Hearing Health Journeys

A bad head cold about three years ago was when I first noticed my hearing problem. I was maybe a little apprehensive before contacting Dion Hearing Centre, but my first impression was that they were very professional. No waiting time, and the very personal husband and wife team stood out to me. I wear my hearing aids most of the time now. I would definitely say that anyone who has to turn up the TV or needs people to repeat themselves should get their hearing checked. 

In April of 2023, I woke up with a roaring in my ear, kind of like a distant Niagara Falls. I frequently have sinus issues, so I assumed it was connected, but I was wrong, and by the time I saw the doctor, the damage was done. I was diagnosed with Sudden Hearing Loss Syndrome. Steroids helped minimize the situation, but I definitely needed help. Another clinic sent me for an MRI and wrote a prescription for hearing aids. Before the clinic would see me, I had to have a hearing test right away. Dion Hearing Centre was nearby, and when I explained my situation, Jason saw me immediately and got the report to that clinic the same day, just as he promised. That meant everything to me. Once I had the prescription, I had no hesitation about trusting him to take good care of me. 

My first impression was of compassionate, knowledgeable, honest people who knew they were providing an essential service. I wear my hearing aids every day. I am happy that they are so discreet, and my ability to hear the television, sort out voices from background sounds, and manage settings from my phone are all very positive aspects. Jason and Shannon never rush you, listen to your concerns, and make you feel welcome. If you are concerned about your hearing, just go and get a hearing test and talk to Jason and Shannon. Once you see your results, you will know what you need. For those who fear hearing aids will make them look old, do you wear glasses? They are both simply assistive devices. 

Not being able to hear people’s conversations and having to ask them to repeat themselves made me realize I might have a hearing challenge. I had fears because my mother was challenged in her hearing, which added to my distress. My first impression of Dion Hearing Centre was that they were very knowledgeable, concerned, and really listened. It was not about the money or my benefits, but finding the right solution for my needs. Hearing aids have made a world of difference in my life, especially because they connect with my technology, making it easier to hear and not miss out. The openness, friendliness, and welcome I receive each time, whether I visit or call, is my favourite thing about the clinic. I would tell anyone concerned about their hearing that they are awesome people who truly care about my needs, and I don’t find that much anymore. 

My husband was complaining about the TV being too loud, and I was always saying "pardon", which made me realize something was up with my hearing. People say it is important to address hearing loss as you get older, so I suggest doing so sooner rather than later. At first, it can be hard to get used to hearing aids, but once you do and understand how they work, it is awesome. 

My first visit to Dion Hearing Centre was absolutely awesome. Jason explained everything clearly, answered questions, and made sure I understood what was happening with my hearing loss. He was so helpful with everything, from explaining to doing the mold and showing me how the hearing aid works. I always say go to the Dion hearing and talk with Jason if you are concerned about your hearing. 

A few years ago, I started noticing something was up with my hearing, but I kept putting it off. My family doctor encouraged me to get tested after I mentioned sometimes missing parts of conversations. When I visited Dion Hearing Centre, a friendly woman greeted my wife and me, and we quickly set up an appointment. Meeting Jason Dion made us very comfortable. He gave us so much knowledge about how vitally important hearing is in our everyday lives. 

The first time I put on my hearing aids, I told Jason he didn’t have to speak loudly to me. I could even hear my foot touch the carpet, which was pretty funny. Walking out, I heard the traffic going by. Now, I am increasing my wear time each day and feel positive about the experience. Dion listens to you and is very caring, plus there’s a full guarantee for three years. I would definitely recommend Jason Dion, a highly qualified audiologist, for many years. It could change your life for the better. 

Noisy environments made me realize I had a hearing challenge when I couldn’t make out what people were saying. I did not have any concerns before contacting Dion Hearing Centre. I felt really comfortable right away and love husband and wife teams. They are knowledgeable and friendly, so I would definitely recommend going to them if you are concerned about your hearing. 

I was kind of aware something was up with my ears, but I had no fears or concerns before contacting Dion Hearing Centre. From the start, I was totally comfortable. The family feeling is important to me, and I have received this totally at the clinic. Hearing aids have certainly made things easier for many people. Please don't wait if you’re concerned about your hearing. 

There was no real concern; I just wanted to find the right person to go to. My first impression of Dion Hearing Centre was that they were very friendly and knew what they were doing. Hearing aids have helped me hear everything going on. Jason has so much patience with me, and I would definitely recommend the clinic to anyone concerned about their hearing. 

I thought my hearing was fine until I had it checked out. I had no preconceived concerns and did not know what to expect or the procedure for hearing concerns. My first impression of Dion Hearing Centre was that they were friendly, professional, and courteous, making me feel at home. Now, with hearing aids, sounds are much clearer, especially when watching television. The best part about working with the clinic is their open, friendly attitude and that they make clients’ concerns a priority. If you are considering visiting, you will be in a very professional and courteous atmosphere, and they have a sense of humor almost as bizarre as my own, which I appreciate. They are also easy to contact and respond quickly to set up appointments. 

Slowly, I began noticing I was missing out on conversations, and before contacting Dion Hearing Centre, I was concerned that people would be able to tell. My first impression was that everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Now, with hearing aids, I’m part of the group and can finally hear conversations and respond appropriately. My favorite thing about working with the clinic is that I feel like family. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say, don’t wait. 

Being left out of conversations or blundering because I "misheard" details made me realize I might have a hearing challenge. My first impressions of Dion Hearing Centre were very positive; everyone was super friendly and concerned, and Jason wanted to make sure I had the best care possible. I'd be lost without my hearing aids, just like a person who wears glasses. My favorite thing about the clinic is that it's like they are friends caring for me when I need help. 

Speech on TV sounding slurred rather than clear was the first clue that something was wrong with my hearing. After my first hearing test at Dion Hearing Centre, Jason explained in full what was happening with my hearing loss and how to rectify it. Hearing aids have made a big difference in my life because you can feel very isolated if you can't hear conversations or give your own input. 

Jason and Shannon are very dedicated and knowledgeable in their field, and every time I leave my appointment, I feel confident and appreciative of their caring treatment. I would advise anyone concerned about their hearing to visit the clinic. 

Over time, I started realizing there might be something wrong with my hearing when I had to ask my children to repeat themselves often, and sometimes I would answer their questions with something totally different from what they asked. Watching TV was also challenging because the conversations sounded muffled, making it hard to keep track of the story. I felt anxious about the idea of wearing hearing aids and was really trying to find someone I could trust and feel comfortable with. 

From the moment I walked into Dion Hearing Centre, I knew it was the right place. I was greeted with a friendly smile, made to feel comfortable, and Jason took the time to answer all my questions and explain every step, which was very reassuring. Now, wearing hearing aids helps me follow conversations and stay aware of my surroundings so I can actually follow a storyline. I trust them, and I would say to anyone concerned about their hearing: it’s the best thing you can give yourself. The clinic is very professional and knowledgeable, and they make you feel like family. 

My family first pointed out my hearing challenge when they told me I was not hearing properly and had to repeat what they said. I was afraid the hearing aids wouldn’t work and that they might be bulky and uncomfortable, but my first impression of Dion Hearing Centre was that they were very friendly and accommodating. They made sure my needs were met. Now, I can hear a whisper and birds singing, and I realize how many things I missed before getting my hearing aids. My favourite thing is their friendly smile and welcoming manner. If you are concerned about your hearing, please go. You won't be disappointed. 

Needing people to repeat themselves so I could understand everything they were saying was the first sign I might have a hearing challenge. Before contacting Dion Hearing Centre, I definitely had concerns. I thought hearing aids were just another sign of getting old, that they would be uncomfortable and a lot of work, too noticeable, and probably wouldn't work well anyway. My first impression of the clinic was very welcoming and friendly. They answered all my concerns honestly and professionally without being pushy or intimidating. I always felt in control, and they were considerate of every concern, even the silly ones. 

I was hesitant when they said hearing aids would change my life, but they did. Now I can understand what my grandchildren are saying, feel more confident around adults, and interact more in conversations since I understand everything being said. I used to shy away from people because I couldn’t grasp what was said, and sometimes felt a little dumb. Now, I really enjoy hearing the sounds of nature. My favourite thing about working with the clinic is their amazing support and enthusiasm towards their profession. Anything I’ve needed after purchasing my hearing aids has been over and above, and the staff always make me feel welcomed. If you’re concerned about your hearing, don’t be a fool like I was and keep putting it off. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

Kristen was in denial about her hearing loss, thinking, “I was too young to be having hearing loss already.”

However, she was concerned that “my hearing wasn’t good, and I’d need hearing aids.”

Following a friend’s referral to Dion Hearing Centre, Kristen says they are “very nice people” and “down to earth.” She adds, “Jason was knowledgeable and answered all my questions. Didn’t feel rushed.” Everyone’s “friendliness” especially stood out to her.

Kristen loves her new hearing aids. She notes, “When I wear them, they do make a difference and help.”

Giving Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating, Kristen advises others, “Make an appointment.”

Judy noticed her hearing loss nearly ten years ago. She remembers being “concerned that I was comprehending what was being said to me.”

She also wondered “how much it was going to cost and that the hearing aids would be uncomfortable.”

Judy considers the Dion Hearing Centre team to be “very professional and kind,” and she appreciates their “compassion and understanding.” With hearing aids, Judy “definitely can hear better and understand people better.”

Rating Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10, she says others should “Definitely give it a try.”

At age 74, Lillian’s hearing was declining.

“We had to put the television up in order to make out what they were saying!” she recalls. “I knew I had to get a hearing test every year, so I had no fear or concerns for Dion Hearing Centre.”

Lillian says the team was “very friendly and Jason was very accommodating and very knowledgeable in what he does!” She adds that she was “very happy with the process.”

With her new hearing aids, she says, “Now we can put the TV down and are very aware more of what’s going on around us!”

Lillian gives Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating. When asked what advice she’d give to potential patients, she replies, “I would tell them not to fear or be concerned about what kind of service you get and that they are very knowledgeable in this field! They make you feel like you’re part of the family!”

Mike’s hearing was struggling in “large group settings with high ceilings.”

He says, “I was missing out on many conversations. I thought I was young to have a hearing aid and a bit self-conscious.”

Mike’s first impression of Jason at Dion Hearing Centre was that he was “relaxed and very personable.” Mike especially liked Jason’s “calm, professional manner and no pressure sales approach.”

Following his comprehensive hearing assessment, Mike was prescribed hearing aids.

Now, Mike says, “I don’t have the anxiety of missing out on conversations any longer.”

Rating Dion Hearing Centre a 9/10, Mike advises others, “Go and get tested first. Studies I’ve read are showing hearing aids can reduce the rate of cognitive decline in older adults at high risk of dementia.”

Baz became aware of their hearing loss 40 years ago and “felt out of the loop.”

Prior to turning to Dion Hearing Centre for help, Baz was concerned “how reliable was the follow up and continued support.”

At the initial appointment, Baz “felt welcomed” and “knew I was in competent hands.” Baz was delighted with the “prompt and courteous service from informative, helpful professionals.”

Baz notes their new hearing aids “got me back as an active, engaging participant in social settings.”

Rating Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10, Baz advises others, “Don't hesitate letting Jason and his assistants provide you with all your hearing needs!”

Multiple conversations were a challenge for Gino.

He recalls, “I had trouble hearing when there would be more than one conversation in a room at the same time.”

Gino soon picked up some coping skills. “You laugh when they laughed and smile when they smiled,” he continues. “That’s when I realized I needed help with my hearing. If you can improve your quality of life, why wouldn’t you?”

Remembering his initial appointment, Gino says, “Walking into Dion Hearing Centre felt like walking into my home. I felt relaxed and at ease.”

With his new devices, Gino shares, “I can hear all conversations in any settings. My wife does not miss me saying, ‘What? What did you say?’”

Gino gives Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating. To prospective patients, he says, “What are you waiting for? They are number one. You walk out feeling special and the added bonus is you will be able to hear. They go over and above taking care of your needs.”

One day, Sue found herself in an awkward position “when I walked into my house and my house alarm went off and I didn’t hear it.”

She was especially “embarrassed because my alarm company called me to see if everything was ok and I didn’t know what he was talking about.”

At first, Sue didn’t want a hearing assessment “because I knew then I would have to wear hearing aids.” She adds, “At that time, I wanted no part of them.”

However, Sue’s views changed once she visited Dion Hearing Centre.

“I was very comfortable going in to see Jason. He was highly recommended to me by a friend,” she says. “He is easy to talk to, and he is very understanding. He listens to what you have to say.”

Sue loves her new hearing aids and says, “I don’t know what I would do without them. It’s nice being able to hear what others are talking about. Being able to keep a conversation going feels great. Hearing aids are the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Rating Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10, Sue advises, “Don’t hesitate. Go and see Jason. I highly recommend him. It’s a very friendly atmosphere. Shannon and Jason couldn’t be any nicer. They listen to you and that means a lot to me.”

Bruce found himself having to “crank up the volume on my TV, which was very annoying to my wife.”

He had no hesitations in contacting Dion Hearing Centre for help. “I had known Jason before he went out on his own, so I was very comfortable with him.”

Following his comprehensive hearing assessment, Bruce was prescribed hearing aids. “It makes a huge difference,” he says. “I had difficulty hearing normal conversation and was getting very tired of asking people to repeat what they had said (my wife especially).”

Bruce continues, “They were annoyed at having to repeat things, and I was tired of asking them to repeat what they had said!”

Giving Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating, Bruce says, “Jason is very professional and goes out of his way to make sure you are satisfied.”

Tim has looked after his hearing for many years. He first met Jason at another hearing clinic and chose to stay with him when he established Dion Hearing Centre.

Tim says, “I wouldn't trust my hearing to anyone else. I trust his opinion because he is able to explain every question I've had about my hearing test results.”

Tim likes the centre’s “very fresh look, very modern environment and equipment” as well as the “comfortable client waiting area.”

The improvement hearing aids have had on Tim’s life is “like night and day.” He shares, “I can take phone calls and listen directly to TV programming with my hearing aids. It's also definitely much easier to communicate with my spouse.”

Giving Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating, Tim advises others, “Don't hesitate any longer. I've always been very happy with Dion Hearing Centre. You won't be disappointed.”

Patricia was missing out on the most precious moments in life.

“I couldn’t hear my grandchildren and I felt that I was missing out on a lot at family gatherings,” she recalls.

Upon visiting Dion Hearing Centre, where her husband was already a client, Patricia felt at home under Jason’s care. “Jason was super kind and very friendly and patient with me and my husband,” she says. Patricia also loves Jason’s “wonderful sense of humour.”

She explains, “One time, my husband, who was starting with dementia, came to his hearing appointment without his hearing aids. Jason handled it with humour and rescheduled his appointment without embarrassing him.”

Patricia’s experience with hearing aids has been positive. “It has been fantastic and I would never want to go without them,” she shares. “It is the first thing I do after my shower.”

Giving Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating, she advises others, “I would highly recommend going in to talk to Jason, as he will explain everything to you, and he will answer all your questions. He never made my husband or I feel like we had silly questions.”

Mary found herself “having to ask people to repeat” themselves more frequently. However, the thought of hearing aids wasn’t very appealing, as her mother “had a bad experience, so I didn’t want them.”

Nevertheless, Mary visited Dion Hearing Centre and says the team was “very accommodating and friendly.”

Following her comprehensive hearing assessment, Mary was prescribed hearing aids. Mary has had her new hearing aids for only a short time and says she is “trying to get used to them.”

She gives Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10 rating, saying they are a “good place to go,” “very patient” and “ready to help.”

Over the years, hearing tests showed a gradual decline in Terry’s hearing, revealing a difference between left and right ear results.

Terry decided to go ahead with hearing aids “because I was getting ready to retire and noticing not being able to hear some tones when people speak and not being able to hear voices while watching TV” was interfering with daily life.

Upon visiting Dion Hearing Centre, Terry felt comfortable in the “relaxed atmosphere” and adds, “Jason listened to my concerns.”

Terry is impressed with the new hearing aids Jason prescribed. “The tones I couldn't hear were now available to me after not hearing them for years. I’m still adjusting to what sounds I can hear now,” says Terry.

Rating Dion Hearing Centre a 10/10, Terry advises potential patients, “Don't wait. If you have issues with your hearing now, they will not go away. Try to minimize the issue as soon as possible.

“Jason is friendly, and he tries to get to know you as a person and not as a patient. He explains things to you in layman terms. Also has a good sense of humour.”

Mary first became aware of her hearing loss when her kids told her to get her ears checked – but after seeing her own mother dissatisfied with her hearing aids, she hesitated in getting a hearing assessment booked in.

“My mother had them, and she hated them,” she recalls. “I knew I didn’t want to go where she went because whatever she had, she wasn’t happy with.”

Mary thought her hearing was fine; in small groups, she could hear perfectly fine, but in bigger settings with more people, she found herself struggling.

“It’s when I got into church… If I was closer to the back of the church, sometimes it was harder to make out what they were saying.”

While it took Mary some time to adjust to her hearing aids, including fixing the volume herself, they’ve positively impacted her life in many ways.

“For me, it was a relief almost instantly,” she says. “It just felt like this is the right thing, but it varies from person to person.”

To anyone debating about getting hearing aids for themselves, Mary tells them to just try it! She had a good experience with our team at Dion Hearing Centre, rating it a 10/10, and encourages people to try hearing aids out.

Scott didn’t realize how much his hearing loss challenge was affecting his life until he noticed that he was isolating himself from conversations and socializing at events with lots of people.

“In hindsight, you never really think you have a problem,” Scott says. “But... You exclude yourself from any activities or anything like that. You put yourself in a spot where you don’t want to go out and embarrass the people you’re with, so you turn a lot of opportunities down when it comes to socializing and interacting with other people.”

Scott found that he felt self-conscious and embarrassed, avoiding talking on the phone or being in rooms with multiple conversations going on. He wasn’t “doing things” anymore out of worry.

“When you lose it a little bit at a time, you don't really notice how bad it is until you know, you go to someplace like, you know, Jason and you know, he fixes you up. It was a real eye opener.”

However, after visiting Dion Hearing Centre, he had the chance to take back control of his life.

“Having my hearing back, it's just phenomenal,” Scott enthuses. “I spend more time communicating with my wife, family, friends. We go out; it's been great actually having my hearing back.”

He rates his experience a 10/10 – and for those hesitating to get their hearing checked, he’s volunteering to book the first appointment for them!

“I would take them by the hand because they’re missing out! It took a big push from my wife for me to go because you’re reluctant to do that. Now that means you have to go in and admit you have a problem and everything else, but it’s been a huge changer. Life-changer.”

While Franklin can’t quite remember when he started having hearing issues, he remembers what sparked his desire to get hearing aids.

“I was out driving and saw the name on the sign, so I went in, and I got Jason to get me hearing aids,” he remembers. Simple as that!

It was a long time ago for Franklin, but he’s seen a noticeable difference since visiting us at Dion Hearing Centre. His appointment with Jason was a great experience, and he’s had “no problem” in getting accustomed to the big change.

“All I know is I put them in and I can hear better,” he says. “Never had a problem with Jason. He’s good.”

Franklin is very grateful for his hearing aids from Jason and rates the experience highly.

Judy and Ken came to visit us initially when Judy woke up one April morning to find a large amount of her hearing was gone.

“I thought it was sinus issues,” Judy recalls. “By the time I got to the doctor, she said that she put me on steroids and said had I come right away, she may have been able to minimize how much hearing I lost, and she referred me to an ENT.”

After a long time waiting to get in for an appointment after a hearing test, Judy called Jason on a whim and told him what happened – she was amazed when he got her in for an appointment that same day.

“He did what he said he was going to do when he said he was going to do it, and that’s a really big deal for me!”

After her excellent experience with Dion—which she rates a 10/10—she got her husband Ken booked in for an appointment too.

“We've been married 50 years, both in our seventies, and it's amazing how you can't hear each other's voices after that long time. It's not just ignoring, right?” Well, in the case of Judy and Ken, it was normally “That’s not what I said, did you not hear me?” and it would only be a matter of time before “the irritation set in.”

Now that Judy and Ken have both been fitted with hearing aids, Judy’s pleased to report the roaring noise that was driving her crazy is almost entirely gone – and as a university student, her class participation has drastically improved.

For Ken, he’s noticed that he never misses conversations with people, and watching TV has gotten much easier now that he can follow what’s going on better.

“Jason gave us this box to go with our TV, and now I can leave the room going to another part of the house,” Ken mentions, amazed. “I can even go put the garbage out at the road, and I can still hear the TV in my ears. Which is really weird, but it’s kind of cool!”

Judy and Ken both encourage people to get their hearing checked as soon as they can, and they highly rate their experiences with Dion Hearing Centre.