www.echohearingcare.com (the "Site") is owned and operated by Echo Hearing Care, INC..

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ECHO HEARING CARE

201-2786 West 16th Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6K 4M1

Ph: (604) 259-7704 | F: 604-264-8959

Email: info@echohearing.ca

 

Echo Hearing Care Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 15th of August, 2022

Last updated: March 6, 2026

 

Purpose of this Privacy Policy

Echo Hearing Care is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information.
This Privacy Policy describes how personal information is collected, used, disclosed, retained, and protected when individuals receive services from Echo Hearing Care or visit our website.

This policy is designed to comply with applicable legislation and professional requirements including:
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) – British Columbia
• Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) – British Columbia
• Workers Compensation Act and WorkSafeBC reporting requirements
• British Columbia Human Rights Code
• Professional standards established by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)

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Legal Authority for Collection

Personal information is collected under section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), which authorize the collection of personal information necessary to provide health care services.

Information is collected only for purposes that are directly related to the delivery of audiology and hearing‑health services.

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Information We May Collect

Echo Hearing Care may collect the following types of personal information when providing services:

• Name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Personal Health Number (PHN)
• Health history relevant to hearing care
• Audiological test results and clinical findings
• Hearing aid device information and serial numbers
• Family physician and referral information
• Insurance, funding program, or government benefit information
• Appointment history and service records
• Payment and billing information
• Communications with the clinic

Information may be collected through patient intake forms, questionnaires, email communications, telephone conversations, clinical records, and website contact forms.

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How We Use Personal Information

Personal information is collected and used only for purposes necessary to provide hearing health care services.
These purposes may include:

• Conducting audiological assessments and hearing tests
• Providing hearing aid evaluation, fitting, programming, and follow‑up care
• Scheduling appointments and communicating with patients
• Processing payments and insurance claims
• Submitting claims to government health programs when applicable
• Maintaining accurate clinical records
• Meeting professional, regulatory, and legal obligations
• Improving clinic services and administration

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Disclosure of Personal Information

Personal information may be disclosed when necessary for patient care, insurance processing, or legal requirements.

Information may be shared with:

• Physicians or healthcare providers involved in patient care
• Government healthcare programs including:
  - Veterans Affairs Canada
  - First Nations Health Authority
  - WorkSafeBC
  - Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
• Hearing aid manufacturers for warranty, repair, or replacement services
• Insurance providers or third‑party funding programs
• Regulatory authorities when legally required

Only the minimum necessary information is disclosed for these purposes.

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WorkSafeBC Claims

When services are provided under WorkSafeBC claims, Echo Hearing Care may collect and disclose clinical information required under the Workers Compensation Act.
This may include clinical findings, treatment recommendations, and reports required for claim adjudication or rehabilitation planning.

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Human Rights and Non‑Discrimination

Echo Hearing Care provides services in accordance with the British Columbia Human Rights Code.
Personal information will not be used to discriminate against any individual based on race, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or any other protected ground.

Information is collected solely for the purpose of providing healthcare services and fulfilling legal obligations.

Protection and Security of Personal Information

Echo Hearing Care uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Security measures may include:
• Secure electronic medical record systems
• Password‑protected systems and devices
• Restricted staff access to patient information
• Secure storage of physical records
• Confidentiality obligations for employees and contractors

While every reasonable safeguard is used, no electronic system can guarantee absolute security.

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Retention of Personal Information

Personal health records are retained in accordance with the record retention requirements established by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia and applicable provincial legislation governing health records.

After the required retention period has expired, records are securely destroyed through confidential shredding or permanent electronic deletion.

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Children’s Privacy

Echo Hearing Care may provide services to minors with the consent of a parent or legal guardian in accordance with applicable healthcare consent laws.

Personal information relating to minors is collected only when necessary for providing healthcare services.

 

Website Cookies

The Echo Hearing Care website may use limited analytical cookies to improve website performance and user experience.

Users may disable cookies through their internet browser settings.

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Patient Rights

Individuals have the right to:

• Request access to their personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Ask questions about how their information is used
• Withdraw consent where permitted by law

Requests may be made by contacting the clinic.

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Privacy Officer

Echo Hearing Care has designated a Privacy Officer responsible for ensuring compliance with privacy legislation.

Privacy Officer
Echo Hearing Care
201‑2786 West 16th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6K 4M1
Phone: 604‑259‑7704
Email: info@echohearing.ca

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This contact information is provided for questions about the collection of personal information under section 27(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to maintain compliance with legal or regulatory requirements.
The updated version will be posted on the Echo Hearing Care website with the revised effective date. By using this website or receiving services from Echo Hearing Care, individuals acknowledge that they have read and understand this Privacy Policy.