Dr. Downs has been serving the Northland as an audiologist for more than two decades. She is a co-founder of the Hearing Wellness Center and Director of the Tinnitus Treatment Center with long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jon Gervais.
Practicing Audiology has allowed Dr. Downs to blend science, health and the art of healing together. Hearing is essential to a person’s well-being, and she loves helping people reconnect through better hearing and getting to know her patients personally. She loves getting to know them, seeing pictures of family and laughing and crying alongside them
Dr. Downs has earned Scholar recognition by the American Academy of Audiology, which recognizes audiologists for outstanding commitment to continuing education. Hearing technology changes rapidly, tinnitus research is exploding and hearing science as it relates to cognitive function has become a hot research topic, creating a real need for constant learning.
Dr. Downs is certified in Mind-Body Medicine through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and is a certified provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol. She has also developed the Integrative Tinnitus Treatment and Active Sound Therapy Protocols. Soon, we will publish data in peer-reviewed journals on the effectiveness of the protocol developed by Dr. Downs right here at the Hearing Wellness Center and Tinnitus Treatment Center.
Dr. Downs speaks nationwide, educating audiologists to provide confident tinnitus treatment using Integrative Tinnitus Treatment and Active Sound Therapy.
Dr. Downs lives in Duluth with her husband, one of her sons, and three crazy canines. (She’s already launched one son into college and the other is nearly ready to launch down to Nashville!) She is an avid cyclist and hiker. You’ll find her on one of Duluth’s numerous trails nearly every day, in every season.
“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 the University of North Dakota
- M.S. in Audiology at Idaho State University—was a teaching assistant both years, helped convert curriculum to the digital format and instructed the audiology sections to the sign language interpreter students.
- 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
Professional 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, Served as Interim Executive Director from 2023-2024
- Tinnitus Practitioner’s Association
- Awards: Scholar Award from the American Academy of Audiology for outstanding commitment to continuing education.