Lauren Kontra, MPAP, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Lauren Kontra, MPAP, PA-C Physician Assistant Lauren obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology and Spanish from the University of Virginia in 2013. She graduated with her Masters in Physician Assistant Practice from Campbell University in 2016. She worked full-time in the Emergency Department at a Level I Trauma Center in Richmond for nearly five years where she treated a wide range of medical conditions. In 2021, she joined The Balance and Ear Center where she particularly enjoys diagnosing and managing vestibular disorders. She has a passion for the use of neuromodulator injectables for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, which are done in the office. Lauren is bilingual and enjoys interacting with her Spanish-speaking patients as well as patients from all backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys to travel, read and spend time with her family and friends.

Meghan West, Au.D. F-AAA, CCC-A
Audiologist

Dr. Meghan West received her Doctorate in Audiology from West Virginia University in 2021 and Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Longwood University in 2017. Dr. West is licensed as an Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist in the State of Virginia. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. West has experience with audiological and vestibular testing as well as cochlear implants, hearing aids, bone conduction devices and pediatrics. Dr. West enjoys singing, scrapbooking, and playing with her dogs.

Doctoral Degree in Audiology: West Virginia University 2021
Bachelor of Science: Longwood University 2017
Virginia State Licensed in: Audiology, Hearing Aid Specialist

Started working at Virginia Hearing Center in 2020
I became interested in Audiology after watching my grandfather experience vertigo and hearing loss several years ago. I attended an appointment with him at an ENT office and was able to see the audiologist conduct various procedures. I also had the opportunity to observe at Dr. Shaia’s office during my last year of undergraduate studies and I loved the variety and diversity the field has to offer.

I love seeing patients excited to tell stories of the different sounds they are hearing after being fit with hearing aids and to hear the independence they have gained back as a result. It is heart-warming to know that I have made an impact and difference in my patients lives.

A fun fact about me is I spent a month in Spain studying abroad as part of my undergraduate studies. When I am not working you can find me reading, scrapbooking, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Young, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Audiologist

Dr. Jennifer Young completed her undergraduate studies at Radford University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders in 1997. She then completed her masters degree in Hearing Disorders in 1999 at James Madison University, after completing clinical rotations at University of Virginia Medical Center and Georgetown University. In 2015, she earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from University of Florida at Gainesville. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Young is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (F-AAA). She is licensed as an audiologist and hearing aid specialist in Virginia.

Doctoral Degree in Audiology: University of Florida 2015
Master of Education in Hearing Disorders: James Madison University 1999
Bachelor of Science Communication Sciences and Disorders: Radford University 1997
Virginia State Licensed in: Audiology, Hearing Aid Specialist

Started working at Virginia Hearing Center in 2023
Dr. Young is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized audiology care. She finds it rewarding to have a part in guiding patients toward improved quality of life. Dr. Young has experience with audiological testing, vestibular testing, hearing aids, bone conduction devices, and pediatrics.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Young appreciates the beauty and history of Virginia, which is her husband’s home state. When outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, her cats, walking, piano, parks, museums, and cooking.

A fun fact: Jennifer spent ten months in the Marshall Islands as a volunteer teacher during her undergraduate studies.

The Balance and Ear center enjoys helping promote the field of audiology, so frequently we offer externship to students completing their doctoral degree in audiology as well as shadowing opportunities for undergraduate students interested in furthering their career in audiology.