Dr. Sara Downs has been serving the Northland community as an audiologist for more than two decades and in 2012, she co-founded the Hearing Wellness Center and Director of the Tinnitus Treatment Center with long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jonathan Gervais.
Sara and her husband have two teenage boys who love sports and music. Most of her free time is spent cheering (gasping, screaming, rooting) on the sidelines of any one of the many sports both of her sons play. When she is not working with patients, or cheering for her boys, she is likely to be found cycling either out on the roads, or on the trails surrounding the Duluth area.
“Practicing Audiology has allowed me to blend science, health, and the art of healing together. Hearing is an essential part of a person’s wellbeing and I love helping people get reconnected through better hearing. I have earned Scholar recognition by the American Academy of Audiology, which recognizes audiologists for outstanding commitment to continuing education. Hearing technology changes at such a rapid pace, tinnitus research is exploding, and hearing science as it relates to cognitive function has become a hot research topic and these create a real need for constant learning. Another great pleasure I have in practice is getting to know my patients personally, many of whom will tell you I love to visit, see pictures of family, laugh and cry right along with them.”
Educational Background
- B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at University of North Dakota
- M.S. in Audiology at Idaho State University
- Au.D. at Salus University 2005
- Board Certified in Audiology since 2005
- Certified in Mind-Body Medicine since 2015
- Certified Safe and Sound Protocol Provider since 2020
- MBA program at the College of St. Scholastica
Associations
- Minnesota Academy of Audiology—Past Member of the Board of Directors
- American Academy of Audiology
- Academy of Doctors of Audiology— served on the Convention/ Continuing Education committee for two years
- American Tinnitus Association–Current Member of the Board of Directors, Provider Relations Chair
- Tinnitus Practitioner’s Association
Association Awards
Scholar Award from American Academy of Audiology for outstanding commitment to continuing education