Abstract:
Echo Audiology is proud to be celebrating eight years of caring for our Orléans & Ottawa community. From the very beginning, our focus has been simple: helping people hear better and live fuller lives. Whether it’s a hearing test, hearing aid fitting, tinnitus support, custom hearing protection, assistive listening devices, or safe ear wax removal, we are here with the right solutions and the caring support you need.
This year has been especially exciting for us. We welcomed Hearing Instrument Specialist Danielle Grundy and Clinic Assistant Marissa Gervais to our team, both who have already been a great support for our patients. We are also introducing the option of online booking for some appointment types, and created a new consultation for patients looking for new hearing aids where patients get to quickly compare various brands of hearing aids guided by one of our clinician! We also celebrated our Clinical Audiologist Sara Vujicic receiving the prestigious Faces Award. Together, these milestones highlight Echo Audiology’s commitment to quality, compassion, and innovation. These moments certainly reflect our growth, but also our promise to continue raising the standard of care for every patient who walks through our doors.
Looking ahead, our commitment stays the same: patient-first hearing care that’s personal, professional, and proven. Thank you for trusting us with your hearing health. We couldn’t do this without you.
Echo Audiology is proud to celebrate eight years of providing trusted, community-focused hearing care in Ottawa. Since opening its doors, our clinic has grown into a recognized leader in patient-centered hearing health, known for a warm, welcoming approach, comprehensive services, and award-winning care.
This milestone is not only a celebration of longevity; it is a reflection of trust. Over the past eight years, Echo Audiology has built a strong reputation among hearing clinics in Ottawa. We continually strive to set ourselves apart through dedication to quality, community engagement, and an unwavering focus on patient outcomes.
To mark this special anniversary, we proudly highlight our key achievements: the expansion of services, the addition of new team members, and recognition through community awards. Together, these milestones show how Echo Audiology is evolving to meet the diverse needs of Orléans & Ottawa families while remaining true to our core values of compassion, professionalism, and care.
Eight Years of Trusted Hearing Care in Ottawa
Echo Audiology was founded on a simple but powerful vision: hearing care should be about people, not just products. We set out to create an environment where patients feel supported, educated, and empowered at every stage of their journey.
Over the past eight years, our clinic has achieved notable milestones:
- Expansion of Services: Echo Audiology has grown from standard hearing assessments to offering advanced diagnostic testing, tinnitus consultations, customized hearing protection, wax removal, hearing aids & assistive listening technologies.
- Technology Integration: Patients have access to the latest hearing aid innovations, including wireless connectivity and streaming solutions that make conversations clearer in all environments.
- Community Impact: Over the years, our clinic has engaged in outreach, educational initiatives, and partnerships with healthcare providers, reinforcing our role as a trusted local provider.
These accomplishments speak to our philosophy of combining stability with innovation. After nearly a decade in operation, Echo Audiology has become a familiar and reliable presence in the Ottawa and Orléans communities, proof that patients can depend on our clinic not just today, but for years to come.
Enhanced Patient Experience with Our New Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)
Echo Audiology is excited to welcome Danielle Grundy, M.Mus., HIS, Reg. AHIP, to the team as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. Danielle brings a unique blend of professional musicianship and clinical training that enriches the clinic’s collaborative approach to care.
Background and Qualifications
Originally from a small town outside Hamilton, Danielle recently relocated to Ottawa to join Echo Audiology. She brings 18 years of professional musicianship, performing with orchestras and ensembles across Ontario, alongside a diploma in Hearing Instrument Sciences from Conestoga College. Danielle also holds a Master of Music Performance and Pedagogy from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (French Horn) from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Her professional certifications include:
- Registered member of the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP).
- Cerumen Management Certified.
- Recipient of the Alan Moore Memorial Award (2023).
- Licensed through the International Licensing Exam (ILE, 2024).
This unique background allows Danielle to understand both the science of hearing and the lived experience of sound, particularly for musicians and those navigating complex listening environments.
HIS Role vs. Audiologist: A Collaborative Team Approach
At Echo Audiology, Danielle’s role is not separate from, but integrated with, the audiology team. While our audiologists are still available for all patients, they may focus more on the clinical, medical & counselling aspects of hearing care like initial hearing assessments and tinnitus consultations; while Danielle complements this work by providing the ongoing hands-on support for any rehabilitation needs, from hearing protection, to wax removal to device fittings, adjustments, and anything relating to technology integration.
Weekly team meetings ensure that our team of Audiologists & Hearing Instrument Specialists stay aligned on patient cases, pooling their perspectives to offer patients the most well-rounded care possible. This collaborative model means you and all our patients benefit from clinical depth and technical expertise working together, instead of separately. Already this model has proven to be beneficial for everyone involved!
Patient Benefits of a Hearing Instrument Specialist on the Team
The addition of Danielle to the Echo Audiology team translates into tangible benefits for our patients, including:
- More Appointment Availability: With an expanded team, scheduling is easier and wait times are shorter.
- Hands-On Support: Danielle provides extra guidance during the adaptation phase of using hearing aids in Ottawa, ensuring patients feel confident and comfortable.
- A Different Perspective: Her musical background and focus on the technological side of devices bring an added layer of insight that complements the audiologists’ clinical expertise.
- Holistic Care: Together, the team offers a balance of medical evaluation, strategies and practical device know-how.
Impact on Patient Outcomes
By blending these perspectives, Echo Audiology delivers more comprehensive solutions that meet both clinical and real-world needs of patients. This collaboration leads to greater satisfaction, smoother adaptation, and long-term success with hearing care.
With Danielle joining our team, Echo Audiology continues to strengthen its patient-first promise, offering care that is not only comprehensive but also deeply personal.
First Impressions Matter: Our Clinic Assistants
At Echo Audiology, patient care begins well before stepping into the consultation room. For many people, the first interaction with the clinic comes through a phone call, an email, or a friendly greeting at the front desk. That first impression matters, and Echo Audiology has invested in strengthening its administrative team to ensure every patient feels welcomed, supported, and at ease from the very beginning.
Creating a Welcoming First Impression
Our front-desk staff set the tone for each patient’s experience. Their warm, approachable manner helps you feel comfortable, reassured, and confident that you are in the right place for your hearing care needs. In an era where many healthcare providers rely on automated systems or virtual assistants, Echo Audiology believes strongly in maintaining the personal touch. The clinic’s philosophy is clear: compassionate care starts with a strong human connection.
Efficiency Through Scheduling and Reminders
Behind the warmth is efficiency. The front-staff team coordinates appointment scheduling, follow-up reminders, and rescheduling with precision. This streamlined process reduces missed appointments and ensures patients receive timely care. The result is smoother access to services and less stress for patients managing busy schedules.
Support Before and After Hearing Tests
Our front staff also play an essential role in supporting patients before and after their hearing test in Ottawa. They answer questions, explain next steps, and provide resources to help patients feel informed. For new patients, this extra guidance makes the process less intimidating; for returning patients, it reinforces continuity of care.
The Work Patients Don’t See
Much of the front-desk team’s work happens behind the scenes, yet it is vital to the clinic’s success. Their responsibilities include:
- Managing administrative tasks to keep the clinic running smoothly.
- Tracking orders and liaising with manufacturers to ensure timely delivery.
- Assisting with quality checks of hearing products, making sure every device meets high standards.
- Supporting audiologists during pediatric assessments, ensuring children and families have a seamless experience.
By balancing these visible and invisible responsibilities, our front-staff team contributes significantly to patient satisfaction and the overall efficiency of the clinic.
Why It Matters
The result of these efforts is clear: fewer delays, fewer missed appointments, and a smoother, more supportive journey for every patient. At Echo Audiology, the administrative team is more than just “support staff”; they are an integral part of the patient care experience, ensuring that every interaction reflects the clinic’s values of warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness.
Award-Winning Care: Faces Award Recognition
Recognition through the prestigious Faces Awards has become a meaningful part of Echo Audiology’s story. These awards celebrate professionals across Ottawa who demonstrate outstanding dedication and impact within their communities.
In past years, Owner & Head Audiologist Karine Bossé was honoured with the award, a reflection of her leadership and commitment to patient-first care. This year, the spotlight shines on Clinical Audiologist Sara Vujicic, who earned a Faces Award for her compassionate approach and the trust she has built with patients and families.
Having both Karine and Sara recognized in different years is more than a coincidence; it highlights the culture of excellence that runs throughout the entire clinic. Whether in leadership or in day-to-day clinical care, Echo Audiology’s professionals are consistently celebrated by the Ottawa community for their dedication, compassion, and high standards.
For patients, these awards serve as a trust signal: Echo Audiology is not only a stable and reliable clinic but one where the team’s passion and professionalism are recognized year after year.
Comprehensive Hearing Services: What We Offer
Echo Audiology offers a full suite of hearing care services designed for all ages who may be starting to notice hearing challenges. What makes our approach different is the combination of thorough assessments, personalized care, prevention strategies, and long-term support.
Hearing Tests for Children & Adults in Ottawa
Every patient journey begins with a hearing test. The reason to schedule a hearing assessment differs not only based on the age group of our patients, but also the reasons why they many require the test in the first place. For example, sometimes an assessment is needed to rule out another medical concern, and other times to confirm an issue with their hearing. A comprehensive evaluation for an adult typically includes:
- Extensive medical history review to understand health background and risk factors.
- Lifestyle and perception questions about communication challenges in daily life.
- Otoscopic exam to visually inspect the ear canal and eardrum.
- Middle ear assessments such as tympanometry to check eardrum and middle ear function, and acoustic reflex testing if required.
- Pure-tone audiometry to measure hearing thresholds at various pitches.
- Speech audiometry to test recognition of words at different volumes, as well as determine comfortable vs uncomfortable speech levels for the patient
- Speech-in-noise testing to reflect real-world listening environments.
- Advanced testing with DPAOEs & Extended Frequency Pure-Tone Audiometry to detect further damage in the auditory system
- Tinnitus matching to approximately match the pitch and volume of your tinnitus (for tinnitus consultations only)
After testing, results are explained in clear, supportive terms. As our patient, you will also receive extensive counselling to help you understand what the results mean, what options are available, and what next steps might look like. This empowers you to make informed choices for yourself or a loved one with confidence.
A hearing test for a child likely will not involve every test listed above, as assessments are catered to the age-group of our patient. When testing a child, obtaining the greatest number of reliable results is the main objective, so we choose specific tests. That said, the extensive medical history review and counseling provided in the aftermath of assessments always remains at the center of our consultations, along with appropriate medical referrals for both our pediatric and adult patients.
Tinnitus Support and Counselling
Tinnitus can feel overwhelming and disruptive to routine life in many ways, but Echo Audiology approaches it with care and thoroughness. The clinic provides specialized tinnitus consultations that focus on identifying potential underlying sources of tinnitus. This allows for tailored rehabilitation options based on each patient’s specific situation.
For example, patients may benefit from sound therapy, counselling, or strategies designed to minimize the impact of tinnitus in daily life, or possible from referrals to other health professionals who also work with tinnitus when it’s cause is not acoustic in nature. These consultations have made Echo Audiology a trusted referral clinic for military members and veterans experiencing tinnitus due to noise exposure.
Integrating tinnitus support with hearing care ensures that you receive comprehensive solutions, not just isolated advice.
Hearing Aid Prescription, Fittings and Adjustments
For those who would benefit from amplification, Echo Audiology provides hearing aids in Ottawa that are tailored to individual needs. The process includes:
- Hearing aid prescriptions based on patient’s auditory profile and lifestyle needs
- Personalized hearing aid fittings using real-ear measurements to ensure the device matches the unique acoustics of each ear.
- Extensive counselling and education to help patients set realistic expectations and feel confident using their devices.
- Communication strategies training, such as positioning during conversations, using visual cues, and handling noisy environments.
- Post-fitting adjustments to fine-tune devices for both comfort and clarity. These follow-up visits are critical, as hearing needs often evolve over time.
This approach ensures that hearing aids are not only fitted correctly but also integrated into daily life in a way that feels natural and effective.
NEW SERVICE: Hearing Aid Comparison Consultation
Looking for new hearing aids? Make an informed decision about your new hearing aids by listening to various mainstream brands with the help of a patented app and our clinical guidance. In this consultation, you will experience an interactive listening session with one of our clinicians, who will also be able to provide detailed information on what to expect from your preferred hearing aid manufacturers.
I’ve had the opportunity to conduct several hearing aid comparison consultations already through this app, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how much our patients benefit from hearing the differences between hearing aid brands firsthand. While we’ve always been confident in the hearing aids we prescribe, this tool adds an extra layer of confidence for patients by allowing them to validate their choice through their own listening experience.
Feedback has been incredibly positive, with patients and their families finding the experience both informative and eye-opening. We’re excited to see how this tool continues to empower patients in making informed decisions about their hearing aids. – Danielle Grundy, M.Mus., HIS, Reg. AHIP
This service is available when contacting the clinic and through our online booking system. It is also included in our current hearing aid patients’ clinical services!
Hearing Protection
Prevention is just as important as treatment. Echo Audiology offers custom hearing protection designed for different lifestyles, including:
- Musicians who need to reduce harmful noise levels while preserving sound quality.
- Industrial workers who are regularly exposed to machinery and loud environments.
- Recreational shooters requiring maximum noise reduction with a secure fit.
- Specialized plugs for sleeping to block disruptive sounds at night.
- Swim plugs to protect ears from water exposure.
Each option is custom-molded to the individual’s ear, ensuring comfort, durability, and effectiveness.
Assistive Listening Devices
In addition to hearing aids, some patients benefit from assistive listening devices that enhance communication in specific environments. Echo Audiology offers modern solutions such as:
- TV streamers that connect directly to hearing aids for clear, wireless audio.
- Remote microphones that improve clarity in group settings or noisy spaces.
Assistive devices are often recommended as a complement to hearing aids, particularly for patients who want to maximize their hearing performance in challenging listening environments.
Together, these services reflect Echo Audiology’s holistic approach: evaluation, treatment, prevention, and long-term support, all under one roof.
Ear Consultation & Wax Removal
Sometimes, hearing concerns are caused not by long-term hearing loss but by something as simple as a wax blockage. At Echo Audiology, we provide professional ear wax removal in Ottawa (also known as cerumen management) using safe and effective techniques that go beyond what over-the-counter kits can achieve.
Our ear wax removal services first ensure that the procedure is performed safely.
This service is often a first step in the hearing care journey and may even resolve certain listening difficulties immediately.
For the patients who do not have any wax to remove, we then use quick screening methods to figure out what your next step should be taken, whether it is a hearing assessment, or a referral to another health professional in a different field.
Service in Action: A Typical Patient Journey
Many people feel uncertain about what to expect from a hearing clinic. Echo Audiology removes that uncertainty by offering you a transparent, step-by-step journey:
- Initial Contact: You connect with our clinic through a phone call, email or online booking form and are greeted warmly by front-desk staff who provide information and schedule appointments.
- Consultation & Rehabilitation: Clinicians review your case history, conduct the assessments required, explain results clearly and supportively, and recommend tailored solutions and medical recommendations for you.
- Hearing Aids & Follow-Up Care: Our experienced team of clinical audiologists and our hearing instrument specialist, work together to ensure accurate fitting & programming with appropriate counselling and education. Over the course of time, you are welcome to return for adjustments, troubleshooting, and ongoing counselling to ensure continued success with your hearing aids.
This simple, structured approach to the patient journey — along with our clinic’s highly collaborative environment — has consistently supported our patients’ success. With the addition of a new clinic assistant, online booking, and a new clinical team member, we’re able to maintain the high level of service our patients expect, while keeping up with the demands of our growing clinic.
Our Promise to Ottawa: Quality, Care, and Continued Growth
As Echo Audiology celebrates eight years of service, one thing remains at the heart of everything we do: our promise to provide Ottawa with hearing care that is compassionate, comprehensive, and community-focused.
- Quality: We continually invest in the latest technology and best practices to ensure that every patient receives effective, modern solutions.
- Care: From the first phone call to long-term follow-up, our team is committed to providing personalized, patient-first support.
- Community Commitment: With deep roots in Ottawa and Orléans, we remain dedicated to helping local families improve their hearing health and quality of life.
Looking ahead, we will continue to grow, evolve, and innovate, always keeping patients at the center of every decision. Whether you are just beginning to notice changes in your hearing, exploring treatment options, or seeking ongoing support, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward better hearing today. Book your hearing test in Orléans, Ottawa with Echo Audiology and experience the difference of award-winning, patient-focused care.
