Associated Audiologists

What Associated Audiologists does

Associated Audiologists, Inc. is a physician- and audiologist-led private practice headquartered in the Kansas City metropolitan area, operating since 1985 under President and CEO Tim Steele, Ph.D. The practice provides diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology services, with core offerings including comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing-aid dispensing across seven-plus manufacturers, tinnitus management (including the FDA-approved Lenire bimodal neuromodulation device), and vestibular/balance disorder treatment, supported by an Urgent Ear Clinic for acute ear conditions. The clinical staff comprises 15 audiologists plus audiology assistants, organized across eight clinic locations spanning the Kansas City metro and Manhattan, Kansas, with hospital privileges at AdventHealth and Saint Luke's Health System enabling physician referral pipelines.

The business model is multi-channel consumer healthcare services revenue. Primary revenue comes from per-device hearing-aid sales with prices ranging from approximately $1,500 to $5,400 per pair, plus ongoing service revenue from fittings, programming, follow-up tuning, and aural rehabilitation. Secondary streams include diagnostic evaluations (covered by insurance), tinnitus treatment programs, vestibular testing, workers' compensation and forensic audiology services, and outreach into senior-living communities. State-funded distribution is enabled through participation in the Kansas Telecommunications Access Program and Missouri Assistive Technology program. Customer acquisition is driven by physician referrals, multi-county clinic coverage, training-site affiliation with regional doctoral audiology programs (KU Medical Center, Wichita State, Missouri State, Washington University), and brand equity accumulated over 40 years of continuous operation.

Name

Associated Audiologists

Legal name

Associated Audiologists, Inc.

Website

https://hearingyourbest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Associated Audiologists is a Kansas City-area private audiology practice operating since 1985 across eight clinics, serving adult and geriatric patients with hearing aids, tinnitus management, balance care, and acute ear services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Audiology Services and Hearing Healthcare

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Offices of Other Health Practitioners (6213)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Audiology & Hearing Diagnostic Centers (HLAFAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audiology & Hearing Services (ENT-Affiliated) (HLAKAMAI), Otology & Neurotology (Ear/Hearing/Balance) (HLAKAMAC)

Keywords

• Audiology services
• Hearing aid dispensing
• Tinnitus treatment
• Vestibular testing
• Diagnostic hearing evaluations

Headquarters

HQ city

Olathe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Audiology Evaluation Services: Comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations, tinnitus consultations, and vestibular/balance assessments performed by doctoral-level audiologists.
2. Prescription Hearing Aids: Sale of prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers including Widex, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Oticon, Signia, and Relate. Includes technology levels ranging from basic to advanced premium devices.
3. Hearing Aid Repair Services: Repair and maintenance services for hearing aids with on-site parts inventory and loaner device provision during manufacturer repairs.
4. Tinnitus Treatment (Lenire): FDA-approved Lenire device for tinnitus treatment using bimodal neuromodulation, provided as part of a supervised treatment program.
5. Consulting Audiology Services: Forensic and legal consultation regarding hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular disorders, plus audiological worker's compensation examinations.
6. Hearing Aid Batteries and Accessories: Sale of hearing aid batteries (professional line with half-off pricing for patients) and assistive listening devices/accessories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Associated Audiologists is a doctoral-level audiology practice that provides comprehensive hearing healthcare services, including diagnostic hearing evaluations, prescription hearing aid fitting and verification, advanced vestibular and balance disorder testing, tinnitus evaluation and management (including Lenire bimodal neuromodulation), auditory training, custom hearing protection, and on-site hearing aid repair. The practice dispenses prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers (Widex, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Oticon, Signia, Unitron) and serves patients across eight Kansas City metro clinics.

Product overview

Associated Audiologists operates as a doctoral-level audiology practice offering comprehensive hearing healthcare services across eight Kansas City metro locations. The core service portfolio centers on diagnostic hearing evaluations, prescription hearing aids (from Widex, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Oticon, Signia, Unitron), and specialized treatment programs. Key specialized offerings include Lenire FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation for tinnitus, Lace AI Pro auditory training app, and comprehensive vestibular/balance testing. The practice provides a full ecosystem including hearing aid repair services, custom hearing protection, batteries, and assistive listening devices (FM systems, TV streamers, captioned phones). Services are supported by an expert team of doctoral-level audiologists and hospital privileges at AdventHealth and Saint Luke's facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lenire: FDA-approved tinnitus treatment device using bimodal neuromodulation (sound therapy with tongue stimulation)

Products and services

• Prescription Hearing Aids Doctoral-level customized hearing aids programmed using prescriptive targets and digital signal processing. Available in multiple styles and from multiple major manufacturers, priced by technology level from entry-level to premium with included professional services.
• Lenire Tinnitus Treatment Device FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation device for tinnitus treatment that combines sound therapy delivered via Bluetooth headphones with gentle tongue stimulation to help reduce tinnitus severity as part of a supervised treatment program.
• Lace AI Pro Auditory Training Innovative auditory training program designed to improve hearing through brain training, used 15 minutes daily to build listening skills and improve speech comprehension in noisy environments.
• Balance and Vestibular Testing Comprehensive dizziness and imbalance evaluation using sophisticated tests including Audiologic Testing, ABR, vHIT, Rotary Chair, VNG/ENG, VEMP, ECOG, and Sensory Organization Test to assess and manage vestibular and balance disorders.
• Tinnitus Evaluation and Management Comprehensive tinnitus assessment and sound therapy management including ear-level sound generating devices, combination hearing aid devices with sound generators, and Neuromonics, delivered by a tinnitus specialist.
• Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations Comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations performed by doctoral-level audiologists in sound-treated rooms, including otoscopic examination, tympanometry, air/bone conduction testing, word recognition testing, otoacoustic emission testing, loudness discomfort testing, and speech-in-noise testing.
• Custom Hearing Protection Custom earplugs and musicians' plugs for hearing loss prevention, reducing noise by 15-30 decibels depending on material and fit, with custom impressions taken by an audiologist.
• Hearing Aid Repair Services On-site repair and maintenance services for prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers, including loaner device provision during manufacturer repairs.
• Hearing Aid Batteries Professional line of mercury-free hearing aid batteries sold at half-off pricing for patients, available at all clinic locations.
• Lyric Extended-Wear Hearing Aids Extended-wear hearing aids worn 24/7 for several weeks during daily activities including exercise, showering, phone use, and sleeping, purchased on a yearly subscription with audiologist replacements every 60 days.
• Assistive Listening Devices and Hearing Assistive Technology Amplification and listening devices including FM systems (Roger), infrared TV devices, personal loop systems, remote microphones, captioned phones, and hearing aid streamers for specific listening situations.
• Consulting Audiology Services Forensic and legal consultation regarding hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular disorders, plus audiological worker's compensation examinations, delivered at hourly rates for legal counsel, insurers, and case managers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of dizziness and balance disorders can be successfully managed with proper diagnosis
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Lenire (Neuromod Devices Ltd)coreTechnology or IntegrationLenire is an FDA-approved tinnitus treatment device that Associated Audiologists offers as a trained provider. The device uses bimodal neuromodulation combining sound therapy through Bluetooth headphones with gentle tongue stimulation. 83% of patients in clinical trials recommended the device.
• Lace AI ProcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuditory training program designed to help patients improve hearing through brain training exercises. Associated Audiologists offers this as part of comprehensive hearing rehabilitation, with 15-minute daily sessions to improve speech comprehension and cognitive listening abilities.
• CareCreditsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare financing program that provides convenient monthly payment options for patients to cover hearing aid purchases and other out-of-pocket healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.
• WidexcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor hearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists is an authorized dispenser and stocks parts for repairs. Works with Widex Moment technology featuring advanced signal processing.
• PhonakcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor hearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists is an authorized dispenser and stocks parts for repairs. Offers Phonak Lumity and Paradise technology with advanced features.
• ReSoundcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor hearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists stocks parts for repairs and offers ReSound One and Omnia technology with direct-to-smartphone connectivity.
• StarkeycoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor hearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists stocks parts for repairs and offers Starkey Evolv and Livo technology with AI capabilities.
• OticoncoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor hearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists stocks parts for repairs and offers Oticon More technology.
• SigniacoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor hearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists stocks parts for repairs and offers Signia hearing aid technology.
• Unitron (Relate)supportingTechnology or IntegrationHearing aid manufacturer. Associated Audiologists stocks parts for repairs and offers Relate brand technology.
• Kansas TAP ProgramsupportingOthersKansas Telecommunications Access Program that provides vouchers for specialized telephone equipment and signaling devices for individuals with disabilities who need assistance using the telephone.
• Missouri Assistive TechnologysupportingOthersMissouri state program providing assistive technology assistance. Associated Audiologists assists with applications for both Kansas and Missouri TAP programs.
• University of Kansas Medical CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAudiologists serve as clinical ad hoc graduate faculty with the University of Kansas Medical Center. Practice is a clinical training site for regional audiology doctoral programs.
• University of Kansas, Wichita State University, Missouri State University, Washington University St. LouissupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical training site for regional audiology doctoral programs, supervising externs from these regional universities.
• AdventHealth (formerly Shawnee Mission Medical Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHospital system where Associated Audiologists audiologists have Allied Health Staff privileges.
• Saint Luke's Health System (South, North, and East Hospitals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHospital system where Associated Audiologists audiologists have Allied Health Staff privileges at Saint Luke's South, North, and East Hospitals.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Avada Hearing & Audiology (now part of HearingLife): Avada was one of the largest U.S. audiology clinic consolidators before merging into HearingLife; it exemplifies the multi-clinic, multi-state roll-up model that Associated Audiologists could pursue or compete against.
• HearingLife: HearingLife is one of the largest audiology clinic networks in the U.S. and Canada, operating a multi-location, multi-state model very similar to Associated Audiologists — direct competitor for patient acquisition, dispensing volume, and physician referrals.
• Miracle-Ear: Miracle-Ear operates a large franchised audiology clinic network across the U.S. offering hearing evaluations, prescription hearing aids, and ongoing service — directly overlapping with Associated Audiologists' core service portfolio and target customers.
• Beltone: Beltone runs a national franchise and company-owned audiology clinic network offering hearing testing and hearing aid dispensing with a focus on local, relationship-driven care — a direct comparable to Associated Audiologists' multi-clinic community model.

Broad incumbents

• Sonova (Phonak / Unitron): Sonova owns Phonak and Unitron, two of the seven hearing aid brands Associated Audiologists dispenses; it represents a key supplier and a broad incumbent shaping the competitive and pricing landscape for independent audiology clinics.
• Costco Hearing Aid Centers: Costco operates in-store hearing aid centers offering discounted prescription devices across the U.S. — a retail channel competing directly for price-sensitive hearing aid patients who might otherwise visit a clinic like Associated Audiologists.
• Demant (Oticon): Demant owns Oticon, another primary dispensing brand for Associated Audiologists, and operates its own audiology clinic network in select markets — a key supplier and indirect competitor.
• WS Audiology (Widex / Signia): WS Audiology owns Widex and Signia — two more of Associated Audiologists' core dispensing brands — and is one of the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers and retail clinic operators globally.

Emerging players

• Lexie Hearing: Lexie is a DTC/OTC hearing aid subscription service targeting mild-to-moderate hearing loss at lower price points — an emerging channel that overlaps with and threatens the entry-level prescription dispensing market.

Others

• Neuromod Devices (Lenire): Neuromod Devices manufactures the Lenire tinnitus device, which Associated Audiologists offers as a trained provider — an adjacent, enabling partner rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HearingYourBest
• Facebookfacebook.com/HearingYourBest

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Associated Audiologists