Dr. Leigh Smith, AuD is an audiologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Audiological care for older adults at her clinic in Hudson, FL. As a partner in senior health featured on infoaging.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She expertly manages complex conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, and is committed to working collaboratively with patients' primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. She specializes in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (typically age 65 and older), ensuring that her patients receive the best possible care for their unique needs.
Dr. Smith is a caring and skilled audiologist in Hudson, FL, with a focus on providing exceptional care to seniors. She graduated from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in 2016, and completed her residency training in Audiology Services at Clifton Springs Hearing Center in 2016. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital and HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. Dr. Leigh Smith is currently accepting new patients. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. While she primarily provides consultations in English, her dedication to senior well-being is evident in her commitment to their needs. To schedule an appointment, please call (727) 378-4383.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Leigh Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Leigh Smith is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive audiological care with a compassionate touch. She expertly manages hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized plan that prioritizes comfort and ongoing well-being. Her focus extends beyond the technical aspects of audiology, encompassing the emotional and practical needs of seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Leigh Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Coventry Health Care
Humana
Medicaid
Molina Healthcare
MultiPlan
Simply Healthcare Plans
Tricare
Triwest
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Citrus
- FL
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Hernando and Pasco Counties
- Ultimate Health Plans
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Leigh Smith provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Vertigo: If you're struggling with vertigo, know that it's possible to find relief. Many effective treatments exist, often involving exercises to improve balance and reduce your risk of falls.
- Sensorineural Deafness: If you're diagnosed with sensorineural deafness, don't worryit doesn't mean the end of clear communication! Working with an audiologist, you can find solutions like hearing aids or assistive listening devices that enhance your ability to hear and maintain your independence.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the perception of noise, like ringing, buzzing, or hissing, in one or both ears when no external sound is present, and it can often be managed with strategies to reduce its impact on your daily life.
- Conductive Deafness: If you have conductive deafness, sounds may seem softer because something is blocking sound waves from reaching your inner ear; thankfully, many cases are correctable with medical or surgical interventions, enhancing your daily communication.
- Balance Disorders: Balance disorders can make you feel unsteady or dizzy, but with the right care, such as exercises and sometimes medication, you can regain your confidence and independence.
- Hearing Disorders: Hearing problems aren't just about loudness; they can affect understanding speech and even balance. With proper diagnosis and management, including personalized hearing solutions, you can maintain your independence and connection to the world.
- Hyperacusis: With hyperacusis, even quiet noises can be painfully loud, making it difficult to participate in daily life.
- Earwax Buildup: Don't let earwax interfere with your enjoyment of conversations and the world around youearwax removal by an audiologist is a quick and often painless way to restore clear hearing.
- Hearing Loss: Experiencing trouble hearing? Don't let it isolate you. With a hearing evaluation and personalized care, we can find solutions to manage your hearing loss, making it easier to participate in family gatherings, social events, and life in general.
- Ear Disorders: Experiencing ear-related issues like ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness (vertigo)? An audiologist can provide personalized strategies to manage these conditions and enhance your comfort and well-being.
- Deafness: Experiencing deafness can feel isolating, but advancements in technology, such as hearing aids, and communication strategies can help you stay connected and participate fully in life.
- Dizziness: Dizziness can make everyday activities challenging, but an audiologist can assess your balance and provide personalized treatment, such as exercises or medication, to improve your stability and reduce falls.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Leigh Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Adult Hearing Loss Rehabilitation: This service provides personalized strategies and support to manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems, enhancing daily independence.
- Audiogram: By identifying the specific types and degrees of hearing loss shown on an audiogram, your healthcare team can develop a treatment strategy to best manage your condition.
- Audiometry: By precisely assessing your hearing thresholds, audiometry provides essential information for creating a tailored care plan, including managing tinnitus or balance disorders related to hearing loss.
- Earwax Removal: Earwax removal helps ensure clear hearing during your comprehensive hearing evaluation, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of any hearing loss.
- Hearing Aid: As part of a comprehensive hearing care plan, hearing aids can restore clarity to conversations and reduce the frustration associated with diminished hearing.
- Hearing Aid Adjustment: This service ensures your hearing aids are performing at their peak, supporting your communication needs and enhancing your quality of life.
- Hearing Screening: Hearing screenings are an important first step in creating a personalized plan to manage your hearing health and improve communication.
- Tympanometry: To ensure your hearing aids are optimally effective, your audiologist may use tympanometry to check for middle ear conditions that could affect their performance and overall benefit.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Audiology Services in Florida.
Dr. Leigh Smith is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With personalized exercises and guidance, a senior experienced a significant reduction in vertigo symptoms, regaining their confidence to safely navigate their home and enjoy their favorite activities.
- With hearing aids prescribed by an audiologist, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of attending church services and enjoyed lively conversations with friends and family.
- With the guidance of a skilled audiologist, a senior couple found relief from the persistent ringing in their ears, allowing them to once again enjoy quiet evenings together, listening to music and sharing stories.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Audiological care with Dr. Leigh Smith:
- What is an Audiologist?
- Dr. Leigh Smith and her team are audiologists. They are healthcare professionals specializing in hearing and balance disorders, particularly common in older adults. They diagnose hearing loss, fit hearing aids, and help improve communication and overall quality of life for seniors.
- My family says I don't hear well, but I think I hear fine. Why should I get a hearing test?
- Many people with age-related hearing loss don't realize they're losing their hearing because it often develops gradually. A hearing test with Dr. Smith can help identify any changes, especially in the clarity of speech, which can be addressed with appropriate support. It's a simple, painless check-up, similar to getting your eyes examined.
- Is there a link between untreated hearing loss and memory problems?
- Research is growing about the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Studies suggest a link between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of memory problems and dementia. Treating hearing loss may be a proactive step to support overall brain health, as the brain may have fewer resources for memory and thinking when it has to work harder to hear.
- What is an 'audiogram'?
- An audiogram is a graph that shows the results of your hearing test. It illustrates the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches, from low to high. Dr. Smith uses this visual tool to determine the exact type and degree of hearing loss and recommend the best treatment options.
- How do I clean and care for my hearing aids?
- Regular, simple cleaning is key to keeping your hearing aids working well. Dr. Leigh Smith's office provides a full demonstration and care kit when hearing aids are fitted, including instructions on daily wiping, checking for wax buildup, and proper storage in a safe, dry place.
- I've been feeling dizzy and off-balance. Can an audiologist help?
- Yes, an audiologist can definitely help with dizziness and balance issues. The inner ear's vestibular system is a crucial part of our balance, and audiologists like Dr. Leigh Smith are trained to perform specialized tests, such as VNG, to determine if the dizziness is related to an inner ear problem, like Benign Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
- Aren't hearing aids big, clunky, and expensive?
- Modern hearing aids are incredibly small and discreet, often comfortable to wear. Technology has advanced, offering features like Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries. Dr. Leigh Smith works with each patient to find a solution that fits their specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.
- What is tinnitus, and can anything be done for the ringing in my ears?
- Tinnitus is the perception of sound, like ringing or buzzing, when no external sound is present. It's very common, and while there's often no cure, Dr. Smith can provide highly effective management strategies, including sound therapy and hearing aids, which can significantly reduce the annoyance and impact of tinnitus on daily life.
13910 Fivay Rd Ste 17
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (727) 378-4383
Dr. Leigh Smith, AuD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1386091049
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Audiology Services like Dr. Leigh Smith are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.