Business Associations
Wavefront Centre for Communication AccessibilityComplaints
This profile includes complaints for Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 1 complaint in the last 3 years.
- 0 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:22/12/2022
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I applied for a program for people who are low income and need a hearing aid. I explained my financial situation. I was told I qualify for the program, and put on a waiting list. I was told when people get new hearing aids they refurbished the old ones and then given to the program . I was so excited. I told the lady how exciting I was. I said this is life changing. I was overwhelmed by this I was brought to tears approx 3 weeks later I got a email saying they physically had a 5 yr old hearing aid available. I was told it was mine if I was interested I said yes thank you so much. I was informed I needed to pay $140. For a ear mould and to have the aid configured to my heating needs. $140. is a lot of money for me I stated, however it's nothing compared to $5090. For a new aid. I will make it work. Being Christmas money is tight already I decided to give myself this gift this year. I would have to cut back wherever I can. But I was so happy too. My appt was booked for Dec 21 in Vancouver. I was told to make sure I have the $140. And It will be fitted and tweeked for my needs. I was elated. Well upon arrival I was brought into a room and given a hearing test and exam. And then brought out to the reception desk and was told it was $75. For the test. And an exam. I said why $75. I thought it was $140. She said it was only $75.00. I was not going to argue. I paid and was directed to an office. I was then told I could apply through different agencies for funding. I was confused and said what do you mean. I am picking up a aid today. She said no sorry you do not qualify. Stunned I said what the hell did I pay 75. For. She said the test and exam. I said I was lured here with false pretense and I feel ***** ********* **. I was almost gonna cry. I feel like they gave me hope and then tore my dream away for $75. Never mind my time I traveled in bad conditions. All for nothing this is a ****
Business Response
Date: 12/01/2023
Hello,
I apologies but I have only just received this notification.
This client was seen at our Quebec St clinic December 21st and received a hearing assessment by one of our registered audiologists. A hearing assessment is required before any hearing aid can be recommended or fit to the client. On performing her assessment the audiologist observed ear related red flags which requires medical clearance from a GP/ENT before hearing aids can be fit/dispensed to the client. Medical clearance has been requested from the clients GP.
Wavefront currently runs a **** ** *** Program that provides hearing aids to those clients without the resources to afford hearing aids. However, if the client is possibly eligible for hearing aid funding through a program such as **** **** **, they need to explore that option.
**** **** ** has an excellent hearing aid program for the life of the client supplying new hearing aids approximately every 5 years or sooner if needed at no cost to the client. The hearing aids fit through the **** ** *** program are older refurbished hearing aids with no warranties and are meant for those clients with NO funding resources available to them. If a client is a candidate for the **** ** *** program they must come in for a hearing test first so they can be assessed by the audiologist. If they are a candidate, which the client still might be, if **** **** ** denies the claim. The appropriate steps need to be taken to obtain a hearing aid. These steps are as follows:
1) Medical Clearance to fit hearing aids. This step protects the client. The hearing aid fitting may be medically contraindicated.
2) Ear mold impressions to fit the hearing aids. Given the severity of hearing earmolds were recommended by the Audiologist which need to be custom made and ordered.
3) Fitting of the hearing aids. - This is a separate appointment
4) Follow up appointment to ensure that the hearing aid is fitting well both physically and acoustically and to review the use of the hearing aid with the client.The client was sent an email with the above steps on 22 December 2022. He may still be be eligible but we need to see if he is covered by **** as per our **** ** *** policy. Additionly we need medical clearance before we can proceed with any further treatment as per ***** guidelines.
I am more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
Kind regards,
Hugh M********
Director, Clinical Operation & Social Enterprise
Service in English
Pronouns: He, Him, His
T: 604-736-7391 Ext. 316 | F: 604-736-4381 | TTY: 604-736-2527
2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 2Z6
www.wavefrontcentre.ca | @wavefrontcentreCustomer Answer
Date: 17/01/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
***** *********I would just like to say 2 things first of all I'm a he not a she and second they never told me any of the process till after I paid and left
I do now understand the process of the program
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is BBB Accredited.
Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.