Hanan Merrill says our ears are as distinct as our fingerprints.
“Everyone’s unique. The shape of your ear and also the way you hear sound is different for everybody,” he says.
That means finding the right hearing aid is a little like fitting Cinderella’s glass slipper, but the search doesn’t have to be exhausting. In fact Hanan and his wife Shelagh do everything they can to make the process as simple as possible.
The couple have operated Nanaimo Hearing Clinic (Nanaimo’s only independent, family-owned clinic) for nearly a decade, and empower their clients to find the perfect fit. Both are trained clinicians, and unlike other hearing clinics they’re not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer.
“That gives us the flexibility to choose the brand that works best for each client, with no pressure or commitment,” he says.
Hearing test drive
Hearing aids have come a long way in recent years — the same advanced technology that’s powering our cell phones and bluetooth speakers is also helping hearing aids offer a more natural sound and comfortable fit. But the right hearing aid for you depends on the sounds you’re trying to hear, the environment you’re listening in, the shape of your ear, your budget and other requirements unique to you.
Nanaimo Hearing Clinic’s test drive lets you try different models and brands, and also fine-tune a hearing aid’s fit and settings to help you hear comfortably.
“It gives our clients time to evaluate how a hearing aid works with their lifestyle, but it also gives us valuable feedback to guide the process. We’re not just trying to sell you a specific device, we’re getting information about what works for you.”
Listen up, when the time is right
Hanan and Shelagh are here to help. Sometimes that means diagnosing hearing loss and fitting a hearing aid, but not always.
“There’s a right time for everyone to get a hearing aid. Sometimes clients will take a test drive to get a sense of what’s possible, and then they won’t take the next step until months or years later,” he says. “We want our clients to feel confident and relaxed, and sometimes it takes time to embrace the technology. We’re happy to help when the time is right.”
Nanaimo Hearing Clinic has a range of hearing aids to match your budget and lifestyle. The clinic also offers custom ear plugs, hearing aid accessories, assistive listening products, and even listening therapy programs to help you communicate more effectively.
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. The clinic also offers mobile and curb-side services for supplies, cleaning and minor repairs.
