Novasound Hearing & Balance Center Privacy Policy

March 2025

Novasound’s Commitment to Your Privacy & Data Protection

Novasound Hearing & Balance Center is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our patients, in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, interact with us on social media, or use our hearing health services.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Contact Information: Name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, emergency contact, and referral details.
Health and Personal Information: Hearing health history, relevant medical information, and records needed for providing audiology care.
Audiological Details: Hearing assessments, case history, hearing aid fitting data, device specifications, chart notes, and follow-up care details.
Payment and Insurance Information: Credit card details or other payment-related data, along with private insurance information.
Third-Party Coverage Information: Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Workers’ Compensation Boards (WCB), Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), or other benefit providers.
Website Usage Information: IP address, browser type, and activity on our website through cookies or similar technologies.
Electronic Communication: If you contact us via email or social media, we collect your contact information and message to respond appropriately.

2. Purpose of Collection

We collect personal information to:

Provide and improve audiology and hearing healthcare services.
Schedule and manage patient appointments.
Respond to inquiries or service requests.
Process payments and issue invoices.
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Share updates, reminders, or promotions (with your consent).

11. Contact Us

Clinic Address: 2625 Joseph Howe Dr #22, Halifax, NS B3L 4G4
Phone: +1 (902) 444 – 7788

3. Consent

We obtain your consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information, unless otherwise required or permitted by law. Consent may be expressed (e.g., signed forms) or implied (e.g., when booking an appointment).

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may disclose your information:

To third-party service providers who support our services (e.g., hearing aid manufacturers, hearing protection suppliers, software providers, insurers, or government programs like VAC/WCB/NIHB).
When required by law (e.g., court orders, regulatory requests).
To protect the safety, rights, or property of our patients, staff, or the public.
To assist in the collection of overdue accounts.

5. Safeguarding Your Information

We use strict technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to protect your data, including:

Secure electronic and physical record storage.
Encryption of sensitive digital information.
Limited access to records by authorized personnel only.
Staff training on privacy and confidentiality.

6. Access and Correction

You have the right to access and request corrections to your personal information. Verification of identity may be required. Please contact us using the details below for access requests.

7. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Records that are no longer needed are securely destroyed or anonymized.

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and analytics tools to enhance user experience and track website performance. You may disable cookies in your browser settings; however, certain features of the site may not function properly.

9. Third-Party Websites

Our website may link to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. Please review their privacy policies separately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Novasound may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. The revised policy will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.