Mercy Health is continuing to build momentum within its ear, nose and throat (ENT) program with the addition of audiology services. The new offering gives patients a convenient, one-stop location for evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance concerns, reducing the need to travel elsewhere for specialized care.
“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. By offering ENT and audiology services together, we are providing coordinated and accessible care close to home.”
To launch this service, Mercy Health welcomes audiologist Jennifer Kassay, AuD, whose primary areas of practice include the prevention, diagnosis, and management of hearing loss, with a focus on patient education and hearing aid fittings. Dr. Kassay provides comprehensive hearing evaluations, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment options designed to preserve hearing and enhance quality of life. Dr. Kassay joins Dr. Kate Clancy, who specializes in otolaryngology and leads Mercy Health’s ENT program at Mercy Health — Lorain Ear, Nose and Throat.
This addition builds ongoing growth within Mercy Health’s ENT program. Since establishing this service, the team has added two net new ENT physicians, Dr. Kiefer Hock and Dr. Sean McDermott. Dr. Hock is board certified in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, and Dr. McDermott completed his otolaryngology residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. In the coming months, services will also expand to the Oberlin medical office building with the addition of office equipment and operating room capabilities in the hospital.
“Hearing plays a vital role in communication, development and overall well-being,” said Dr. Kassay. “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.”
Audiology includes diagnosing, treating, and preventing hearing and balance disorders. While hearing loss often develops gradually, it can have a major impact on communication, safety and quality of life if left untreated, affecting an estimated one in ten Americans. Audiologists provide comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment, including hearing aids, implantable devices, balance testing and other assistive technologies.
At Mercy Health, specialists work closely with patients to preserve hearing, manage hearing loss, and support healthy balance, offering expert, compassionate care that helps people stay connected and engaged.
Audiology and ENT services are offered in the same office, ensuring that patients can receive convenient, coordinated care without delay. The addition of audiology services reflects Mercy Health’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality, specialized care close to home.