Private Boutique Ear and Hearing Clinic in Ottawa — Led by a Doctor of Audiology
Ottawa Hears Audiology is a locally owned, private boutique clinic providing advanced ear, hearing, tinnitus, and hearing device care in Ottawa.
Led by Genia Kanne-Shmigol, Au.D.(C), Doctor of Audiology, audiologist, with over 14 years of clinical experience, our clinic focuses on personalized, patient-centered care — not sales-driven hearing screenings.
Every appointment begins with understanding your ear and hearing health, communication needs, lifestyle, and goals. From assessment to recommendations and follow-up care, you work directly with our Doctor of Audiology.
Our mission is to improve quality of life through exceptional care, compassion, respect, and collaboration with other healthcare providers when needed.
Our vision is to help every patient live a more connected, confident, and fully engaged life.
Services are available in English and French.
Understand the Difference: Hearing Health Providers in Ontario
Not all hearing care providers have the same education, training, or clinical focus. This page explains the difference between Hearing Instrument Specialists, Audiologists with a Master’s degree, and Audiologists with a Professional Doctorate degree so patients can make an informed choice about their hearing care.
How to Check Your Provider’s Credentials
Look at the letters after the provider’s name:
H.I.S. = Hearing Instrument Specialist
M.Sc., M.Cl.Sc., M.H.Sc., or M.A. = Audiologist, master’s level
Au.D. = Audiologist, Doctor of Audiology
Au.D.(C) = Audiologist, Certified Doctor of Audiology
Hearing Instrument Specialist — H.I.S.
A Hearing Instrument Specialist usually completes college or technical training, often 1–2 years.
Their main focus is hearing screenings, hearing aid selection, fitting, support, and ongoing hearing device care.
Audiologist — Master’s Level - M.Sc., M.Cl.Sc., M.H.Sc., or M.A., or with C (= certified)
An audiologist completes university education, including a master’s degree in audiology, usually about 6 years total.
Their main focus is hearing assessment, hearing rehabilitation, hearing devices, and patient-centered care.
Doctor of Audiology — Au.D. or Au.D.(C)
A Doctor of Audiology has completed advanced doctoral-level audiology education, usually about 8 years total.
Their main focus includes advanced assessments and diagnostics, clinical knowledge, tinnitus care, hearing rehabilitation, hearing devices, and comprehensive patient-centered care.
At Ottawa Hears Audiology, your care is led by Genia Kanne-Shmigol, Au.D.(C), Doctor of Audiology, providing advanced ear, hearing, tinnitus, and hearing device care in Ottawa and Kanata North.
Urgent Same-Day & Special-Time Appointments
Urgent same-day, early morning, evening, or select weekend appointments may be available by special request.Requests are accepted by email only and do not guarantee an appointment.
To request an appointment, please email info@ottawahears.com with your name, date of birth, phone number, reason for your visit, preferred day and time, and when your symptoms started.
An urgent same-day or special-time service fee way apply.
Do you need an audiologist?
You are in the right place if you are experiencing:
✅ People sound like they are mumbling
✅ Difficulty hearing in background noise
✅ Sudden, recent, or gradual changes in hearing
✅ Muffled hearing or hearing loss in one ear
✅ Ringing, buzzing, or tinnitus
✅ Blocked ears, ear fullness, pressure, or popping
✅ Possible earwax buildup
✅ Ear pain, itchiness, or irritation
✅ Fluid, discharge, or bleeding from the ear
✅ Dizziness, vertigo, or balance concerns
✅ Sound sensitivity or discomfort with everyday sounds
✅ Numbness or unusual sensations around the ear
✅ Questions about hearing aids or hearing device options
✅ Need for an audiogram, report, or funding paperwork
✅ Concerns about your child’s hearing, listening, or auditory processing
Your Hearing and Brain Health Are Connected
Did you know? Untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline. Don’t wait to check your hearing — seeing an audiologist is an important step in understanding your hearing and cognitive health.
If you are 65 and older and have noticed changes in your hearing or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), we offer a FREE COMPREHENSIVE HEARING ASSESSMENT to help you understand what is going on with your hearing and brain health.
This is ideal if you are unsure where to start.
Doctor of Audiology-Led Complimentary Hearing and Tinnitus Assessment (65+)
✅ Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
✅ Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
✅ Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
✅ Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
✅ Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Authorized 3rd Party Provider For :
Just curious about your hearing?
Try our free online hearing test.
Let’s Connect
You do not need a medical referral to see Genia Kanne-Shmigol, Au.D.(C), Doctor of Audiology, Audiologist.
Book your assessment online or email us with your inquiry, and we will be happy to guide you to the right audiological service for your needs. For the fastest response, please contact us by clinic email.