Ottawa Audiologist: Rodney Taylor

For 20 years, Rodney Taylor, Doctor of Audiology and President of the Advanced Hearing Group of Clinics, has served hearing-impaired clients in the Capital. Taylor’s work at the Advanced Hearing Group of Clinics, his extensive research and development, awards and honours and contributions to the community have established him as a leading figure in audiology circles and as a well-rounded professional.

Taylor remains committed to ensuring an autonomous profession and has collaborated with many associations in a variety of capacities. Taylor has trained and worked closely with physicians on aspects related to our profession.

Taylor developed clinical protocols for neurophysiologic tests and hearing aid prescriptions, as well as an aural rehabilitation and lip-reading course that is currently offered in many audiology clinics. Another note-worthy achievement is his published handbook Understanding and Coping with Hearing Loss.

Award-winning Taylor has appeared on television programs, including CBC’s The Heart of the Beat. He also appeared as a seasoned and well-versed audiologist on the A-Channel and was featured on CTV News’ W5.

“The intrinsic rewards that I receive come from knowing that I have helped patients improve their communicative ability in addition to reclaiming healthier relationships and improved levels of confidence,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s knowledge and team of professionals are a sought-after commodity. People have come from England, India, the Middle East, and the Caribbean Islands to consult with Taylor.

“My clientele ranges greatly, especially since I am one of a few who does custom musician monitor systems,” Taylor says. “I have several celebrities as patients. I see many well-known politicians, musicians, and a few members of a Royal Family.”

Among the services Advanced Hearing offers are electroacoustic, hearing and neural integrity assessments; amplification and accessories; relief of tinnitus; and hearing device verification.

Taylor trains physicians and has worked on panels for the Ontario Ministry of Health and the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. Thanks to his vision and expertise, he has been changing the standards of noise levels in toys sold in Canada. He is also currently in post doctoral training for a specialty certificate in tinnitus and hyperacusis at Salus University.

When Taylor is not busy contributing to the field of audiology, he focuses his attention on the arts. He has an appreciation for modern and historical mediums of art and is interested in expanding his knowledge of art history.

“I am an avid art collector with eclectic taste, from historical Canadian to international works of art. I am currently working on a book on A. Y. Jackson, the founder of the Group of Seven.”

He also has a strong commitment to the community, participating in charitable activities and providing funding to organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Ottawa Food Bank, the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation and the Humane Society. He has also donated hearing aids to developing countries through the Starkey Hearing Foundation, sponsors at risk individuals overseas. “You can have as much business success as you want but you are really not influential or successful unless you give back and change lives.”

More information on Rodney Taylor can be seen at www.ahac.ca.