vulnerable patients is of the utmost importance. There are some appointments that are not deemed essential that will have to be postponed. Thank you for your continued patience in this regard.

Masks:

When possible, we will attempt to keep a 6-foot distance. Due to the nature of our services; being apart six feet is often difficult. In order to be seen inside our office space, masks must be worn by the patient and our staff members. Faceshields alone are not appropriate. Feel free to wear a faceshield in addition to a mask for an extra layer of protection. 

Family Members:

We prefer that ONLY the patient attend their scheduled appointment time. The less foot traffic the better. One parent may attend their child’s appointment. We ask that you do not bring additional family members to your appointment.

Appointments:

We cannot see you if you do not have an appointment. There are no exceptions. Please understand that this is to keep you safe. You must have an appointment.

Please also try to attend just our office on the day of your appointment. Do not visit family, the bank, the grocery store etc before visiting our clinics.

Appointments can be made by calling any of the clinics. Appointments can also be made online via our website www.YouHear.ca

Hearing Aid Batteries, Parts or Supplies:

Do not attempt to walk in to get any parts for your hearing aids. Please book an appointment by calling the office or booking online on our website www.YouHear.ca  if booking online, please indicate what parts you need in the message section.

Isolation:

If your child is part of a cohort that needs to isolate, or if you have been told by your physician or the health unit to self-isolate – PLEASE do not come to the clinic. Reschedule your appointment. If you need batteries and supplies, please have a family member who is not in self isolation pick up your supplies at your scheduled appointment time.

 

Essential Workers and U.S. commuter workers:

We will see you, however, you can only have the last appointment of the day. NO EXCEPTIONS. When booking an appointment, please advise our staff if you are an essential worker or if you work in the United States.

 

HOLIDAY HOURS AMHERSTBURG and ESSEX

Monday December 21, 2020                9am-4pm

Tuesday December 22, 2020              9am-4pm

Wednesday December 23, 2020         9am-4pm

Monday December 28, 2020              9am-4pm

Tuesday December 29, 2020              9am-4pm

Wednesday December 30, 2020         9am-4pm

HOLIDAY HOURS LASALLE

Monday December 21, 2020              9am-4pm

Monday December 28, 2020              9am-4pm

As always, we ask to you book an appointment. We will return to regular business hours Monday January 4, 2021.

Once again, we would like to thank you for the support you have given us for the last ten years, we appreciate the trust that you have put into our small, locally owned small business.

We are wishing you and yours all of the very best in 2021.

The staff at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic:  Bernice, Sandra, Emily, Celina, Sonia, Teresa, Dragana, Eric, Melissa, Marlene, Cassie and Cory.

Hear For The Holidays 2020

We’re blessed that we can give the gift of hearing to our patients daily.

This holiday season, you can give the gift of hearing to someone you may know who can not afford hearing aids. 

It’s quite simple, all you have to do is write a short essay telling us why this person deserves to Hear for the Holidays. Click here for more information.

2020 has been a difficult year for many of us in the community. Please help us, help someone in need.

 

The Staff at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic

Online Booking

Tired of picking up the phone?

It’s 3am Saturday night and you need to make an appointment?

That’s OK, now you can request an appointment online.

And if you wakeup Sunday and realize you booked the wrong date, just click on the link in your confirmation email to change it.  

You asked for it, and we listened. You’re welcome.

 

Clinics Reopen Monday June 1, 2020!!!!!

We have received permission from the Ministry of Health to reopen fully. 
We will be “reopening” our doors as of Monday June 1, 2020 for hearing aid patients, hearing tests and speech therapy.
No dizzy patients will be seen at this time.
 
Amherstburg and LaSalle will reopen on Monday, Essex will reopen on Tuesday. 
Things will be different:
  1. No cash payments. Debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express will be the only forms of payment accepted.
  2. We will have no more that two patients in the clinic at a time. We ask that you refrain from bringing a family member with you, or that they stay in your vehicle.Will will allow exceptions for caretakers (children, Alzheimers, etc..)
  3. Patients will be asked screening questions, and will have their temperature taken. If they fail either of these screenings (or refuse to undertake these screenings), they will not be permitted into the general office space.
  4. Patients are to come in with their own masks. If you do not have a mask, please advise our staff, and we will sell you a mask prior to you entering the clinic.
  5. Patients are to use the hand sanitizer located at the entrance before entering the general office space.
  6. The front door will be locked in order to ensure that only two patients are in the office at a time. DO NOT COME TO THE OFFICE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT, we will not let you in.
  7. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for your appointment. We will not let you into the office until your scheduled appointment time. We will advise you to return to your car and will call your cellphone once we are bale to see you. If you do not have a cellphone, we will supply you with a pager and will page you once we are able to see you.
We know that these changes may appear to be extreme, but safety is our number one priority.
If you need batteries or supplies please call, we will can mail them out to you if you have a service plan, or schedule you an appointment time to pick them up. If you pickup up batteries or supplies, you will remain in your vehicle and we will bring out your items with you along with our debit machine.
We are taking this day by day, and will update our patients via email and our website.
Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to helping you with your hearing, speech and vestibular needs.

Hearing Aid Batteries

I had one of my staff members go to the local stores to check out the price of hearing aid batteries. Shockingly, our prices were lower than Walmart, Shoppers and Rexall. Having three locations, we order a lot of batteries and can now get them at a lower price.

The cost of our private label batteries:

  • 40 cells for $25.00. 
  • 60 cells for $35.00.  
  • 80 cells for $45.00 (not available in size 675).

You can still buy PowerOne batteries go for $40.00 (forty battery cells).

We do not charge tax on hearing aid batteries.

Unfortunately, due to COVID19, we are not allowing customers to just walk in and purchase batteries. Please call our office to schedule a time to come in. We will bring your batteries and our debit machine to your vehicle. 

COVID 19 Appointment Precautions

As an additional way to protect our patients and staff, we are observing specific protocols to minimize the chance of exposure.  This post outlines our guidelines and our request for you to observe them.

PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, then we should postpone or wait an additional two weeks before having you come in as a “voluntary quarantine” measure.

  1. Do you have a history of any recent travel outside of Ontario within the last 14 days?
  2. Have you had a fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath?
  3. Have you had close contact with any person who has been confirmed as contracting Covid-19?
  4. Have you had close contact with any healthcare worker who’s primary purpose recently has been working directly with people who have contracted Covid-19?
  • You must wear a mask for your appointment.  
  • If you are being dropped off by someone else, please let us know when you schedule the appointment so we can make appropriate accommodations in our office for you, as we are attempting to minimize any waiting room time as much as possible.

AT THE APPOINTMENT

  • Whether you come by yourself or are dropped off, when you arrive, remain in your car and call the phone number for the appropriate location to notify us of your arrival.  The phone number will be posted outside of the respective office. If you do not have a cellphone, use the white intercom at the office door (Amherstburg & Essex locations)
  • If you have any paperwork to be filled out, we will bring it to you to fill out in your vehicle.  
  • When paperwork (if any) is completed, your provider will take you to the appropriate room where you will be for the majority, if not all, of your appointment.
  • Our staff will wear gloves and masks whenever appropriate, as much as possible.

AFTER THE APPOINTMENT

  • Our staff will disinfect all surfaces you contacted in any room you visited.  We are telling you about this so that you are reassured that this has been done for any patient seen prior to your arrival, for your safety and for everyone else.

A lot has changed in ten years

Ten years ago I decided to go into private practice. I was contemplating moving to Amherstburg and did not want to commute to work. Many of you might remember my first office location at 206 Sandwich Street South, in the blue house next to Naples. When I first opened, it was just me. My goal was to see one patient a day, then two a day. Bit by bit the office got busier and we had to move.

Our first move was to 535 Sandwich St South, in the plaza with the Drive Thru Tim Hortons. I hired Cory to help me because I could not handle the walk in patients and the scheduled patients. We got busier. I hired our communication disorders assistant Emily to lighten my case load.

While Amherstburg Audiology was growing, I had a second clinic in Essex. I tried to call it “Amherstburg Audiology & Hearing Aids – Essex Location”, but that name just never took off. In fact, people were confused and rightfully so. As we got busier in Amherstburg, Tim Hortons also got busier. Eventually we had to move again because there just was not enough parking for our patients.

It was time for a change in Amherstburg and in Essex. We then moved to our current location at 503 Sandwich St South. Better parking and new additions. I hired Marlene to handle the insurance billings and answer phone calls. I hired Celina to help our hearing aid patients. When I moved to a larger location in Essex the clinic was rebranded as “The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic”. Many changes. I hired Melissa to take on the duties of Office Manager. Sonia came on to rehabilitate our dizzy patients, Jenniffer was hired to assist Sonia and we are blessed to have Teresa and Sandra testing and treating our kid and adult hearing loss patients in Essex.

Ten years and many changes. We now have a satellite location in LaSalle. The next change will occur in Amherstburg. I am rebranding Amherstburg to be “The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic”. I’m so attached to the name “Amherstburg Audiology & Hearing Aids”, but it’s time to have a single name that represents all three clinic locations. Don’t worry, the same friendly smiles will still be there to greet you, but the name on the sign will change.

Thank you for supporting my small business. Ten years and still going. Here’s to ten more years.

 

bernice