How Our Hearing Aid Fittings Differ
At MacDonald Audiology in Rochester, NY, our practitioners all have doctoral degrees (AuD) in Audiology, are board certified by The American Board of Audiology, and are fully licensed and registered to practice in New York State.
Our Personalized, Evidence-Based Approach
At MacDonald Audiology, our practice distinguishes itself by treating hearing aid fitting as a highly individualized, evidence-based process rather than a generic or “one size fits all” procedure. Each hearing aid is custom-fitted and professionally tuned to your unique needs, ensuring both comfort and optimal hearing improvement.
Comprehensive Assessment and Customization
The fitting process begins with a thorough hearing test to determine your precise amplification needs and to identify which frequencies require support and how to manage loud sounds for personalized comfort. All earpieces and tubing are customized for each wearer, including the use of custom molds when necessary, to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Advanced Verification Techniques
MacDonald Audiology employs Real Ear Measurement (REM), a gold-standard technique recommended by professional audiology associations. REM involves measuring the sound levels at the eardrum with and without your hearing aid in place, ensuring that the instrument’s amplification precisely matches your hearing loss profile.
Our practice also uses Live Speech Mapping, allowing our patients and their families to immediately experience and understand the benefits of hearing aids in real time during the fitting session. Please see our information on the VAE (Virtual Acoustic Environment), which is the only available for this level of care in Western NY.
A Comparison to Standard Practices
MacDonald Audiology Locations
Typical Hearing Provider
Real Ear Measurements (REM)
Routinely Performed
Omitted, or used inconsistently
Live Speech Mapping
Standard Fitting Proceedure
Rarely used
Custom Molds and Programming
Emphasized for each patient
May rely on generic settings
Patient Education
Comprehensive, hands-on
Varies widely
Ongoing Adjustments
Encouraged
May be limited
Experienced Doctors
Dr. MacDonald has over 27 years of experience as a clinical, medical and rehabilitative audiologist. He brings this specialized knowledge to your family’s hearing care. He provides the very latest information and precision technical expertise available.
Virtual Acoustic Environment (VAE)
Created by Dr. MacDonald, the VAE allows you to understand how your hearing aids are working using real-world examples during a fitting appointment. This system allows for personal fine-tuning of how you prefer to hear. There is nothing else like this in the Rochester area. Work with our team for the best in audiologic care.
I’ve been going to MacDonald Audiology for over 20 years and have purchased three sets of hearing aids. I’ve always had a great experience – the team is professional and very competent.
I’ve been seeing Matt MacDonald for many years, who now owns the business. He has wonderful people skills and is brilliant in explaining the technology behind the hearing aids and makes sure to select the best model for your needs. These new aids today are like little computers and offer so many choices – it very much helps to have an expert help in the selection!
We Serve the Rochester Region
We provide complete audiology care to residents of Rochester, Fairport, Penfield, Canandaigua, Victor, and Mendon, as well as Greece, Gates, Batavia, Palmyra and Bloomfield, NY.
Meet Our Staff
Matthew S. MacDonald, Au.D., FAAA
During Dr. MacDonald’s 27 years of practice, he has been an award-winning provider and is well-respected by the Audiology, Otolaryngology, and Primary Care communities.
Before moving into private practice, he provided audiological expertise at the University of Rochester Medical Center for 15 years. As a Senior Audiologist, he served as Coordinator of the Audiology Hearing Aid Dispensing and Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programs.
Dr. MacDonald also served as a past Chair of the New York State Education Department, Audiology Licensure Board, where he has been an active board member since 2011.
Dr. MacDonald’s vision is to bring gold-standard hearing care to all of his patients.
Education
Dr. MacDonald earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in Audiology from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University/Vanderbilt University. After which, he completed a clinical fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Dr. MacDonald is board-certified in Audiology by the American Board of Audiology and by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and licensed to practice Audiology in New York State.
Awards & Service
Dr. MacDonald received the “Distinguished Clinician Award for 2015” from the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association. As a past Chair of the New York State Education Department, Audiology Licensure Board, he has been active on the Board since 2011.
Outside the Office
The love of sound is also an out-of-clinic interest for Dr. MacDonald who is an avid guitar and keyboard player. Producing songs with friends over the years has provided him with a unique understanding of sound processing. This knowledge, combined with his academic training, has enabled him to consistently create hearing-instrument fittings which provide exceptional patient satisfaction and objective outcomes.
Kyrsten Stephany, Au.D., FAAA
A Kansas native and graduate of the Wichita State University Audiology program, Kyrsten Stephany, AuD, has provided hearing diagnostics, hearing aid fittings, and counseling in private practice since 2015. She brings her experience serving newborns, children, and adults to our growing staff. Before moving to Rochester, Dr. Stephany practiced in Kansas and Colorado.
In her off-hours, Dr. Stephany enjoys doing professional photography and spending time with her husband and family.