+34
Broadmead Hearing Clinic in Saanich offers free hearing tests and hearing aid maintenance to former clients of Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centres, which closed in June.
A Vancouver Island hearing clinic is offering to help people who lost access to affordable hearing care after the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centres (IDHHC) closed in June. The closures in Saanich and Nanaimo left hundreds of low-income families and seniors without essential services. Broadmead Hearing Clinic in Saanich is now taking on former IDHHC clients and providing some services for free.
IDHHC Closure Leaves Clients Stranded
The IDHHC cited financial pressures as its reason for closure after 35 years of operation. The centres had offered employment support, American Sign Language instruction, interpreting and captioning services, and free refurbished hearing aids to people with low incomes. The closure left many clients, including John Boland, worried about maintaining their hearing aids.
Boland was a client at IDHHC for seven years. He relied on the centre to maintain his hearing aids, which need their tubes replaced three times a year. Without proper maintenance, he said his hearing aids are no good. When the centres closed, he feared he would be functionally deaf within months.
A few weeks ago, Boland found a team of clinicians willing to help. He described himself as ecstatic, relieved, and very happy, praising their outstanding compassion. The team is led by Broadmead Hearing Clinic, which is offering free hearing tests and hearing aid maintenance and cleaning to former IDHHC clients.
Broadmead Clinic Offers Free Hearing Services
The free services are available at Broadmead's locations in Saanich, Oak Bay, Colwood, and Qualicum Beach. Vivien Brown, the clinic owner and a hearing instrument practitioner, said the clinic is local and independent, and this is their community. She added that when something like this happens, you have to roll up your sleeves and help.
Brown acknowledged that she and her team cannot replicate all the services IDHHC provided, but they are eager to donate their time to help former clients maintain their hearing aids. She emphasized that hearing loss requires ongoing care, and you cannot just fit somebody and leave them.
The team at Broadmead's front desk said they have fielded about 70 calls from former IDHHC clients. They do not want those clients to lose their ability to hear. Brittani Trapp, a Broadmead audiologist who used to work at IDHHC, said it is very isolating to be removed from conversation. Without access to hearing, individuals do not have access to their community, family, and friends.
Hearing Loss Affects Many Canadians
Nearly 25 per cent of Canadian adults have hearing loss, according to the province. That number rises to 65 per cent for people over the age of 70. Hearing aids can cost upward of $6,000, and there is limited coverage available. They are not universally covered by B.C.'s medical services plan.
Trapp said she would love to see more funding available for hearing care and hearing aid services for everybody within the province. Brown is encouraging former IDHHC clients to get in touch but is asking for patience. She said they are trying to manage increased demand and do not want to rush care or overwhelm the team.
The closure of IDHHC after 35 years has highlighted gaps in affordable hearing care on Vancouver Island. The free services from Broadmead Hearing Clinic provide temporary relief, but advocates continue to call for broader systemic changes to support those with hearing loss.
Please follow us on Google to support usVancouver Island Hearing Clinic IDHHC Closure Broadmead Hearing Clinic Hearing Loss Hearing Aids John Boland
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Morning Update: Kenneth Law sentencing hearing beginsAlso in today’s edition: High Seas Treaty and oyster disease management
Read more »
Mount Jack wildfire on Vancouver Island grows to 276 hectares, remains out of controlA wildfire north of Sooke, B.C., has grown to 276 hectares since Sept. 20 and continues to burn out of control, blanketing the capital region in smoke and limiting aircraft response.
Read more »
BC Ferries Cancels Sailings Due to Mechanical Issue and MaintenanceBC Ferries cancelled two Vancouver Island sailings Friday morning due to a mechanical issue and announced service disruptions on the Bowen Island route starting October 3 for maintenance.
Read more »
UBC Opens Gateway Team-Based Health Clinic for 4,450 Patients in MacIsaac Health BuildingThe University of British Columbia has opened the Gateway Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic, the first of its kind in British Columbia, providing primary care for up to 4,450 patients while training health-care students.
Read more »