Timothy Steele, Ph.D., is president and chief executive officer of Associated Audiologists, Inc., a leader in audiologic care for hearing,tinnitus and balance disorders in the Kansas City area. The practice now operates eight clinics in Kansas and Missouri. Steele earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in audiology from the University of Kansas.
Steele grew up on his family farm outside of Waterville, Kansas. His maternal great grandmother had significant hearing loss which influenced his early interest in audiology.
“Many people take for granted the importance of good hearing to our lives and daily communication,” Steele said. “Being able to help someone hear better provides immediate gratification, and the relationships created with our patients often last their entire lives. The other exciting thing about the field of audiology is that it encompasses other specialized areas such as dizziness and balance, tinnitus, auditory processing,hearing conservation, research and technology development.”
Steele said Associated Audiologists, Inc., has been able to expand its mission to improve patients’ lives through comprehensive audiology care to areas throughout Kansas.
“Because there is an increasing need for quality audiology care, we have been able to open or acquire practices in areas of the state where necessity and opportunity meet,” Steele said. “We also offer audiology outreach services which provide quality care in rural areas of Kansas.”
Steele said the education he received at the University of Kansas gave him a strong foundation to build his career in audiology.
“The hearing and speech program at KU is outstanding, and I was the beneficiary of a great faculty and alumni who took the time to invest in me,” Steele said. “Many of the things I learned through my education were relevant tools to use in my vocation and my business. My doctoral research focused on outcome measures and rehabilitation of hearing loss which ended up being extremely valuable to me as a clinician and future business owner.”
Steele continues to have a close relationship with his alma mater.He has served as a faculty member at KU Medical Center and is a member of the KU School of Health Professions Board of Advocates.
“This is essential to keep the audiology profession moving forward,and this is a way of giving back to those who invested in me,” Steele said. “All of us have someone to thank for where we are today, and one way to express that appreciation is to help the next generation of professionals.”