In 2011, Hanan and Shelagh Merrill found themselves at a crossroads. They had spent years in pastoral work while raising their family, dedicated to guiding and supporting others in their community. But as their children grew older, they began to feel the pull of a new chapter – one that would allow them to continue serving people, but in a way they had never imagined.
It all started with a chance conversation. A friend mentioned the field of hearing healthcare, and something clicked. “We had never really considered it before,” Shelagh recalls. “But the more we looked into it, the more it made sense. It was a way to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Hanan shadowed a hearing professional and was immediately drawn to the work. He saw firsthand how hearing loss impacts not just individuals, but their relationships, confidence and overall well-being. “Hearing loss isn’t just about sound,” he explains. “It’s about connection. We knew this was something we could pour our hearts into.”
When they decided to open their own independent hearing clinic in Nanaimo, the easier option might have been to join a corporate chain. But that didn’t sit right with them. They wanted the freedom to focus on patient care rather than sales targets, so they built their clinic from the ground up, ensuring they could offer a range of hearing aid brands without manufacturer restrictions. “Independence was really important to us,”Shelagh says. “We didn’t want to be tied to a single brand – we wanted to do what was best for each patient.”
Over the years, they’ve watched the industry evolve. Technology has advanced dramatically, with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries and automatic sound adjustments becoming standard. Yet, despite these improvements, many large retailers have begun shifting their focus away from personalized hearing care and towards selling hearing aids as standalone products.
“People think the solution to their hearing problem is just getting a device,” Hanan says, “but real success comes from the service and rehabilitation that happens after.”
This belief in patient-centred care has shaped every aspect of their practice. First appointments last 90 minutes, allowing them to truly understand each person’s unique challenges, lifestyle and goals. They guide patients at their own pace, helping them adapt rather than pressuring them into quick fixes. “Hearing loss is an emotional journey,” Shelagh says. “It takes time, patience and the right support.”
Demand for their approach led them to expand into Parksville, where they opened Oceanside Hearing Clinic. They funded it themselves to maintain their independence, resisting offers from large manufacturers. “We’ve worked hard to stay true to our values,” Hanan says. “We believe hearing care is more than just selling devices – it’s about long-term support, education and improving lives.”
Appointments are now available! Book your visit with their quick online form at OceansideHearingClinic.com, by calling 250-905-1000 or visiting at 543 Stanford Ave E #103 in Parksville.