Audiologists are health care professionals who are specially trained to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders. HealthEast audiologists care for both children and adults. Most types of hearing loss can be treated by an audiologist. Audiologists often work closely with ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Audiologists provide a range of care. They:

• Evaluate hearing levels for all ages
• Diagnose and treat mild to severe hearing loss and impairments including tinnitus (ringing or noise in the head or ears), balance disorders and dizziness
• Evaluate and recommend listening devices that help reduce background noise and amplify sound

Locations

Audiology services are available at:

• HealthEast Maplewood Clinic
• HealthEast Midway Clinic
• HealthEast Woodbury Clinic

If you think you have a hearing loss

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, first make an appointment with your primary care clinician. He or she can refer you to an audiologist for an evaluation. The evaluation will include multiple tests and will provide your audiologist with a baseline hearing measure. After the evaluation, your audiologist will make recommendations based on your specific hearing and listening needs. If your audiologist recommends hearing aids, HealthEast Audiology offers a variety of hearing aids so you can choose the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

HealthEast audiologists

Allison Kohtz, AuD, CCC-A

Dr. Kohtz is a licensed audiologist and has her certificate of clinical competency (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She also is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.

Dr. Kohtz received her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska, her master's in audiology at the University of Kansas and her doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida.

In addition to providing clinical audiology services, she has also worked in audiology research at the University of Minnesota and had contributed to published articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her special areas of interest include pediatrics, evoked potentials and auditory processing disorders.

In her free time, Dr. Kohtz enjoys baking, beekeeping, needlework and quilting.

"Patient education is extremely important to me. I want to ensure that patients fully understand their needs and their hearing care options, and that the full extent of their questions are being answered. I strive to be an empathetic listener and advocate for patients and their families," says Dr. Kohtz.

Stephanie Luepke, AuD, CCC-A

Dr. Luepke is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and a licensed audiologist. She has a certificate of clinical competency (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Luepke completed her bachelor’s degree at St. Cloud State University and her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI.

In addition to the American Academy of Audiology, Dr. Luepke is also a member of the Minnesota Academy of Audiology.

Dr. Luepke enjoys working with patients of all ages. She values the educational component of audiology, and helping patients to understand their specific hearing needs.

In her free time, she likes traveling to warm places and boating during Minnesota summers, as well as taking walks with her husband and dog.

"I value the importance of evidence-based practice in the diagnosis and treatment of those with hearing and balance disorders. I strive to provide patient-centered care and work to ensure all patients’ needs are addressed," says Dr. Luepke.