Mallory Nitzel, Au.D., specializes in audiology at Utica Park Clinic. She has several years of experience in pediatric and adult diagnostics, electrophysiology testing and amplification. She focuses heavily on diagnostics and making the appropriate referrals to trusted colleagues for further evaluation when necessary.

Dr. Nitzel first became familiar with the effects of hearing loss early in her childhood. “Growing up, I had an uncle and close friend who were both deaf. I actually began my undergraduate college career in speech language pathology, but was immediately fascinated with the audiology courses, which led me to a different graduate degree,” she said.

Now, she says as she works to improve patients’ lives, she enjoys the challenge of problem solving and the satisfaction of helping others. She goes on to add, “I enjoy connecting with patients. Getting to learn about their jobs, families, travels and interests brings a personal story and understanding of who they are and what they enjoy.”

A common question Dr. Nitzel receives is, “Why do I need a hearing test, I don’t want hearing aids?” She says, “a comprehensive hearing evaluation tests all functions of the ear to help diagnosis the origin of a problem and evaluate medical issues that need further treatment or assessment. At times, hearing aids are recommended, but that is not the primary reason for testing one’s hearing.”