Dear Patient,
Amid ongoing concerns about COVID-19, we want to assure you that your health, safety, and well-being is Ontario Hearing Centers’ top priority. We have implemented the following changes in our practice to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, minimize the spread of the virus, and keep you safe.
1. Our staff maintains a thorough sanitation
routine to ensure all patient and staff areas are clean and follow infection
control guidelines. In addition, we will be disinfecting all surfaces including
chairs, tables, counters, credit card machine, and door handles between patient
visits.
2. The door entering our waiting room will remain
open so that there is one less surface area to touch. Although the door is
open, please wait in the vestibule until a staff member is able to greet you.
3. Hand Sanitizers will be available in the
waiting room and consult rooms for all patients.
4. We will be staggering patient visits to avoid
congestion in the waiting room.
5. Unfortunately, we will be unable to greet you
with a handshake and will be minimizing physical contact in general.
6. Staff and Clinicians will be wearing masks and
gloves unless otherwise notified by health officials.
7. Please plan on wearing a mask for your
appointment.
8. We will have a hearing aid drop-off basket in
the vestibule for those patients who are uncomfortable coming into the office.
The audiologist will inform you of what needs to be done and if there is any
cost involved. If you choose to drop-off your hearing aid/s please follow these
steps: 1. Put your hearing aid/s in a small bag. 2. Put your name, contact number, and a brief
explanation of the desired service (repair; cleaning; tube change, etc.) in or
on the bag.
9. If you are coming into the office to pick-up
supplies such as batteries, domes, or wax guards, please contact the office
prior to your visit and we can have them ready for you to pick-up in the
vestibule. You can provide your credit card information when you place the
order.
10. If someone is assisting you to the office,
please have them wait in the car until the conclusion of your visit.
11. Please avoid arriving early in order to
minimize congestion. If you are going to be more than 5 minutes late, please
call the office so that we can adhere to our staggered schedule and allow for
time to disinfect the office.
12. If you are feeling under the weather or are
experiencing a fever, cough or shortness of breath, we would ask that you call
and reschedule your appointment so as not to put other patients at risk.
Fortunately, due to our long-standing relationships with manufacturers, we are receiving special pricing on hearing aids so that we can pass the savings on to you. This is a great opportunity to review new technology and take advantage of exceptional savings. Please look for a brochure in the mail or call our office to find out more.
We continue to be vigilant in our monitoring of this unprecedented event and are fully aware that many of the population we serve are among the most vulnerable to diseases like COVID-19. We understand the importance of optimal hearing, especially during this time when communication is so critical.
We are also aware of the additional communication difficulties that are often exacerbated by others wearing masks and blocking your visual cues. Be assured that we will do all we can to enhance your hearing and minimize the difficulties you are encountering.
Please feel free to call with any questions and we will do our best to assist you.