Sonaris is an independently owned, private practice that offers quality hearing health, balance function, and rehab services to British Columbians of all ages.

As an independent practice, we are not affiliated with large name companies and as such, we provide unbiased services and products.

An audiologist is a professional who provides primary hearing health care. Audiologists specialize in the prevention of hearing loss and in the identification, assessment, diagnosis, management, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists are university trained and following completion of an undergraduate program, they undertake a further minimum 2 years of graduate studies in Audiology to graduate with either a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

Audiologists are highly skilled in assessing hearing-related communication disorders and are knowledgeable with respect to the physics of sound, anatomy and physiology of the hearing and speech mechanisms. Audiologists can also prescribe and dispense hearing aids if licensed to do so.

A Hearing Instrument Practitioner’s scope of practice is generally limited to conducting hearing tests and dispensing hearing aids. They cannot, however, provide diagnostic services. As a minimum, completion of 2 years of post-secondary education is required. Training in the field of hearing instrument dispensing can vary and there is no standardized formal education program.

The regulating body for both professions is the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHBC) which defines the scope of practice for Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Practitioners.

As a consumer, you choose whom you wish to see for your hearing needs. The cost of services is not determined by the profession you choose to receive services from.

In keeping with Sonaris’ commitment to excellence in patient care, our services are provided exclusively by registered Audiologists.

At Sonaris, we provide a 30-day money back or exchange on the purchase of any hearing devices.

Yes. A diagnostic hearing test provides comprehensive information about the type of hearing loss, where it is coming from and whether it is temporary or permanent. A careful history of your hearing health is also taken into account when making a diagnosis. Only from thorough and accurate testing are we able to identify issues and concerns that may warrant medical referral. Also, if hearing aids are indicated, the information obtained from a diagnostic hearing test is essential to make sure that the hearing aids are properly and accurately adjusted to your hearing.

All of this takes time and there are costs involved. We prefer to keep our charges transparent and we do not hide our assessment costs by inflating our hearing aid prices.

Yes. If you are a person with disabilities residing in BC and covered under the Ministry of Development and Social Innovation (MSDSI) program, you may qualify for financial assistance. Sonaris’ audiologists will help determine if you or a family member is eligible for financial assistance towards hearing aids.