Audiology Specialists
Audiology Specialists is an independently owned audiology practice in Laconia, NH, founded in 1992 by Dr. Laura O'Brien Robertson, serving Central New Hampshire's Lakes Region with hearing evaluations, hearing aids from seven major manufacturers, tinnitus management, and balance and concussion evaluations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersLaconia, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Audiology Specialists does
Audiology Specialists, LLC is an independently owned audiology practice founded in 1992 by Dr. Laura O'Brien Robertson, Au.D., operating from a single office at 211 South Main Street, Laconia, New Hampshire. The practice serves Central New Hampshire's Lakes Region as a direct-to-consumer clinical provider of hearing healthcare, with no e-commerce, no remote care delivery, and no satellite locations. The revenue model mixes professional services (hearing evaluations, tinnitus management, balance and concussion evaluations, ear wax removal) with hardware sales of hearing aids, hearing protection products, and assistive listening devices, with hardware representing the higher-ticket component. The practice is a credentialed in-network provider for Anthem, Cigna, Medicare, and Harvard Pilgrim for hearing evaluations, and Care Credit is accepted for patient financing.
The practice operates a multi-brand hearing aid portfolio carrying all seven major global manufacturers: Oticon, Widex, Unitron, Phonak, Starkey, Signia, and GN ReSound. This manufacturer-neutral approach allows Dr. Robertson to match devices to hearing profiles, lifestyle, and budget without line-of-business constraints. Diagnostic testing uses insert-style foam earplugs and additional acoustic reflex / allergy / infection assessments. Specialized concussion and vestibular services are delivered under American Institute of Balance certification, an unusual service-line expansion for a regional audiology practice. Outside of hearing aids, the practice offers custom hearing protection for industrial, musician, and consumer use, amplified phones, and public educational presentations.
Audiology Specialists has no external investors, no parent company, no acquisitions, and no funding rounds. The differentiators versus big-box retailers and online sellers are owner-operator accountability, Dr. Robertson's status as the only American Board of Audiology board-certified audiologist in the Lakes Region, and a no-pressure, education-led consultation model. Customer acquisition is driven by a website with educational content, an online hearing quiz, insurance network referrals, and local reputation. Go-to-market is exclusively in-person at the Laconia office, with patients traveling from surrounding towns; no telehealth or remote fitting services are offered. The business is a lifestyle-scale independent practice rather than a venture-grade growth asset.
Audiology Specialists firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Audiology Specialists
- Legal name
- Audiology Specialists, LLC
- Website
- https://audiologyspecialists.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Audiology Specialists is an independently owned audiology practice in Laconia, NH, founded in 1992 by Dr. Laura O'Brien Robertson, serving Central New Hampshire's Lakes Region with hearing evaluations, hearing aids from seven major manufacturers, tinnitus management, and balance and concussion evaluations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Audiology Specialists industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Audiology and Hearing Healthcare Services
- NAICS
- Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)
- SIC
- Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Audiology & Hearing Services (ENT-Affiliated) (HLAKAMAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Otology & Neurotology (Ear/Hearing/Balance) (HLAKAMAC)
Keywords
Where Audiology Specialists is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Laconia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Audiology Specialists business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hearing Evaluations/Tests: Professional audiology evaluations for adults and children, including traditional tone and word testing, allergy tests, ear infection screening, and acoustic reflex measurements. Testing takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Hearing Aids Sales and Service: Sale and servicing of hearing aids from multiple manufacturers (Oticon, Widex, Unitron, Phonak, Starkey, Signia, GN Resound). Also repair services for hearing devices purchased elsewhere. Trial periods available. NH mandate provides $1500 per ear every 5 years for those with employer-provided insurance.
- Tinnitus Management: Comprehensive tinnitus evaluation including questionnaires and audiological evaluation, followed by personalized treatment planning.
- Hearing Protection Products: Sale of hearing protection products for industrial purposes, musicians, home power tools use, and custom-made ear protection.
- Assistive Listening Devices: Products for hearing-impaired individuals who do NOT require hearing instruments: amplified phones, cordless phones, alternative listening devices.
- Ear Wax Removal: Professional ear wax removal services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Insurance-covered hearing evaluations |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Cash payment discount |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Financing available |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Audiology Specialists product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Audiology Specialists provides professional audiology diagnostic services and dispenses hearing aids and related hearing care products in Central New Hampshire. Core services include adult and pediatric hearing evaluations, tinnitus management, balance and concussion evaluations, hearing protection, ear wax removal, and multi-brand hearing aid sales, fittings, and repairs.
Product overview
Audiology Specialists is an independently owned audiology practice providing comprehensive hearing healthcare services centered around hearing evaluations, hearing aids, and related hearing health services. The practice offers diagnostic hearing testing for adults and children, tinnitus management, balance and concussion evaluations, hearing protection products, and hearing aid service and repairs. The company provides hearing aids from seven major manufacturers (Widex, GN ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Signia, Starkey, and Unitron), representing a multi-brand portfolio approach where Dr. Robertson selects the most appropriate product to match individual patient needs. Additional services include assistive listening devices for those who do not require hearing instruments, public education presentations, and an online hearing quiz for initial screening.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Hearing Evaluations Comprehensive audiometric hearing tests for adults and children, including traditional tone and word testing, allergy screening, ear infection screening, acoustic reflex measurements, and signal-strength-from-ear-to-brain measurements; testing takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Tinnitus Management Comprehensive tinnitus evaluation including questionnaires and audiological assessment, followed by a personalized action plan developed jointly with Dr. Robertson based on patient needs.
- Hearing Aid Sales, Service and Repairs Sales of hearing aids from seven major manufacturers (Oticon, Widex, Unitron, Phonak, Starkey, Signia, GN ReSound) with fitting, follow-up adjustments, trial periods, and repair/troubleshooting services for devices purchased at any source.
- Hearing Protection Products Sale of hearing protection products including custom-made ear protection for industrial users, musicians, and home power tool use, with NRR rating guidance.
- Assistive Listening Devices Products for hearing-impaired individuals who do not require hearing instruments, including amplified phones, cordless phones, and alternative listening devices.
- Ear Wax Removal Professional ear wax removal service for patients requiring cerumen management.
- Balance Evaluation Vestibular disorder evaluations ranging from Gans SOP to VNG, with treatment for BPPV, using evidence-based training and treatment from the American Institute of Balance.
- Concussion Evaluation Concussion evaluation to determine the patient's current level of mental function and track improvements over time with treatment, provided by Dr. Robertson who is certified by the American Institute of Balance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Free 30-day return period on hearing aids (federal requirement)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Audiology Specialists
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Audiology Specialists technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Audiology Specialists partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- WidexcoreHearing aid manufacturer. Widex is based in Denmark and now shares resources with Signia. Products are based on newly developing technology with some models having machine learning capabilities. Hearing aids have up to 4 programs.
- GN ReSoundcoreOwned by Danish company Great Northern. Originally American company with branch in Minnesota. Uses technology mimicking how the Cochlea functions. Remote microphone and TV devices available for noisy situations. Up to 4 programs for different listening situations.
- OticoncoreOwned by Demant family, one of the oldest hearing aid manufacturers. Headquarters in Denmark with branch in New Jersey. Devotes significant resources to research and development, producing hearing aids based on research findings.
- UnitroncoreBased in Ketchner, Ontario, Canada with branch in Minnesota. Owned by Sonova (same parent as Phonak). Shares computer chip technology with Phonak but designs hearing aids slightly differently.
- PhonakcoreOwned by Sonova, based in Switzerland with branch outside Chicago. Hearing aids manufactured in Asia. Function similar to Bluetooth devices when using mobile phones. Most people find sound quality seems natural. Additional accessories for listening in crowds.
- StarkeycoreCreated in America, located outside Minneapolis, MN. Known for unique features and hearing aids with less feedback (whistling). Current model has feature to send message to designated person if wearer has a fall.
- SigniacoreFormerly Siemens. Branch separated from large electronics company with new owners. Now shares resources with Widex as part of same company. Branch located in New Jersey. Wide variety of technology available.
- MedicarecoreMedicare and most Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans accepted for hearing evaluations. Note: Medicare does not cover hearing aids.
- AnthemcoreIn-network provider for hearing evaluations.
- CignacoreIn-network provider for hearing evaluations. Note: Cigna may use third-party provider Amplifon for hearing aid benefits.
- Harvard PilgrimcoreIn-network provider for hearing evaluations.
- American Institute of BalancecoreDr. Robertson is trained and certified by AIB for concussion and balance evaluation. All training and treatment are evidence-based. Dr. Robertson learned directly from Dr. Richard Gans, internationally known expert in concussion treatment.
- American Academy of AudiologyminorProfessional affiliation. Dr. Robertson has earned ACE awards for extensive continuing education hours.
- Academy of Doctors of AudiologyminorProfessional affiliation organization.
- American Speech Language Hearing AssociationminorProfessional affiliation. Dr. Robertson earned Certificate of Clinical Competence in 1992 and Scholar awards for continuing education.
- New Hampshire Academy of AudiologycoreDr. Robertson has been actively involved since its founding in 1994 and has served continuously as President since 2012.
- National Council of Certified Dementia PractitionersminorProfessional affiliation. Practice displays NCCDP logo indicating commitment to dementia care education.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Audiology Specialists competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Avada Hearing Center: Avada is a large U.S. network of audiology offices offering hearing evaluations, hearing aid dispensing, and balance services — directly comparable to Audiology Specialists on service breadth and patient model.
- Connect Hearing: Connect Hearing, part of Sonova, operates audiology clinics across the U.S. offering comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and follow-up care. It competes directly with independent practices like Audiology Specialists for patients seeking multi-brand dispensing services.
- HearingLife: HearingLife (owned by Demant, parent of Oticon) runs a large network of U.S. audiology clinics delivering hearing tests, hearing aid dispensing, and tinnitus services — closely comparable in service mix to Audiology Specialists, but with corporate-scale infrastructure.
- Miracle-Ear: Miracle-Ear is one of the largest retail hearing aid chains in the U.S. with hundreds of franchised and company-owned stores offering hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, and ongoing service — directly comparable to Audiology Specialists' dispensing and service model, though at much larger scale and with corporate-backed marketing.
- Beltone: Beltone operates a nationwide network of independently owned hearing care centers providing hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and after-care services, mirroring the patient-facing audiology services offered by Audiology Specialists.
Others
- Starkey Hearing Technologies: Starkey is one of the major hearing aid manufacturers that Audiology Specialists dispenses; comparable as an upstream ecosystem participant and as an aspirational benchmark for clinic/retail integration through its own retail initiatives.
- Sonova (Phonak parent): Sonova owns Phonak and Unitron, two brands carried by Audiology Specialists, and operates retail audiology channels globally. It is an enabling ecosystem player and a vertical competitor that could reshape independent dispensing dynamics.
Emerging players
- Lexie Hearing: Lexie Hearing sells OTC and professionally-supported hearing aids directly to consumers online. It represents the emerging DTC/OTC channel disrupting traditional audiology dispensing economics.
- Costco Hearing Aid Center: Costco's in-store hearing aid centers offer discounted hearing tests and hearing aids with licensed audiologists/dispensers, representing the big-box price-aggressive channel that Audiology Specialists explicitly competes against.
Broad incumbents
- Amplifon USA: Amplifon is a global hearing care retailer with a substantial U.S. clinic footprint, also acting as a third-party administrator of hearing aid benefits for insurers like Cigna. It is a broader incumbent competing with independent audiology practices for insured patient flow.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Audiology Specialists social profiles
Digital presenceAudiology Specialists financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Audiology Specialists leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Audiology Specialists funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Audiology Specialists M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Audiology Specialists
What does Audiology Specialists do?
Audiology Specialists provides professional audiology diagnostic services and dispenses hearing aids and related hearing care products in Central New Hampshire. Core services include adult and pediatric hearing evaluations, tinnitus management, balance and concussion evaluations, hearing protection, ear wax removal, and multi-brand hearing aid sales, fittings, and repairs.
Is Audiology Specialists a public or private company?
Audiology Specialists is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Audiology Specialists founded?
Audiology Specialists was founded in 1992. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Audiology Specialists based?
Audiology Specialists is headquartered in Laconia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Audiology Specialists make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Hearing Evaluations/Tests are the primary driver. The others are hearing Aids Sales and Service, tinnitus Management, hearing Protection Products, assistive Listening Devices and ear Wax Removal.
Who are Audiology Specialists's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Avada Hearing Center, Connect Hearing, HearingLife, Miracle-Ear and Beltone. Others are Starkey Hearing Technologies and Sonova (Phonak parent). Emerging players are Lexie Hearing and Costco Hearing Aid Center. Amplifon USA is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Audiology Specialists have an API?
No public API is recorded for Audiology Specialists.
What industry is Audiology Specialists in?
Audiology Specialists's product category is Audiology and Hearing Healthcare Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAKAMAI, Audiology & Hearing Services (ENT-Affiliated), with a secondary code of HLAKAMAC, Otology & Neurotology (Ear/Hearing/Balance). Its NAICS code is 621340 and its SIC code is 8011.