Individuals living with hearing loss have a new option in the North Okanagan.
Tosha Hodgson, a registered audiologist and hearing instrument practitioner with more than 12 years experience, has opened Rockwell Audiology, a full-time private practice in Vernon.
“This new clinic is a great asset to the area as it will help provide direct access to a wider range of audiology services for children, adults, seniors and special needs populations,” said Hodgson, who holds a master’s degree in audiology from the University of Western Ontario.
“Individuals no longer need to travel to Kelowna or Salmon Arm to see an audiologist which is especially great news for those who are less mobile, do not have access to a vehicle, or simply cannot drive.”
Rockwell Audiology, located in Sun Valley Mall on the corner of 30th Avenue and 34th Street, offers clients comprehensive audiological assessments, hearing aid prescriptions, hearing aids and assistive listening devices for those challenged by hearing loss.
Other available services and products at the clinic include custom earplugs for musicians, swimmers, construction workers, dentists and pilots.
Those afflicted with tinnitus – a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears – may also benefit from Hodgson’s expertise.
Hodgson, who notes hearing loss is the fourth most prevalent disability in Canada (after mobility, pain and agility), has structured Rockwell Audiology to provide a medical model of hearing health care.
“With our leading-edge medical devices and equipment, Rockwell Audiology Inc. is a premium venue for providing thorough assessments of patients’ hearing capabilities,” said Hodgson, who is certified by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of B.C., and by the Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
As the only private dispensing clinic in Vernon with a registered audiologist on staff full-time, Hodgson says services can be provided to all individuals who require testing for medical and/or legal purposes.
As a way of giving back, Hodgson accepts donations of old hearing aids, which she collects and forwards to hearing aid manufacturers for refurbishing. They are then donated to developing nations and disaster-stricken areas.
