When you’re trying to choose a hearing specialist, there are many criteria you can research: a clinic’s credentials, their price, their reviews… Hanan Merrill, a hearing practitioner and owner of Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, suggests asking a different question: What’s your favourite colour?
“It’s a bit of a joke answer, but it has a grain of truth. It’s important to go to a hearing specialist you connect with, so finding out their favourite colour isn’t a bad idea!” he says. “When you pay for hearing aids, about half of what you pay for is the work the person does to make those hearing aids sing for you. That’s why it makes sense to choose someone you trust, who’s easy to talk to, and yes, maybe even likes the same colour as you.”
Better hearing takes time
There are over 10 hearing clinics in Nanaimo and an overwhelming number of hearing aid brands and styles to choose from. If a comfortable fit and excellent audio quality is your top priority, it’s worth finding a specialist who has time and commitment to fine tune your needs.
“For all our clients, the first step is getting to know you. We’ll perform a thorough hearing test, and also learn about your lifestyle, needs and expectations,” Hanan says. “There is no ‘best’ hearing aid, just the one that’s best for you, based on your needs.”
At Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, Hanan often visits patients two to five times to make sure they have the right fit. Clients can take more than one kind of hearing aid home to see which one suits them best, and then return to the clinic for fine tuning. Getting the right sound depends on how your ears process audio, and also what you’re hoping to hear.
”We also use a special rehabilitation program to help you adapt to hearing a wider range of sounds. It includes communication strategies that dramatically improve your hearing aid experience in many different situations.”
Starting to understand why it helps to have a hearing specialist you trust? You’ll be spending a lot of time together! Even after you get the right fit, you’ll likely return to the clinic for adjustments and servicing.
“Maintenance checks ensure hearing aids are still working their best. We also offer further adjustments, because it’s common to have changing needs as you adapt to wearing hearing aids,” Hanan says.
Ready to learn more? Book an appointment by calling 250-585-4100 or online at nanaimohearingclinic.com/contact. Find the clinic at 501-800 Turner Rd in Cactus Club Plaza.