Dekota Clayton and Dr. Peter Russell on independence, advocacy, and better hearing
Dekota Clayton and Dr. Peter Russell have known each other for over 15 years. Both trained as audiologists at Dalhousie University and spent years in hearing aid manufacturing. “When we had the opportunity to open a clinic together, it was an easy decision,” say Clayton and Dr. Russell. “We want to do more than just fit hearing aids on our clients—we want to change their lives.”
That ambition led to Hear Right Canada, a fully independent audiology clinic in Dartmouth serving Eastern HRM, including Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, and surrounding areas.
Industry expertise meets clinical care
Before launching Hear Right Canada, Clayton worked as the Training Audiologist and Territory Manager for Starkey Hearing Technologies in Atlantic Canada, while Dr. Russell was previously the Director of Audiology at Starkey Canada, Clinical Specialist at Sivantos Canada, and Managing Audiologist at Northwest Hearing Services.
Their backgrounds help set the clinic apart. “Our roles in hearing aid manufacturing involved expert-level, advanced training in hearing technologies, as well as other hearing related topics such as tinnitus and counselling,” says Dr. Russell. “This advanced training allows us to understand the ‘why’ rather than just the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of hearing aids.”
That knowledge translates directly to patient care. “We also received training on how to teach and communicate complex information to different types of healthcare professionals,” says Dr. Russell. “That additional training allows us to explain hearing loss and hearing technologies so that our clients feel empowered.”
Advocacy and awareness
For Clayton, audiology is personal. “My motivation for advocacy stems from personal experience, as my mother lived with both hearing loss and dementia,” he says.
The Lancet Commission recently identified mid-life hearing loss as the number one potentially modifiable risk factor to reduce dementia—a finding with significant implications for communities where related health conditions are more prevalent. “Within our Black communities, we see an increase in prevalence of these health conditions and a two times greater risk of dementia,” says Clayton.
As the only Black male audiologist from Nova Scotia to graduate from Dalhousie University, Clayton sees advocacy as a responsibility. “Advocating for change is one of the ways I can give back to the community,” he says. He has worked with CTV, CBC Information Morning, The Cecil Wright Show, and the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia to raise awareness about hearing health.
Independent by design
Hear Right Canada is brand-neutral, meaning Clayton and Dr. Russell can recommend products from any major hearing aid manufacturer. “Being brand neutral and independent allows us to choose which product or service is best for each individual client,” say Clayton and Dr. Russell. “While all manufacturers have great products, some manufacturers may be better at certain products, such as tinnitus devices or in-the-ear devices. We want to choose the best product at the best price for the individual client.”
Looking ahead, the Hear Right Canada team is focused on maintaining the highest standards of audiological care. “We want to ensure our clients stay connected to the people and sounds they love the most,” say Clayton and Dr. Russell. “Hearing better is living better.”
