About

Joseph L. Hegarty, M.D. is a board-certified physician specializing in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery. Dr. Hegarty completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating with honors. After graduating with honors from his medical school class at Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Hegarty completed a 5-year Otolaryngology residency and a 2-year cochlear physiology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Following his residency, Dr. Hegarty completed an additional 2-year Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco under the direction of Robert Jackler, M.D. Dr. Hegarty has been practicing in Colorado since 2001. His practice is limited to diseases of the hearing and balance systems.

Michael Iliff, Au.D., is a clinically certified audiologist. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of the Redlands in California and his masters in Audiology from San Diego State University. His doctorate in Audiology was completed at the Arizona School of Health Sciences. He joined us in 2016. Dr. Iliff’s services include comprehensive hearing rehabilitation, including hearing aids, surgically implanted devices (BAHA and Cochlear Implants) and assistive listening devices.

Dr. Iliff has served on numerous boards serving the hearing impaired, served as a technology consultant for many major hearing aid manufacturers and has used hearing technology for many years due to his own hearing loss. “As someone who is hearing impaired and uses hearing technology, I’ve always felt the most satisfaction when I’ve been able to apply my experience and education to give someone the gift of hearing once again.”

Cassie Iliff, Au.D. is a Doctor of audiology and a Colorado native, growing up on a cattle ranch near rural Yuma, CO. Dr. Iliff received both her Doctor of Audiology degree as well as her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Dr. Iliff’s specialties include advanced hearing aid programming, extended wear Lyric fittings, tinnitus management, and hearing protection.  Since graduating with her doctorate, Dr. Iliff has had a variety of experiences within her profession. She started her career by winning the James Jerger Award for Excellence in Student Research. She has worked as a sales representative and trainer for a hearing aid manufacturer as well as a developer of hearing testing equipment.  Growing up in a small town helped her see the importance of quality healthcare and gave her a specific passion for helping people hear  and she looks forward to poviding you with quality, individualized hearing healthcare.

Chelsea Heitzmann, Au.D. grew up in Colorado Springs and received both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Dr. Heitzmann completed her fourth-year externship at the University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz medical campus. Her specialties include hearing and balance evaluations, implantable device rehabilitation (cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing devices), hearing aid and tinnitus management. 
 
Dr. Heitzmann’s passion for audiology began when she was a child and witnessed cochlear implant technology transform her mother’s life and positively impact her entire family. Due to her family experience with hearing loss she values patient and family-centered care. When Dr. Heitzmann is not working, she loves being outdoors trail running, backpacking, hiking and adventuring with her husband and their recently rescued dog, Oliver.

Karlee Howard is an Audiology Extern completing her fourth-year externship with Colorado Springs Ear Associates. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is currently completing her education at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center pursuing a clinical doctorate in Audiology.

Karlee is originally from a small town in Oklahoma and is excited to move north to the beautiful mountain views of Colorado Springs. When not working, Karlee enjoys spending time traveling the country with her closest friends and family, as well as trying new foods and restaurants.

Lauren was born and raised in downtown Colorado Springs. She enjoys spending time outside with her puppy, Tucker. When she’s not outside with her pup, you can find her watching her favorite college football team – Go Mizzou Tigers!

Arianna grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. She moved to Colorado to pursue her college degree. She was a decorated college swimmer and enjoys the water. When she’s not in the pool, she enjoys staying active, especially when it involves the outdoor and her dog, Mistletoe!

Breanna is a Colorado native and has been working in insurance and billing for 8 years.  When she’s not working she’s busy planning her wedding for December 2020, winning at table top games, and spoiling her corgi.

Sandy was born and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was introduced to Colorado Springs by her husband who was previously stationed at Fort Carson and always vowed to return. Sandy has five adult children in Texas and Oklahoma, along with one son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandchildren that relocated to Colorado Springs shortly thereafter. The family loves spending time outdoors, listening to live music and hiking with their “pound puppy” Bruce Wayne.

Lauren is a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs. When not at work, she can be found spending time with her son Zachary. She also enjoys playing violin and guitar, as well as spending time outdoors.