Annette’s journey into hearing healthcare began long before she ever stepped into a clinic.
Growing up in a farming family, hearing loss was simply part of everyday life. That
upbringing didn’t just shape her understanding of hearing—it also instilled in her a strong
work ethic and a deep belief in helping others. Those early lessons would go on to define
both her career and the way she cares for her patients today.
After more than a decade in management, Annette took a new direction in 1992, entering
the hearing healthcare field in a customer service and front-line role. What started as a job
quickly became something much more meaningful. When people ask how she got into the
profession, Annette often says with a smile, “Honestly, I didn’t find this profession—it
found me.” And from that moment on, she knew she was exactly where she was meant to
be.
In 1997, Annette purchased Provincial Hearing from founder Don Allen—a decision that
would shape the next chapter of her life. Under her leadership, the clinics have grown to
four locations and have become one of Nova Scotia’s longest-standing locally owned
hearing healthcare providers. She’s the first to say that the success isn’t hers alone, but a
reflection of a dedicated team who truly care about their patients and are committed to
providing honest, personalized care.
A passionate advocate for the hearing instrument specialist profession, Annette has held
leadership roles at every level within Nova Scotia and has served on the Nova Scotia
Society’s national board for more than 15 years. From 2021 to 2022, she served as
President of the International Hearing Society (IHS), becoming the first Canadian to hold
this role—an achievement she is incredibly proud of.
Annette’s impact reaches far beyond her own community. Through nine humanitarian
missions with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, she has traveled to countries including
Turkey, Egypt, El Salvador, Panama, Jamaica, Kenya, and China. These
experiences—where she saw firsthand the life-changing power of hearing—are among the
most meaningful of her life.
Provincial Hearing clinics take part in “Everyone Hears,” a program that provides donated
hearing aids to Nova Scotians in need. Annette firmly believes that no one should go
without hearing care because of cost, and she works every day to make sure that belief is
put into action. She also believes deeply in giving back to the communities that have
supported her over the years—actively supporting local committees, community groups,
and sports—because strong communities are built by people who show up for one
another.
At the heart of it all is a simple purpose: helping people reconnect, communicate, and
enjoy a fuller, richer life through better hearing.