Hearing aids are one of the most effective tools for managing hearing loss, but they’re not always an instant success. For some, the experience can be frustrating. The devices may feel uncomfortable, the sound overwhelming, and all too often they end up tucked away in a drawer, unused.
Nanaimo-based hearing specialist Hanan Merrill says this is more common than people realize - and more preventable than most expect.
“You may have heard stories, or maybe experienced it yourself, where someone spends thousands on hearing aids and ends up disappointed,” Merrill says. “They expected clarity and ease, but the result feels unnatural or overpowering. It’s not a failure of the device - it’s a missing piece in the process.”
As co-owner of Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, a family-run practice known for its patient-first approach, Merrill and his team bring over a decade of experience to the table. He emphasizes that successful outcomes rely not just on advanced technology, but also on the right support along the way.
“Hearing is complex, and our brains are incredibly adaptable. When someone loses hearing, the brain compensates for the gaps. Reintroducing sound with hearing aids is like retraining the brain - it takes time, strategy and support,” he explains.
That’s why initial consultations at the clinic go well beyond basic testing. Merrill and his team explore everyday hearing challenges, such as following conversations in noisy environments or understanding speech from across the room. They then tailor solutions based on each person’s lifestyle and needs.
At the heart of this approach is the Always Hear Well Program - a long-term care initiative designed to guide patients through each stage of their hearing journey. It follows a simple yet highly effective three-step process:
- Step One focuses on finding the right hearing aids and ensuring a comfortable, customized fit. “It often takes two to four sessions to get it just right, but once they’re dialed in, they should feel like an extension of you,” Merrill says.
- Step Two is all about easing the brain into hearing at a normal volume again. “We usually start with a quieter setting, then gradually increase the volume as the brain gets used to processing sound again.”
- Step Three includes regular follow-up care, with two annual visits for hearing tests, fine-tuning and comfort checks. “Our goal is simple - to make sure our clients are always hearing their best.”
To book an appointment with the Nanaimo Hearing Clinic team, call 250-585-4100 or visit nanaimohearingclinic.com/contact.
Find the Nanaimo Hearing Clinic at 501-5800 Turner Rd. in Cactus Club Plaza, Nanaimo or at their Parksville location at Oceanside Hearing Clinic, 543 Stanford Ave E #103.
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