Personalized Hearing Care

Fraser Valley Beltone brings the joy of sound back to Chilliwack

Oct 15, 2024 | 3:17 PM

CHILLIWACK — At Fraser Valley Beltone, located in the heart of Chilliwack, the mission is not just about providing hearing aids; it’s about restoring the natural beauty of sound. From the soothing rush of the Vedder River to the laughter of children at the Sardis Sports Complex, Beltone’s goal is to ensure every Chilliwack resident enjoys the richness of life’s sounds.

Beltone’s approach is simple but profound: helping people rediscover their ability to hear clearly. The clinic, positioned conveniently off Vedder Road and Chilliwack Lake Road, serves Chilliwack. The team takes pride in offering free, no-obligation hearing evaluations, ensuring that everyone can access the support they need without financial pressure.

Beltone is known for its state-of-the-art hearing aids, but it’s about much more than just technology. With a focus on comfort and ease of use, the clinic’s devices are designed to enhance the overall experience of hearing rather than just amplifying sound. Every patient receives personalized attention from a staff committed to providing best-in-class products and services. For the team at Beltone, it’s not about selling a product but fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Chilliwack’s local roots run deep in Beltone’s staff. Owen Rintisch, a lifelong resident of the area, has been with the clinic for about a year and a half. After studying at Douglas College in Coquitlam to become a Hearing Instrument Practitioner, Owen is excited to serve his fellow Chilliwack residents, offering them the same warm and caring service he’s grown up with.

Owen primarily works out of Beltone’s recently opened Chilliwack office, a beautiful location near Vedder Park. “Come check out the new office and say hello,” Owen says with enthusiasm, eager to meet those who walk through the clinic’s doors.

While Owen represents the clinic’s younger talent, Doug Hyde brings a wealth of experience. Doug joined Beltone in 2016 and has since become a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner. His professional journey is one of diverse experiences—farmer, youth corrections counselor, human resources manager, and college instructor, among others. These roles, as varied as they may seem, share a common thread: a deep desire to help others.

Image: Owen Rintisch (left) and Doug Hyde (right) are members of the Beltone staff. Owen is a lifelong resident of Chilliwack while Doug has arrived from the prairies to help customers rediscover the rich sounds of the world around them.

 

Doug’s move from farming in the prairies to helping people hear better in the temperate Lower Mainland of British Columbia was, in his words, part of a series of “God callings.” Each step in his career had a purpose, all of which culminated in his work as a hearing instrument practitioner. “My entire career has been built on a base of helping other people realize and achieve a better quality of life,” Doug reflects.

His journey into hearing care began when his son Scott, a Beltone practitioner, needed help as the business grew. Doug saw this as a new calling and returned to university to pursue the necessary education. He began working with Scott and the rest of the team while finishing his studies. In the spring of 2018, just weeks before his 65th birthday, Doug passed his exams and became a registered practitioner in British Columbia.

For Doug, the real reward comes from helping patients regain the clarity of hearing they’ve lost over the years. “The best reward remains those moments when people are able to hear their family with a clarity they have not experienced for years,” he says, reflecting on the life-changing impact of his work.

Beltone’s journey in the Fraser Valley has been marked by continuous growth. The clinic first opened its Langley location in 2009, which has since expanded due to increased demand. Now, with four locations in Langley, Abbotsford, Fort Langley, and Chilliwack, Beltone is more accessible than ever. The Chilliwack clinic, which opened in 2023, is a beautiful addition to the area, providing vital hearing services in a scenic part of town.

The team includes a dedicated staff of five licensed practitioners: Jennifer Choy-Harty, Owen Rintisch, Ted Clegg, Doug Hyde, and Scott Hyde. Two hearing care coordinators, Matteya Tuininga and Ella Clegg, ensure smooth clinic operations, while Lora Hyde manages clinic planning, marketing, and human resources.

For Beltone, success is measured not just by growth, but by the trust and loyalty of their patients. “We are committed to you and to our community,” says the team, expressing their gratitude for the continued support from Chilliwack and beyond.

As the clinic continues to expand and innovate, the heart of its mission remains the same: providing exceptional care to those on the journey to better hearing, and ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of sound again.

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