Submitted by Dr. Kathleen Coates, Owner of Coates Hearing Clinic
For many people living in rural communities, accessing specialty healthcare often means long drives, missed workdays and delayed treatment. In audiology, those barriers can significantly affect quality of life, because hearing, balance and communication are foundational to how we connect with others and navigate the world around us.
My passion as an audiologist has always been to remove those barriers by delivering comprehensive, evidence-based audiology care close to home.
Audiology is a medical profession dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders across the lifespan. While hearing aids are an important and visible part of what we do, the scope of audiology extends far beyond amplification alone.
One area where this is especially important is tinnitus care. Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing or roaring in the ears, affects millions of individuals and can interfere with sleep, focus, emotional health and overall well-being.
Through comprehensive evaluations, education, counseling and evidence-based sound therapy options, audiologists help patients better understand their condition and develop personalized strategies to reduce its impact on daily life. One new FDA-approved tinnitus treatment that is not widely available yet that we offer is the Lenire Device, using bimodal neuromodulation. We are also trained in appropriate referrals and collaboration with primary care and other specialists as a team approach to tinnitus care.
Another critical specialty service is vestibular studies or balance assessments. Disorders of the inner ear are a leading cause of dizziness and falls, particularly in older adults. These symptoms can limit independence and create fear around everyday activities such as walking, driving or shopping.
Audiologists are uniquely trained to assess the vestibular (balance) system. By offering thorough balance evaluations locally, we help patients receive timely answers, reduce fall risk, and coordinate appropriate care, without unnecessary referrals or extended travel.
Finally, something I am very passionate about is cochlear implant services. For individuals with significant hearing loss who no longer benefit adequately from hearing aids, cochlear implants may dramatically improve communication and quality of life. Audiologists play a central role in cochlear implant candidacy evaluations, device programming and long-term follow-up care. Providing these services close to home ensures continuity of care and removes major access barriers for patients who need it most.
At its heart, audiology is about connection: to family, community and the moments that give life meaning. By offering comprehensive specialty audiology services in rural communities, we ensure that high-quality care is not defined by geography.
As we recognize International Women’s Month, it is also worth highlighting that audiology is a profession led largely by women. Our own clinic proudly reflects that reality, with a team that includes three female audiology assistants, four female audiologists and four additional female team members. Supporting, mentoring and investing in women in healthcare strengthens not only our profession, but the quality of care we provide to our community.
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