WHO WE ARE

ABOUT OUR PRACTICE

Cary Audiology Associates has been providing services to Cary and the surrounding communities since 2006. Our audiologists are Board Certified in Audiology and provide a wide range of diagnostic and rehabilitative services. In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, we also focus on hearing conservation and hearing loss prevention. We are a patient-focused practice and are committed to providing professional service with personalized care.

At Cary Audiology, we are passionate about patient education and rehabilitation. We integrate clinical expertise, research-based treatment, and patient perspective to provide quality services reflecting the interests, values, and needs of the individuals we serve. We follow protocols for Best Practices for Audiology.

We understand choosing a hearing care provider is a big decision. Our number one priority is delivering exceptional patient care. Our staff combines years of expertise in hearing healthcare and is well-trained in a variety of services ranging from evaluations to treatment.

We believe great care includes establishing great relationships with our patients. Treating hearing loss is an ongoing process that requires regular follow-ups, maintenance, and cleanings to keep you hearing your best. Our staff is here to support you not only during your initial visit but throughout your entire journey to better hearing.

At Cary Audiology Associates, we look at the whole individual, not just the hearing test.  All patients complete a communication assessment and/or hearing handicap inventory prior to being seen.  Each patient is unique, with different lifestyles and different demands on their hearing.  It is important that we get to know the needs of each patient and that the patient be an active participant in the evaluation and treatment process.  

At Cary Audiology Associates, we follow the gold standard of care for Audiology. All patient care is provided by Board Certified Audiologists.  We complete both diagnostic and functional hearing evaluations, which includes speech-in-noise testing.  A hearing test alone is not enough.  It only tells us part of the story. When assessing hearing we must also look “ear to brain” as it is the ear that detects sound, but the brain that processes it.  Cognition affects hearing and hearing affects cognition.  Cognitive screening is also a part of our initial assessment.   

We are an evidence-based practice, completing both objective and subjective measurements when hearing aids are included in the treatment plan.   Real Ear Measurement testing is completed during all hearing aid fit appointments to verify that soft and normal conversational speech is audible and meeting appropriate targets. , The Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) is completed at the end of the hearing aid assessment period.  Aural rehabilitation is an important component of the fitting process and is provided with all new hearing aid fittings.

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Susan W. Rawls, Au.D.

OWNER AND AUDIOLOGIST

Dr. Rawls has been in the audiology profession for over 35 years. In 2006, she opened Cary Audiology Associates. After working in busy medical (ENT) offices for over 20 years, Dr. Rawls went into private practice in an effort to provide more personal and comprehensive care to her patients, in a less restrictive environment. As ninety percent of hearing loss is not medically correctible, private practice has given her the opportunity to spend more time on the assessment, and more importantly, the aural rehabilitation, which is critical for better hearing.

Dr. Rawls earned her Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and her Master’s degree in Audiology from the University of Connecticut. She later obtained her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida.

Dr. Rawls is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. She is licensed by the State of North Carolina.

She has extensive experience with pediatric through geriatric populations. Dr. Rawls specializes in comprehensive hearing assessment as well as in the fitting of advanced digital hearing instruments. Dr. Rawls lives in Cary. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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Rachel Marston, Au.D

AUDIOLOGIST

Dr. Rachel Marston completed her undergraduate degree in Speech Language Communication Disorders at the University of Minnesota before pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology at the University of Tennessee. Since then, she has focused on patient care in private practice environments, specializing in the treatment of age-related hearing loss, tinnitus therapy, and auditory processing evaluations. Dr. Marston is a board-certified audiologist, who has been licensed in MN, WI, and NC. 

Dr. Marston found audiology through her mother who was a speech pathologist.  Her favorite part of audiology is seeing the positive changes that improved hearing can make in the lives of her patients. Because of this, she values the close relationships she’s able to foster with her patients in the private practice environment. 

Outside of Audiology, Dr. Marston and her husband, Zach, have 3 small children and a basset hound named Moose. 

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Patti K. White, Au.D.

AUDIOLOGIST

Dr. White joined Cary Audiology Associates in May of 2023 after beginning her career as an Audiologist in otolaryngology and neurotology. Prior to graduate school, Dr. White found her love for the profession during her time as patient care assistant for a private practice in Austin, Texas, where she was born and raised.

Dr. White received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University in 2018 and moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where she completed her graduate studies. She obtained her Master of Science in Audiology in 2020 and her Doctorate in Audiology in May of 2022 from The University of Tennessee. Dr. White has experience working with all patient populations and prioritizes the patient experience in her overall care. She specializes in the fitting of advanced digital hearing instruments, bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Dr. White is licensed by the State of North Carolina and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. In her spare time, you are likely to find her outdoors with her spouse and their four fur-babies. She enjoys tending to her plants, reading a good book, and eating good food.

Michelle Hardin - Audiology Assistant

Michelle Hardin

AUDIOLOGY ASSISTANT

Michelle Hardin received her Bachelor of Science degree in social work from Youngstown State University.  After graduating, Michelle worked in the finance department for a local government office in the suburbs of Philadelphia.  She and her family moved to the area in 2000.  She started working at Cary Audiology at its inception in 2006.

Michelle is the Audiology Assistant for Cary Audiology. She is very knowledgeable on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs of hearing aids.  Michelle enjoys getting to know each patient and ensuring they receive the best quality care and service. She enjoys learning about the ever-changing technology and sharing it with our patients.

Michelle also does our insurance billing and is our physician liaison. When she isn’t at the office, you will find her outdoors or spending time with family and friends.

Jessika Torres - Patient Care Coordinator

Jessika Torres

PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

Jessika is the friendly voice on the phone and the first person you see when you walk in the door. She always has a smile on her face and is eager to please. Jessika is originally from Florida speaks both English and Spanish.

Jessika has a passion for helping others and putting a smile on their faces, making sure they are loved and appreciated. She has worked as a caregiver for over 20 years, with over 5 years of experience in audiology and “loving every minute of it!”

You will always find a book in her purse or catch her listening to all kinds of music and inspirational podcasts. Jessika loves serving in the church and in the community with her family. She and her family are very artsy and active – always doing some activity, from playing games and traveling to enjoying musicals and catching up on baking shows. Jessika makes a mean Cafe’ Cubano!

Client Testimonials