Meet Your Trusted Audiologists in Charlotte, MI
25+ Years Serving Greater Lansing
When you choose Audiology Center of Charlotte, you're choosing the only licensed audiologists in Charlotte and Eaton Rapids. Each audiologist has over 25 years of dedicated experience in audiology care having worked in medical settings, hearing aid centers and hospitals with patients ranging in age from babies to adults. We are members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Academy of Audiology and the Michigan Audiology Coalition.
Located conveniently on the north end of Charlotte, just off I-69, our patients consistently tell us that the extra 5-10 minute drive to our office saved them thousands of dollars while receiving superior care from our dedicated hearing healthcare team.
Audiology Center of Charlotte is independently-owned and operated. We are not a chain or a “store.” In fact, Audiology Center of Charlotte was founded to provide personalized and professional hearing care without the sales tactics you may find in other clinics. Our audiologists offer full diagnostic evaluations to understand your unique type and degree of hearing loss and to provide you with a knowledge-based, customized hearing solution. Audiology Center of Charlotte is committed to improving patients’ quality of life through expert care and a trusting, informative practice with a foundation built on evidence based audiology and hearing care.
We are serious about hearing care–and we’re good at it.
Meet Our Experienced Audiology Team
Meet Our Audiologists
Our Audiology Team
Dr. Katy Thompson, Au.D. - Audiologist
Dr. Katy Thompson brings over 28 years of audiology expertise to Audiology Center. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Michigan State University and Doctor of Audiology degree from Drexel University. Over her audiology career she has worked mostly in otolaryngology offices, providing hearing healthcare to all ages. Katy established successful hearing aid practices in two of those otolaryngology offices. Prior to establishing Audiology Center of Charlotte, Katy worked with an Ear, Nose and Throat physician in East Lansing for 15 years–until his retirement.
Professional Excellence
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) with 8 years of specialized education
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)
25+ years serving Greater Lansing families
Previously worked in East Lansing Ear, Nose and Throat medical practice until the physician retired in 2021–Voted Best Audiologist in Lansing in the Community Choice Awards–member ASHA and MAC
Dana Falardeau, Audiologist
Dana brings over 25 years of audiology experience to our team. She earned both of her Audiology Degrees, Bachelor’s and Master’s, from Michigan State University. Dana’s background includes medical audiology-primarily at otolaryngology offices–providing diagnostic and rehabilitative care through the use of hearing aids and osseointegrated devices. She provides expert care at both our Charlotte office and Eaton Rapids Medical Center location.
Professional Excellence
Master's degree in Audiology with advanced clinical training
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)
25+ years of diagnostic testing and patient care experience
Dual-location service for patient convenience
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Meet Our Experienced Audiology Team
Our Practice Story & Community Impact
Katy and Dana worked together at an Ear, Nose and Throat physician and audiology office in East Lansing until the otolaryngologist retired in 2021. The East Lansing office had many patients from Charlotte and Eaton Rapids since the ENT worked at the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Specialty Clinic once per month over several years. When Katy decided to open her own audiology practice it was an easy decision to choose the Charlotte area since there wasn’t an audiologist practicing here and she already had several patients who lived in the neighborhood.
Meet Our Experienced Audiology Team
Community Leadership & Healthcare Partnerships
Our Eaton Rapids Medical Center partnership brings comprehensive audiology care to the medical center’s trusted healthcare environment.
Meet Our Experienced Audiology Team
Community Involvement
Sponsorship of Charlotte Performing Arts Center
Women's Health Fair participation at Alive (Charlotte community health park)
Monthly "Ask the Experts" column in The County Journal and The Flashes
Member Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
Meet Our Experienced Audiology Team
Why Choose Audiology Center of Charlotte
We Care How You Hear!
Our office is on the north end of Charlotte –just off I-69–on Lansing Rd. We are an easy drive from any direction and welcome patients from all over Greater Lansing and beyond. For those who need to drive a few extra minutes to reach us, come see for yourself why our patients say it’s worth the drive!
Personalized Care:
ACC prioritizes individualized care, taking the time to understand each patient’s specific needs and tailoring solutions accordingly.
Expertise and Knowledge:
ACC is staffed by experienced and dedicated audiologists. We continue educating ourselves about the auditory system and the latest treatment options by competing trainings at conferences, meetings and online classrooms.
Advanced Technology:
ACC uses state of the art technology, including AI hearing aids, to enhance patients’ hearing experiences.
Comprehensive Approach:
ACC offers a comprehensive approach to hearing care including:
Diagnostic Evaluations: A diagnostic assessment will help us determine the underlying cause of your hearing issues and establish your type and degree of hearing impairment. This is a crucial step to understanding your hearing needs so that we can provide you with a customized treatment solution.
Insurance Counseling: Our office will call a representative from your insurance company or discount plan to determine what your hearing benefits include and share this information with you. This information is an important part of the financial discussion about better hearing.
Financial Options: Audiology Center of Charlotte is a participating provider with almost all major insurance and discount plans. We also offer multiple discounts and interest free financing options in an effort to keep hearing aids affordable.
Counseling on the Impact of Hearing Loss: Your audiologist will interpret your test results and educate you on your hearing loss and ways to treat it. This allows you to make an informed choice about your hearing healthcare, such as purchasing hearing aids. We counsel patients and their loved ones about the test results, communication strategies, amplification options, assistive devices, hearing loss prevention, tinnitus management, strategies for successful hearing aid use and dealing with hearing loss.
Hearing Aids and Maintenance: We will help you every step of the way with your hearing aids! Our professional care is on-going. Proper hearing aid maintenance is crucial for their functionality, lifespan, and overall hearing experience. Regular, warrantied follow up visits are scheduled at no cost to you to ensure the best possible hearing experience.
Audiologists vs. Hearing Aid Dispensers - What’s The Difference?
In the world of hearing there are two professionals who can provide hearing tests and prescribe hearing devices. It is important to know the difference between the two professions so you can decide who to trust with your hearing healthcare.
AUDIOLOGISTS
An audiologist is a highly trained, licensed doctor of audiology whose mission it is to diagnose, treat and prevent hearing and balance disorders, improve patient outcomes through technology and therapy, and provide critical education about hearing health. Some audiologists may have a Masters of Audiology Degree, which was the previous requirement for licensing.
Certified audiologists are required to pass a rigorous national examination, maintain 30+ hours of continuing education every 3 years and adhere to strict professional ethics standards.
Audiologists can work in a variety of settings such as otolaryngology (ENT) practices, hospitals, private practices, universities, industrial settings and school systems. They can also work for hearing device manufacturers as a training resource for other audiologists throughout the country.
The well-rounded, strenuous education obtained by audiologists enables the professionals to work within a large scope of practice. The practice of audiology includes:
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Administration and interpretation of behavioral and electrophysiological tests regarding auditory and vestibular function
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Vestibular rehabilitation
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Evaluation, fitting and verification of amplification, osseointegrated devices and assistive listening devices
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Cerumen management (wax removal)
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Tinnitus management
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Participation in creating Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
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Auditory training and (re)habilitation
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Cochlear implant mapping
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Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring
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Creating and implementing a Hearing Conservation Program
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For the full scope of practice, please visit the American Academy of Audiology or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Associations’ websites
HEARING AID DISPENSERS
Hearing aid dispensers are state licensed professionals who specialize in assessing auditory function through basic hearing tests for the purpose of selling devices. Although education requirements may vary by state, Michigan currently mandates that hearing dispensers be at least 18 years old, graduate from an accredited high school or secondary school, and pass a Hearing Aid Salesperson examination. Before becoming eligible for licensing, dispensers must complete two years of experience as a hearing aid salesperson under the supervision of a licensed hearing aid dealer. In Michigan, hearing aid dispensers are not required to complete continuing education classes after receiving their license. Hearing aid dispensers primarily work in private practices or retail chain-type stores.
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Meet Our Experienced Audiology Team
CONCLUSION
Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers are both able to diagnose hearing loss and fit hearing devices. The main difference between the professions is the level of education, scope of practice and ability to interact with other health professionals as part of a treatment team. If you are considering having your hearing tested or pursuing hearing devices, make sure to find a professional that fits your unique needs.
Patient Success Stories
What Our Patients Say
"I was quoted $10,000 for hearing aids at another provider. Audiology Center of Charlotte provided better technology for $4,000 less - and the care has been exceptional. The difference in expertise between Dr. Thompson and the salesperson at the chain store was obvious from the first visit."
Mary T., Charlotte
"After years of struggling with my hearing, Dana finally gave me a proper evaluation in their professional sound booth. The other places I tried were just trying to sell me hearing aids without really understanding my hearing loss. The follow-up care here is incredible."
Robert M., Eaton Rapids
"I drive from East Lansing to Charlotte because the care is worth it. Dr. Thompson and Dana remember me, know my hearing history, and provide personal attention you just don't get at the big chains. Plus, I saved thousands on my hearing aids."
James P., East Lansing
"Finally found audiologists who care more about my hearing than making a sale. The professional sound booth testing was much more thorough than anywhere else I tried. Dr. Thompson explained everything and helped me find hearing aids within my budget."
William H., Charlotte
Conveniently Serving Charlotte & Surrounding Communities
Ready to Get Started?
Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing
Experience the difference that licensed audiologists make. Our comprehensive evaluations, reasonable pricing, and ongoing professional support ensure you receive the quality care your hearing health deserves.
Contact Information
Charlotte Main Office
1699 Lansing Rd, Suite 2, Charlotte, MI 48813
Hours:
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Monday - Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Friday - Sunday: Closed
Eaton Rapids Medical Center
Eaton Rapids Medical Center Specialty Clinic
By appointment
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Monday - Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Friday - Sunday: Closed
Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing
Don't Struggle with Hearing Loss - Tackle It Today
Take the first step toward better hearing today. Schedule your free consultation with our experienced audiologists. Trust the experts who care how you hear.
Trust the experts who care how you hear
We Care How You Hear • Superior Care, Reasonable Prices • Licensed Audiologists
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