Mercy Health expands audiology, Ear, Nose, Throat services

Mercy Health continues building momentum with the addition of audiology services within its ear, nose and throat, or ENT, program.

New services at the health care center give patients a one-stop location for evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance concerns as opposed to traveling for specialized care, according to Mercy Health officials.

“Lorain County deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care — and that means continuing to grow strategically by adding services where they’re needed most,” said Tyson Tingle, vice president of operations for Mercy Health Physicians Lorain. “The momentum within our ENT program reflects Mercy Health’s commitment to making health care easier and more convenient for local families.”

Mercy Health has welcomed audiologist Jennifer Kassay, Au.D., who primarily focuses on the intervention, diagnosis and management of hearing loss while simultaneously taking a focus on patient education and hearing aid fittings.

Kassay provides comprehensive hearing evaluations, diagnostic testing and individualized treatment options to both preserve heating and enhance life quality.

Kassay joins Dr. Kate Clancy, who specializes in otolaryngology and leads the Mercy Health ENT Program at Mercy Health — Lorain Ear, Nose and Throat.

Two new ear, nose and throat physicians were added since establishing services, including Dr. Kiefer Hock and Dr. Sean McDermott.

Hock is board certified in otolaryngology, as well as head and neck surgery, and McDermott completed his otolaryngology residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, according to a news release.

McDermott earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

“Hearing plays a vital role in communication, development and overall well-being,” Kassay said. “When hearing loss goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to speech and language delays in children, social isolation, cognitive decline and increased risk of falls in older adults.

“Early identification and intervention are key to staying connected to the world around us.”

Services will expand to the Oberlin medical office building in the coming months, with the addition of office equipment and operating room capabilities in the hospital, according to the release.

The release states audiology includes diagnosing, treating and preventing heating and balance disorders.

While hearing loss often gradually develops, it can have a major effect on communication, safety and ones’ quality of life if left untreated and affects an estimated one in ten Americans, Mercy Health officials said.

Audiology and ear, nose and throat services are offered in the same office, which helps ensure patients can receive convenient and coordinate care with no delay.

For more information, contact Mercy Health — Lorain Ear, Nose and Throat at 440-222-4140.

Mercy Health – Lorain Ear, Nose and Throat is located at 3600 Kolbe Road, Suite 209, in Lorain.

Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.