Our Hearing Professionals

Julie Hobbs, M.A., CCC-A : Audiologist

Julie Hobbs, M.A., CCC-A

Audiologist

Julie Hobbs, M.A., CCC-A has been an audiologist since 1976. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and Master of Arts degree from Wayne State University. Ms. Hobbs holds the position of Senior Audiologist and is the principal audiologist at our Wexford satellite office, offering comprehensive audiology, hearing aid and balance services. She also holds an appointment as a Clinical Field Instructor at the West Virginia University College of Human Resources and Education, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Ms. Hobbs has seen many changes and trends in hearing aid development and audiological services and believes it is a very exciting time to assist people with their hearing health care needs. Ms. Hobbs enjoys the challenge of helping patients make their way through the maze of information that offers so many options to suit their lifestyle. “With new technology, we still desire science to push the envelope. Come in and let us help you do just that.”

Amanda Rago, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA : Audiologist

Amanda Rago, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

Audiologist

Dr. Rago graduated from West Virginia University in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology along with a certificate in gerontology. She continued her education at West Virginia University and graduated with her Doctorate of Audiology in May 2013. She completed her fourth year residency experience at Pittsburgh Ear Associates, where she was then brought aboard to join the audiology staff. Dr. Rago is licensed through the state of Pennsylvania and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as a Fellow member of the American Academy of Audiology. She leads our cochlear implant program and also specializes in hearing aid and implantable device evaluations and fittings, pediatric and adult comprehensive audiological evaluations, vestibular and electrophysiology testing, and intraoperative monitoring. Dr. Rago sees patients at the Allegheny General Hospital location. Amanda enjoys spending time with friends and family, her golden retriever Ellie, and cheering on the Mountaineers!

Kristin Rathe, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA : Audiologist

Kristin Rathe, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

Audiologist

Dr. Rathe earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University in 2008. She attended graduate school at James Madison University and completed her fourth year residency at the University of Virginia, Division of Audiology. Dr. Rathe obtained her Doctorate of Audiology in May 2012. She has a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed in Pennsylvania. Dr. Rathe is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology as well as a member of the Academy of Doctor’s of Audiology and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology. She joined the staff at Pittsburgh Ear Associates in September 2013 and specializes in amplification, cochlear implants and other implantable devices, vestibular evaluations, electrophysiology testing and intraoperative monitoring. Dr. Rathe sees patients at our Allegheny General Hospital office.

Megan Watson, Au.D., CCC-A : Audiologist

Megan Watson, Au.D., CCC-A

Audiologist

Dr. Watson moved to Pittsburgh and joined Pittsburgh Ear Associates in February 2020. She is a graduate of West Virginia University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 2007 and Doctorate of Audiology in 2011. Dr. Watson completed her clinical externship at Orange County Physicians Hearing Services in Mission Viejo, California before joining Asheville ENT in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dr. Watson provides expertise in the areas of pediatric and adult behavioral and electro-acoustic diagnostic testing. She has a special interest in the assessment, fitting and verification of hearing aids and amplification devices for both pediatric and adult populations. She is also well versed in the assessment and fitting of nontraditional or implantable amplification devices including Lyric and osseointegrated devices.

Dr. Watson is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and holds certification through the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. She is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a clinical and dispensing audiologist.

In her spare time, Dr. Watson enjoys hiking, running, skiing and boating.

Dr. Watson practices at the Wexford, Allegheny General Hospital and Monroeville locations.

Brian Morin, B.S. : Vestibular Technician

Brian Morin, B.S.

Vestibular Technician

Brian Morin is a vestibular technician at Pittsburgh Ear Associates. Mr. Morin worked as a vestibular technician at the Tampa Bay Hearing and Balance Center from 1999-2004, where he developed his clinical skills. Areas of interest include auditory brainstem response testing, electrocochleography, electronystagmography, vestibular autorotation, rotational chair, evaluation and assessment of vestibular function and rehabilitation of patients with dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders. Mr. Morin graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Physiology) with a nutrition minor from the Pennsylvania State University. Brain enjoys all sports, fly fishing and spending time with his wife, two sons and their little dog.