Kelli Smith, AuD

About Dr. Smith

What are your clinical interests?
I love working with the older population to improve their quality of life through better hearing.

What do you love most about your job?
Since starting my own company in 2020, I am completely mobile. I make house calls! Patients and their families are so appreciative of these services.

What’s a project you’re working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?

I am trying to incorporate better vestibular care for my patients who are experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems. Since I am providing in-home services, I am somewhat limited in what I can do, but Tish Gaffney, AuD, has been extremely helpful in providing me with the necessary information and resources! I am fortunate that there is an ENT office nearby that has an amazing physical therapy department that specializes in vestibular rehabilitation.

Why this is important, now more than ever…

My 88-year-old father recently passed away and was found in the floor by his caregiver. It is unknown whether he suffered a heart attack or stroke or if he was another “death by fall” statistic. He did use a walker and had a medical alert bracelet. I am at peace with it, but if I can help someone else prevent this from happening, I want to do that.

Since I am seeing patients in their home environments, it is helpful to see how they are navigating their day-to-day lives and activities. Over my career, I have seen too many patients that fall and never recover.

What company or organization do you work for right now? If you’re retired, where did you last work?
Audiology on Call.

And…I also have a passion for helping people beyond my work as an audiologist. I volunteer with the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue group and have previously attended pet therapy visits with my dog, Lulabelle, through the Happy Tails Pet Therapy group. I am committed to giving back, and a portion of every hearing aid sale is donated to the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue group.

How has your career benefited from being a member of the Academy?
Professional Networking.

Fun Facts

Where is your hometown?
Anniston, Alabama

What would be the theme song of your life right now?
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson

Who is someone who has made a big impact on your life? Why?
My parents taught me the value of honesty, integrity, hard work and the importance of education.

What is the strangest thing you have ever done?

I don’t know about the strangest thing I’ve ever done, but when I was much younger (25 years ago), I went para-sailing in Mexico! I absolutely LOVED it!! In hindsight, it may not have been the safest thing I’ve ever done.