An Impact You Can Hear

An audiologist provides life-changing care not only for patients but also for those around them.

Dr. Jason Leyendecker (‘06) is the owner of Audiology Concepts, which has locations throughout Minnesota. He treats those who suffer with hearing problems and develops treatment plans for their care. It was during his time in MSUM’s speech language hearing sciences program (SLHS) that he found his passion for the field.

Jason was in the SLHS program because he wanted to take his love of science and make it actionable, to help people. In the program, he enrolled in an audiometry course that quickly set him on the hearing sciences path.

After graduation, Jason earned his Doctorate of Audiology at A.T. Still University in Arizona. As a graduate student, he worked under Dr. Paula Schwartz, the founder of Audiology Concepts. After graduating and working seven years with Dr. Schwartz, he bought the practice and has continued to provide exceptional services to people around Minnesota.

“I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to do something that could change people’s lives,” he says.

BS in Speech Language Hearing Sciences

Every month, Jason travels to six clinics around the state in Burnsville, Duluth, Cambridge, Edina, Forest Lake, and Grand Rapids. He travels to check on his team operations and sees patients needing his care. He specializes in tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and sees patients with the most severe cases.

His work in hearing care has been featured in articles and journals such as ENT and Audiology News, The American Academy of Audiology, and the National Library of Medicine. He commonly discusses issues surrounding tinnitus and how to care for this condition in a way that is beneficial to both patients and practitioners.

As the owner of the largest private practice in the state, Jason feels his reach stretches farther than ever.

“My impact is small if I can only see my patients every day. As an owner, I see a much larger impact being made through my team,” he says.

When Jason’s not in the clinic, he serves on several audiology committees, including serving as president of the national Academy of Doctors of Audiology. Much of his committee work consists of advocating for hearing services and fighting for bills to be passed at state and national levels.

Jason has come back to speak to students in the MSUM SLHS program many times. He also stays connected to Dr. Mary Drake, a professor in the department he looked up to during his undergraduate studies.

“The SLHS program is a great group of very focused people. The program, professors, and the opportunity to work in the campus clinic were great,” he says. “Dr. Drake has always been a resource and a friend to communicate with regularly."

His advice for those considering this career boils down to, “If you like helping others and working in healthcare and science, audiology is a fantastic profession."