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Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center: Meridian

Your ears affect more than your hearing and balance—they affect your quality of life. At Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance, we’re here to help. As the region's most comprehensive audiology and vestibular rehabilitation provider, we care for adults and children with services such as tinnitus testing and treatment, hearing tests, cochlear implants, hearing aid evaluation, central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) testing and treatment, and rehabilitation and support groups. We also offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment of speech and language delays and disorders resulting from hearing impairment. We'll educate and train parents, and consult with schools, when appropriate.

Hearing Aid Services
Our team works with state-of-the-art hearing aid technology to improve your hearing and your life. Our doctors of audiology will work closely with you to find the best hearing aids for your hearing loss, your listening needs, and your lifestyle. Our hearing aids can even connect to your smart phone to allow you to control them from your phone, listen to music, and significantly improve your ability to hear while on the phone. We also offer extensive follow-up services to ensure you're receiving the most benefit from your hearing aids, along with improved quality of life. 

We work hard to keep our prices as affordable as possible and take pride in being one of the most affordable options in the region. We also offer zero-interest financing to help you get the best technology appropriate for your needs. If you have trouble affording hearing aids, we can help! As a not-for-profit, we offer multiple charitable-care options.

Balance and Vestibular Services
Our balance and vestibular services include evaluations and treatment for conditions such as vertigo, light-headed dizziness, and motion sensitivity; as well as assessment and treatment for people who have disequilibrium, a history of falls, or have a fear of falling. This may include patients recovering from a stroke, joint replacement, or those with Parkinson’s disease.

Providers

  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Austin Adams, DPT specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. He has special interests in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, unilateral vestibular pathology, and persistent postural- perceptual dizziness. Austin earned his doctorate in physical therapy from Idaho State University. 


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Debbie Baerlocher, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA is our clinic lead in pediatrics, focusing on evoked potentials, diagnostics, and amplification. She is coordinator of the newborn hearing screening program at St. Luke’s Meridian and serves on the team of consulting audiologists for the state Early Hearing and Detection program—Idaho Sound Beginnings—providing training to hospitals and physicians about newborn hearing screening and hearing loss. 

    Dr. Baerlocher earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Central Michigan University; her doctoral research project was published in the Journal of Educational Audiology.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Speech Therapy

    Biography

    Joshua Barnes, SLP has professional interests in aural rehabilitation, literacy, and auditory processing delays, with both pediatric and adult populations. He earned his master's degree in speech-language pathology from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Jenna Bradley, AuD, CCC-A has special interests in adult diagnostics and amplification, as well as cochlear implant rehabilitation. She has research experience in noise acceptability criteria used by persons with hearing loss. 

    Jenna earned her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in Spanish from Idaho State University, and her doctor of audiology from San Diego State University. During her schooling, Dr. Bradley received the Outstanding Student Achievement Award for the College of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Corinne Coleman, AuD received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Brigham Young University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Utah State University. During her graduate work, she completed an emphasis in listening and spoken language and pediatric audiology focusing on enhancing collaboration efforts between audiologists, speech-language pathologists and deaf-education professionals in order to better facilitate the success of every child with hearing loss across the age spectrum. Her research centered on counseling behaviors in audiologists including missed opportunities and patient-centered care was published in Seminars in Hearing. Her doctoral externship in Kentucky fostered a passion for assisting pediatric populations in rural areas; she is thrilled to be able to do the same in her home state. 

    Dr. Coleman is currently a member of the advisory committee for the National Technical Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs (EDHI) to help children who are deaf or hard of hearing reach their full potential by working to improve EHDI systems of care. 

    Originally from Idaho, Dr. Coleman loves spending time in nature, biking and paddle boarding. She is an avid athlete and loves playing basketball, ultimate Frisbee and competing in triathlons. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Jacob Diller, AuD has a special interest in cerumen removal, adult diagnostics and helping patients with concerns regarding dizziness and vertigo.  

    Dr. Diller earned his bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders with an emphasis in pre-audiology from Idaho State University. He earned his doctorate degree in audiology also from Idaho State University. During his schooling, Dr. Diller received the ASISU Student of the Year Award and the Meridian Student of Excellence Award. Outside the clinic, Dr. Diller has travelled to Peru to provide audiology services with the Idaho Condor Humanitarian Inc.

    In his free time, Dr. Diller enjoys traveling, hiking, roller-skating and continuing his search for Boise’s best French fries.


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Alison Faber, AuD has professional interests in pediatric and adult diagnostics, auditory evoked potentials, amplification, and cochlear implants. She also serves as an audiology consultant for the Idaho Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (Idaho Sound Beginnings) where she assists and provides training to hospitals regarding their newborn hearing screening programs.

    Alison earned her bachelor's degree in communicative disorders from the University of Alabama and her doctorate in audiology from Central Michigan University. She completed her residency at Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    April Fagerson, AuD is the program manager for audiology at St. Luke's. In addition to her administrative work, she enjoys helping patients who have concerns with tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, and poor balance.

    Dr. Fagerson earned her bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology from Washington State University, where she also earned her master's degree in audiology. She earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Salus University.

    In her free time, Dr. Fagerson loves to travel and spend time with her husband and two sons. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Shannon Gower, AuD has over 20 years' experience in providing exceptional patient care for adults. She has specializes in diagnostic evaluations and amplification for adults.  

     

    Shannon earned her doctorate degree in audiology from Salus University and master’s degree in audiology from Idaho State University. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Heather Kurth, DPT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. She enjoys collaborating with audiologists and other physical therapists to provide the best care for her patients. She participates in balance screenings at local health fairs and throughout the community, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA).

    Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the College of Idaho and her doctorate degree in physical therapy from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Sydney Mecham, AuD has professional interests in pediatric and adult diagnostics and amplification, central auditory processing disorder, auditory evoked potentials testing, and cochlear implant rehabilitation.

    Dr. Mecham received both her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders and her doctorate degree in audiology from Idaho State University. She completed her doctoral fellowship at St. Luke’s Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance.

    In her free time Dr. Mecham enjoys spending time outside with her dog or teaching herself a new craft.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Brenda Mecier, AuD, CCC-A specializes in adult hearing device fittings and vestibular testing. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her master’s degree from Utah State University. She earned her clinical doctorate degree in audiology from the University of Florida, and holds the certificate of clinical competence (CCC) in audiology with the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Brenda has served on the Idaho Speech and Hearing Services board and has supervised Idaho State University audiology students during clinical rotations.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    Suzanne (Suzy) Reed, AuD, CCC-A focuses her clinical practice on pediatric diagnostic hearing testing and amplification, auditory evoked potentials, and vestibular testing. She received her bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders from Utah State University and her doctorate degree in audiology from Utah State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Lydia Rubalcava, PT, DPT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation and treats patients dealing with imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo.

    Lydia earned both her bachelor's degree in exercise science and her doctorate in physical therapy from Eastern Washington University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Carmen Schmidt, MPT is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. She is dedicated to problem-solving and helping patients overcome balance and dizziness concerns. She has earned vestibular competency, vestibular function testing competency, and advanced vestibular competency. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

    Carmen earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from Idaho State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Physical Therapy

    Biography

    Tobie Strong, PT, DPT, OCS specializes in vestibular rehabilitation, providing treatment for imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo. She has experience in outpatient orthopedics, with a particular interest in posture and movement dysfunction. She has a certification of competency in vestibular rehabilitation, is board certified in orthopedics, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

    Tobie earned her degree in physical therapy from the University of New Mexico and her post-professional doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Audiology

    Biography

    April Ward, AuD, is the director of Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center at St. Luke’s. In addition to her administrative work, Dr. Ward thoroughly enjoys working with patients to help identify why they are struggling with their hearing and identifying appropriate and effective treatment solutions.

    Dr. Ward earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Idaho State University, graduating summa cum laude. She also earned her master’s degree from ISU. She earned her clinical doctorate degree in audiology from A.T. Still University. Dr. Ward is currently affiliate faculty at Idaho State University, where she enjoys supporting future audiologists and teaching occasional classes.

    In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and playing in a band where she sings and plays guitar, bass, and ukulele.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

Considering Cochlear Implants?

Considering Cochlear Implants?

Our Team Can Help

If you or your child has severe hearing loss, cochlear implants may be able to offer a sense of sound, as well as improved ability to understand speech and speak clearly. Our team will work with you to evaluate whether or not this surgery is an appropriate option.


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