About Alexandra deGroot and Hearing Ally

Whether it’s your ears or those of someone important to you, I’m your Hearing Ally and I can teach you how to navigate hearing loss, its far-reaching effects, and find the best solutions out there.

I’m Ali and I’m a Doctor of Audiology and an educator. But at its core, my work is about reconnecting people — because when we have the tools to effectively connect with others, our environment, and ourselves, we have the foundation to thrive.

When it comes to our healthcare system, I understand many of its strengths and weaknesses. It can be overwhelming for patients and providers alike. I can help you access and navigate the systems in a way that better serves you and the people who rely on you — whether you chose traditional or alternative healing methods, or a combination of the two.

I absolutely love preventing communication problems, their effects on our lives, and treating the problems we can’t prevent. I’m also one of those “systems thinkers” who sees the whole person, community, environment, and how they all relate to each other. So, if these issues resonate for you, I have some work for you to do and a few new tricks to learn, but they will have a much greater impact than you might expect!

I can’t wait to work with you!

My Background:

I’ve had a job since I was 12. I won’t bore you with the whole list, but, I’m proud to say I can wrangle 8 toddlers at once, mix and pour a cement driveway, pull a double-shift at the busiest restaurant in (my little home-) town, and fix a flat on your bicycle.

I received a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences (a.k.a. Speech Pathology and Audiology) from Loyola College in Baltimore, MD and a doctorate in Audiology from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. I am also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu national honor societies.

I am a licensed audiologist in Seattle, with experience in a variety of medical settings, including the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. My education and experiences have given me a deep understanding of the ear-brain system, how problems with that system affect our lives, and how past and present research in the field can help real people, right now. I work with healthcare providers, and patients and their families in Seattle and across the county.

What is an Audiologist?

Diagnoses and treats disorders of the ear including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing/sounds in ears), and vertigo (spinning dizziness). In the case of hearing loss and tinnitus, treatment can be through technology (such as hearing aids) and aural (re)habilitation (such as coaching).

Audiologists work in a variety of settings. The most common is a private audiology practice or an Ear, Nose, and Throat medical practice. To become an audiologist today you must receive a doctoral degree.